What is ACTS?
ACTS is a Catholic spiritual retreat. ACTS is an acronym for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service, representing the primary themes of the retreat.
When are retreats held?
There are a total of four ACTS retreats held each year, two in the spring and two in the fall. Retreats begin on Thursday evening and end Sunday afternoon. Men and women attend retreats separately. Check the retreat calendar for the upcoming retreat schedule.
Who presents the retreats?
ACTS retreats are presented by the men and women of St. Patrick Parish who have been on a prior retreat. The names of directors for upcoming retreats can be found listed on the registration form brochures.
Who can go to the retreat?
The retreat is directed primarily toward the men and women of St. Patrick Parish; however, people from other parishes and Christians from non-Catholic traditions are warmly welcomed and have participated in prior retreats. You must be over 18 years of age.
What will happen at the retreat?
Prayer, spiritual reflection, talks, and discussion. We will also provide some breaks for personal prayer and meditation, as well as time for entertainment and getting to know the other people on the retreat.
Can I bring a cell phone, PDA, laptop, or music device to the retreat?
The primary purpose of the retreat is to get away from the everyday concerns of the world. Please leave your cell phone and other devices at home because they will distract you and other retreatants from that goal. If you bring a cell phone or other device, we will hold it for you during the retreat and return it to you on Sunday morning. Emergency contact numbers will be provided so that you can immediately be notified if someone needs to reach you.
What are the accommodations for the retreat?
The retreats are currently conducted at the Camp Copass retreat center in Denton, Texas (www.campcopass.com). You will share a room with another retreatant. Meals and snacks, which are very satisfying, are provided. Because Camp Copass is a retreat center, alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited, and any use of alcohol could jeopardize our ability to use the retreat center in the future. If you have any special medical, dietary, or accessibility needs, you can let us know about them on the application form or contact the retreat Director or Assistant Director, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
Will my belongings be secure?
You will have a key for your room which can be locked, and we can hold valuables for you. However, we strongly suggest that you do not bring large amounts of money, expensive jewelry, and similar items.
How will I get to the retreat center?
All of the retreat participants will need to be at the St. Patrick Parish Center not later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. A bus will then take you to the retreat, and you will have dinner at Camp Copass. The bus will also take you back to St. Patrick on Sunday for the Noon Mass followed by lunch with family and friends. You may not drive to the retreat center on your own.
What should I bring to wear on the retreat?
Casual clothes such as Dockers, jeans, polo shirts and similar attire are fine for the retreat. Out of respect for the spiritual nature of the retreat, we ask that you not wear shorts, flip flops, tank top shirts and other clothes that may not be appropriate for activities at a spiritual retreat. Bring a jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings and mornings.
What is the nature of my participation in the retreat?
The retreat is a time of prayer, reflection, listening and discussion. You participate in and contribute to these activities to the extent that that you are comfortable. Strict confidentiality is the number one rule of the retreat. What happens or is discussed at the retreat…stays at the retreat!
Will I be required to participate in future retreats?
No. ACTS is a volunteer organization. Should you wish to do so, you are welcome to participate in future retreats, but there is no participation requirement.
What do people mean when they talk about the “ACTS Community”?
When someone in the parish refers to the “ACTS community” it is simply a convenient and informal way to refer to the men and women who have attended an ACTS retreat.