ACTS Retreats

Building Community

With God and One Another

Through

Adoration, Community, Theology and Service

Why Take Time for ACTS?

How often are you tempted to answer the question, “How are you?” with “I am busy.” We get consumed by what’s immediately in front of us. Sometimes we are so busy we miss the people in our life and the chance to encounter them. We get consumed by our busyness.

“The ACTS retreat was a wonderful experience. Spending a weekend with God is something all of us should experience. I came away with a real sense of Jesus’ presence in my heart. I recommend ACTS to all Catholic men.” – Tom O’Leary

Think about it. The God of the universe wants to spend time with you today. How crazy is that? Don’t be so busy you miss the encounter. Join the two hundred fifteen (215) men and women that have attended a Church of Saint Mary’s ACTS Retreat.

What Happens on an ACTS Retreat?

The ACTS retreats are for adults at least 21 years of age held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Retreat Center in Luther, Oklahoma. Women and men retreat separately. The weekend retreat begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass celebrated with the parish community. The retreat incorporates a wide range of Catholic praise and worship including Mass, adoration, the rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Sacred Scripture.

“The retreat opens our eyes to the people on retreat with us beyond our comfort zones, remaking us into outward-looking, Spirit-infused brothers and sisters—no matter whom we are or where we come from—ministering members of the supernatural community called the Body of Christ, the Church.” – Mary Freeman

“The retreat proved to me that you are never too old or young to get reconnected with God. Most gratifying weekend I ever had. I got goosebumps many times. Wonderfully organized.” – Butch Edingfield

Participants hear of the experiences of God’s presence in ordinary lives and of answered prayer; have the freedom to openly discuss their real spiritual questions; see the relevant application of the Gospel in the lives of fellow parishioners; and witness first-hand how faith is authentically lived out.

“I decided to go on the ACTS retreat to re-group and re-center my Faith. I didn’t know what to really expect – except for some praying time and scriptures reading. What I discovered was absolutely profound and genuine allowing me to experience the very best of God. I came back exceedingly transformed and reconnected to my Faith. My focus now is living my Faith – being of service with a willingness to accept God’s direction with an open heart.” – Carine Martinez

Talk themes revolve around:

Adoration: the call by, acceptance of and response to God.

Community: the love and caring of each other

Theology: the study of God through scripture and the Catholic faith

Service: to God and his people!

“ACTS is like taking your soul to Disneyland …..the best part is the park never closes and you never have to leave” – Craig Naumann