ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology, and Service. The ACTS movement came to birth frome Cursillo Movement through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in the Archdiocese of San Antonio in 1987. An ACTS Retreat is teamed primarily by our parish for the people of our parish to bring a deeper awareness of Christ in our lives and is an important part of strengthening in a loving caring parish family.
The retreat is a place where hearts are opened and become aware of each other. It's a place of confidence where we take off the mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense and we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the place where expressions of tenderness pour out without awkwardness or ridicule with a deep sense of acceptance.
What is an ACTS Retreat?
An ACTS retreat is a three day and three night Catholic lay retreat presented by fellow parishioners. The retreat begins on Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday at a Mass celebrated with the parish community. Retreats for men and retreats for women are given separately. Talks and activities during the retreat focus on Adoration, Community, Theology and Service, from which the ACTS program acronym is derived. Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are the guides for the retreats. The retreat takes on the traditions and atmosphere of the parish community sponsoring it. The retreat facilitates the attainment of a new or deeper relationship with the Lord.
Each retreat is conducted by a retreat “team” composed of about 40 individuals who have attended prior ACTS retreats. Chosen by the retreat Director, the team organizes the retreat, conducts the retreat talks and activities, and ministers to the needs of the retreatants during the retreat weekend.
Why Should I attend an ACTS Retreat?
The weekend is a powerful and enduring personal conversion experience. Talks, which draw from the personal experiences of team members focus on -
Adoration : the need for prayer and meditation on the word of God,
Community : the importance of community built on faith and love,
Theology : the need to read and understand scripture and the Catholic Faith,
Service : the need to answer Christ's call to serve God and neighbor.
Activities conducted during the weekend give retreaters a better understanding of the significance and importance of prayer, liturgy, the sacraments, scripture, community, and service. Retreatants are also given guidance to help them in their faith journey.
If you are looking for something or missing something in your life or just need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, consider deepening your faith by going on a Women's ACTS Retreat or a Men's ACTS Retreat. Retreats are currently being planned.
If you have already experienced the Love of Christ on an ACTS Retreat and want to be on team our team, please contact us.
Other retreat dates are available if you cannot attend one of the St. Luke retreats.
Upcoming Retreats