By EmmaLee Italia | Correspondent

Registration is currently open for the Fearless Retreat Weekend June 1-3 in St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown – one that organizers say will be a captivating, life-altering experience.

Hosted by Fearless Ministries Inc., the three-day retreat begins at 7 p.m. June 1 and closes with 10 a.m. Mass June 3. The weekend is open to teens in grades eight through 12, and will include a beach walk, laser tag, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, praise and worship, Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and testimonies from guests including Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Renewal, Sisters of Life and more.

Theresa Gibilisco, parish youth ministry leader, said the weekend will be filled with opportunities for interaction between youth
and the religious.

Those who attend, she said, can “learn that the struggles they face in their daily life are completely normal, that it is OK to grow in faith and build a relationship with God and learn new ways to cope with the challenges they face.”

With social media keeping teens connected to their peers, family, friends and sports, Gibilisco believes that finding a moment of silence to reflect on how faith can assist today’s youth is rare.

“I am hoping this weekend retreat will offer some time away from the day-to-day responsibilities, stresses and fast-paced way of life,” she said. “With time away from those things, they will have an opportunity to focus on developing a relationship … with God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. My biggest hope … is that they walk away having learned something about our faith.” 

Gibilisco noted that the retreat will be open to youth both inside and outside the Diocese of Trenton.

“The goal of Fearless Retreats is simple, said Jennifer Edwards, Fearless Retreats executive assistant: to create disciples of Jesus Christ. “This happens through full immersion in a loving, fun-filled, authentically Catholic environment.”