With great joy the Youth Ministry team at Immaculata has completed their first year of Confirmation retreats. We were blessed to be able to provide hundreds of kids an opportunity to meet Christ through our Confirmation program.

We had a variety of programs to fit each parish’s needs, one day, one overnight and full-weekend retreats. Parishes that came for the first time were delighted with the house, the food and the retreat program - many have already signed up for a few years in advance. We also welcomed back to our renovated facility many faithful parishes who for years have trusted Immaculata and it’s staff to conduct quality programs.

Our Confirmation team is made up of Mr. Bob Clouthier and Mrs. Macy Jordan who are both parents and grandparents - they have served Immaculata for many years presenting Confirmation and youth retreats; they are our wisdom figures. We are also blessed to have on our team four very talented university students Gordon and Jessica who provide music and animation for the retreat as well as Taya and Alana who provide their witness of faith through the talks they share with the youngsters. Fr. Chava Gonzalez, OMI is the main presenter of the talks and at every retreat we are blessed to have all Oblate priests available for reconciliation.

Saint Eugene deMazenod, the founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, always saw youth as an important part of the mission God entrusted to him and his Oblates. He himself worked tirelessly for the youth of his day and was like a father figure to them. He always remained close to the youth and his spirit is still lived-out here at Immaculata.

Through our Confirmation programs and youth retreats, we bring youngsters to a personal encounter with Christ. We help them discover their call to live life to the fullest and we encourage them to share with each other and their families the many gifts they have received through the sacraments.

One Confirmation retreat season has been completed successfully and we look forward to a new year with new programs to reach out to the many young people of our Diocese.

Fr. Chava Gonzalez OMI