Antioch

Antioch is a youth program for high school juniors and seniors that began over twenty years ago at St. James. Since its inception, there have been forty-five Antioch retreats held at our parish, each one blessed with its own story of a teen's personal encounter with Christ. Antioch retreats take place twice a year; in the Fall and in the Spring, with the dates posted well in advance in the church bulletin. These retreats are given by teens for teens. It is a weekend where you can encounter Christ through talks, discussion groups, and especially through the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The purpose of Antioch is to form a community of believers; a community that teens feel they are a part of, a community that supports and loves them for who they are.

"Through Antioch I have learned the amazing love of God and that He has a great plan for me in my life. It has brought me total joy and contentment, a joy that I would like to share with the world. Also I have had so much fun meeting so many great people throughout Antioch and had a blast doing it."  - KC September 14-16 1996

Following an Antioch retreat, the teens continue to meet on Tuesday nights at 7:30 p.m., in the chapel, for about eight to ten weeks. These follow up meetings reinforce the joy and spiritual renewal gained on the Antioch weekend retreat with music, talks, and prayer. During these follow ups, the candidates become our guest speakers, we break up into mini discussion groups and end with shared prayed. All those who have attended an Antioch retreat are welcomed to come and take part in these amazing weekly meetings.

Although Antioch is strictly geared for Juniors and Seniors, there is a chance for underclassmen to get involved in helping Antioch become a great success … the God Squad! This is a group of underclassmen that help serve meals and entertain us.

"Antioch was a really defining part of my high school career, the people you meet, the relationships you make with them and with yourself and of course with God. It's really hard to get that anywhere else...as I’m learning now and especially at such a young age."  - Kristin Class of 2004

Anyone who is interested in attending an Antioch retreat should call Cristina Baez at 766-1183 or email at marymagpray4me@aol.com.

Registration form: AntiochAPPLICATION-Fall2008.pdf

Adults who are interested in serving through youth ministry are also encouraged to contact Cristina.

(click any of the pictures to enlarge them)