Faithful throughout the region are encouraged to set aside a few days to enrich their lives and their faith through Kerygma, a Bible-based retreat.

The program will be held Feb. 24-26 in San Alfonso Retreat House, at 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch. Participants check in after 3 p.m. on Feb. 24 and check out after lunch on Feb. 26.

Kerygma – which means “to proclaim the gospel” – features an intense retreat experience open to all. The program has a specific beginning, middle and end, and so participants are encouraged to attend the entirety of the retreat and to spend both nights at the retreat center.

“This Bible-based retreat gives the participants the opportunity to encounter the Lord Jesus through hearing and responding to His word and renewing the gifts and graces received in Baptism and Confirmation,” said Jill Kerekes, associate director for parish and school catechesis in the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Catechesis.

She continued, “Although it is based on both Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is not an academic study but rather an opportunity to experience the life-changing effects of hearing the Proclamation of the Gospel.”

Kerekes will facilitate the retreat along with Jodie D’Angiolillo, director of evangelization in the neighboring Diocese of Metuchen.

Registration is $216 per person, and participants must RSVP by Feb. 12. Checks can be made payable to San Alfonso Retreat House, and mailed along with a registration form to the Diocese of Trenton, DEC, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton NJ 08648.

Those with questions can contact Jill Kerekes at [email protected] or 609-403-7133.