‘Awaken’ retreat opens eyes of teens to encounter with God

January 6, 2025 at 7:05 p.m.

“This retreat was a reminder of the incredible potential our youth have when they open their hearts to God. Watching these young people encounter Christ in such a profound way is a blessing, and it strengthens our parish to see their faith come alive.” 

So said Father Jeffrey Kegley as he reflected on the winter retreat that he and members of the Life Teen Ministry in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, attended the weekend of Jan. 3-5 at the America’s Keswick Retreat Center, Whiting.

Led by Father Kegley, parish pastor, youth minister, Matej Živković, and the Life Teen core team, the retreat, which had “Awaken” as its theme, aimed to deepen teens’ faith by guiding them to hear God’s voice, encounter Jesus, and embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. 

“The retreat provided an opportunity for the teens to grow spiritually, build community, and develop a personal connection with Christ,” Father Kegley said, adding that through engaging talks, heartfelt praise and worship, reflective prayer sessions, Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the teens were led to have a better understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in their lives and experience the joy of fellowship with peers. Teens were encouraged to let go of distractions and spend intentional time in worship and reflection, he said. 

“It’s amazing to see their lives transformed when they realize that God is actively speaking to them and working in their lives,” saidŽivković.

Youth attendees found the retreat to be a meaningful way to begin the new year.

Sean Jennings said, “The retreat really opened my eyes.

“This weekend helped me feel God’s presence in a way I never had before. It showed me that prayer isn’t just talking to God, it’s also listening for him.”’

Father Kegley explained that Life Teen is an international Catholic ministry dedicated to leading teens closer to Christ. Through engaging liturgies, dynamic catechesis and meaningful relationships, Life Teen equips teens to be active disciples.

At St. Mary Parish, Father Kegley said the Life Teen program includes attending the 5 p.m. Life Teen Mass every Sunday, followed by Life Nights that combine fellowship, faith formation and a shared meal. 

“All high school teens are invited to be part of our Life Teen community,” he said, and the parish “is proud to support its youth in their faith journeys and looks forward to many more opportunities to help them grow in their relationship with Christ.” 

Information for this story was drawn from a press release provided by St. Mary Parish. For further information, contact Matej Živković at MZivkovic@stmarychurchnj.org or call 732- 671-0071, ext. 221.