A.C.T.S.

Adoration, Community, Theology, Service

A.C.T.S.

Upcoming A.C.T.S. Retreat Dates

MEN'S A.C.T.S. Retreat
Save the date!
March 22-25, 2012

Download registration form.
«Click Here»

Msgr. Roger Smith brought the A.C.T.S.
retreat to St. Patrick's as an important step
in creating a deeper spiritual renewal
for our parish community.
Come and receive the grace and blessings
that God has prepared for you through this Catholic retreat.

2011 Men's ACTS Retreat

What is an A.C.T.S. Retreat?

An A.C.T.S retreat weekend is a three-day and three night Catholic lay retreat presented by fellow parishioners like you. The weekend begins Thursday evening around 6:00 p.m. and ends with mass at St. Patrick's on Sunday morning, followed by a reception for retreatants, their families and members of the A.C.T.S. community.

This weekend is filled with lots of reflection time, singing, praising and sharing with all, the blessings of the Lord! There are 'angels' to serve your needs, speakers to share the Word of God, and singing to uplift your souls.

What is the purpose of A.C.T.S.?

The purpose of an A.C.T.S. weekend is to provide an opportunity for retreatants to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord and fellow parishioners through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, daily prayer, through Community in one's parish as a member of the Body of Christ; through Theology or the teachings of our Catholic faith by encouraging more study and instilling a virtue of Service to our Lord, to our parish and to one another.

Why is the retreat called an A.C.T.S. Retreat?

A.C.T.S. is an acronym for the words just mentioned above - Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. These are the themes and focus of activities during the weekend. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke describes the early Christian community with these words:

"They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need. Every day, they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals in exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And, every day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."

A.C.T.S. Why me?

"Why should I go on this retreat? It was my first year at St. Patrick Church. I didn't know many people. It is a weekend...I need to be working...I don't like the unknown. Yada Yada Yada. But then, I haven't been on a retreat for a good while. It will be a good chance to rest and spend some quiet time to talk with God. Maybe He will answer some of the questions in my heart. I took the chance and went. This one decision has helped me understand why He tugged at my heart about this special retreat. God touched my work-minded, wandering heart and reminded me about what brings me real inner joy and peace to my soul. I praise Him for giving me the strength to dare to follow the opportunity He placed before me!"
~~Marian Rose Swetish

"Attending the A.C.T.S. retreat reaffirmed my desire to serve GOD through continued faith family and fellowship. As part of this family and fellowship of believers, we have shared in breaking bread together, worshipping together, receiving instruction together, sharing in many common wonders and miraculous signs, and reaching out in loving service. These experiences have served as a daily reminder to always place Christ in the center of our lives and hearts!"
~~Diana Salinas

"This retreat is a weekend reflection of what Christ is to me and how I can be more like Him in sharing and helping others."
~~Anonymous

"I did not want to go on the A.C.T.S. retreat, but went at the gentle nudging of my husband. WOW! What a glorious, faith-filled and fun weekend! I came home with renewed joy for my Catholic faith and appreciation for my parish community."
~~Lynda Pena

"This is one of the most powerful retreats that I have ever made...the unconditional love! It made me feel so special. The entire weekend was just beautiful."
~~Anonymous

"I do so much in the parish already; why should I spend my weekend away from home to get busier? Jim had gone, friends had gone...Msgr. was asking us to take the opportunity...so reluctantly I went. Words cannot express what this Parsh Retreat has done for me! The experience of the weekend is the only way to know what everyone is talking about! I have not heard one person say, "I wish I had not gone.""
~~Linda West

"I realized that God had been waiting for me, and when I found Him, He welcomed me with wide open arms and gave me wondrous gifts and blessings."
~~Anonymous

"My A.C.T.S. weekend was a reverent and rewarding experience! This amazing experience allowed me to reconnect with myself, not only spiritually but personally as well."
~~Virginia Esquivel

"My retreat experience was fun, relaxing, but most of all very inspiring! Spending this time with me and God strengthened my faith."
~~Diana Contreras

"I thought I was attending the A.C.T.S. retreat so that I could assist Msgr. Roger in bringing this important retreat to St. Patrick. Little did I know that it was God calling me to this retreat and little did I know what He had in store for me! I experienced a healing, a peace and a joy that remain with me to this day. Plus, I had the great blessing of getting to know several wonderful ladies of our parish."
~~Terri Hand

"For me, the A.C.T.S. retreat was an opportunity to become more closely connected with my Sisters-in-Christ in my parish family; I now enjoy a closer relationship with many wonderful ladies whom I only recongnized by face as we sat near each other at Sunday Masses. It was also a very special experience for me to renew and deepen my relationship with God and better understand His great love for me"
~~Diana Dodson

Who can attend the retreat?

Because the primary goal of the A.C.T.S. retreat is to strengthen the community of St. Patrick's Parish, presently, only registered St. Patrick's parishioners may attend the retreat.

What is the cost?

The retreat cost to each participant is $125.00 with a $50.00 deposit upon registration to reserve a place in the retreat. The remaining balance is due on Thursday evening at check-in. Checks should be made payable to St. Patrick Church. Any person truly unable to pay the entire registration fee will not be turned away. Contact Msgr. Roger Smith at the parish office at (361) 855-7391 to make arrangements.

Those who register will receive a letter 10-14 days prior to the retreat with additional information.

For more information call:

Jim West, co-directer for the Mens' A.C.T.S. at (361) 334-9151.

Diana Dodson, co-director for the Womens' A.C.T.S. at (361) 774-8474.




	Adoration, Community, Theology, Service A.C.T.S. Upcoming A.C.T.S. Retreat Dates MEN'S A.C.T.S. Retreat Save the date! March 22-25, 2012 Download registration form. «Click Here» Msgr. Roger Smith brought the A.C.T.S. retreat to St. Patrick's as an important step in creating a deeper spiritual renewal for our parish community. Come and receive the grace and blessings that God has prepared for you through this Catholic retreat. What is an A.C.T.S. Retreat? An A.C.T.S retreat weekend is a three-day and three night Catholic lay retreat presented by fellow parishioners like you. The weekend begins Thursday evening around 6:00 p.m. and ends with mass at St. Patrick's on Sunday morning, followed by a reception for retreatants, their families and members of the A.C.T.S. community. This weekend is filled with lots of reflection time, singing, praising and sharing with all, the blessings of the Lord! There are 'angels' to serve your needs, speakers to share the Word of God, and singing to uplift your souls. What is the purpose of A.C.T.S.? The purpose of an A.C.T.S. weekend is to provide an opportunity for retreatants to develop a deeper relationship with the Lord and fellow parishioners through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, daily prayer, through Community in one's parish as a member of the Body of Christ; through Theology or the teachings of our Catholic faith by encouraging more study and instilling a virtue of Service to our Lord, to our parish and to one another. Why is the retreat called an A.C.T.S. Retreat? A.C.T.S. is an acronym for the words just mentioned above - Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. These are the themes and focus of activities during the weekend. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke describes the early Christian community with these words: "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one's need. Every day, they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals in exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And, every day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." A.C.T.S. Why me? "Why should I go on this retreat? It was my first year at St. Patrick Church. I didn't know many people. It is a weekend...I need to be working...I don't like the unknown. Yada Yada Yada. But then, I haven't been on a retreat for a good while. It will be a good chance to rest and spend some quiet time to talk with God. Maybe He will answer some of the questions in my heart. I took the chance and went. This one decision has helped me understand why He tugged at my heart about this special retreat. God touched my work-minded, wandering heart and reminded me about what brings me real inner joy and peace to my soul. I praise Him for giving me the strength to dare to follow the opportunity He placed before me!" *~~Marian Rose Swetish* "Attending the A.C.T.S. retreat reaffirmed my desire to serve GOD through continued faith family and fellowship. As part of this family and fellowship of believers, we have shared in breaking bread together, worshipping together, receiving instruction together, sharing in many common wonders and miraculous signs, and reaching out in loving service. These experiences have served as a daily reminder to always place Christ in the center of our lives and hearts!" *~~Diana Salinas* "This retreat is a weekend reflection of what Christ is to me and how I can be more like Him in sharing and helping others." *~~Anonymous* "I did not want to go on the A.C.T.S. retreat, but went at the gentle nudging of my husband. WOW! What a glorious, faith-filled and fun weekend! I came home with renewed joy for my Catholic faith and appreciation for my parish community." *~~Lynda Pena* "This is one of the most powerful retreats that I have ever made...the unconditional love! It made me feel so special. The entire weekend was just beautiful." *~~Anonymous* "I do so much in the parish already; why should I spend my weekend away from home to get busier? Jim had gone, friends had gone...Msgr. was asking us to take the opportunity...so reluctantly I went. Words cannot express what this Parsh Retreat has done for me! The experience of the weekend is the only way to know what everyone is talking about! I have not heard one person say, "I wish I had not gone."" *~~Linda West* "I realized that God had been waiting for me, and when I found Him, He welcomed me with wide open arms and gave me wondrous gifts and blessings." *~~Anonymous* "My A.C.T.S. weekend was a reverent and rewarding experience! This amazing experience allowed me to reconnect with myself, not only spiritually but personally as well." *~~Virginia Esquivel* "My retreat experience was fun, relaxing, but most of all very inspiring! Spending this time with me and God strengthened my faith." *~~Diana Contreras* "I thought I was attending the A.C.T.S. retreat so that I could assist Msgr. Roger in bringing this important retreat to St. Patrick. Little did I know that it was God calling me to this retreat and little did I know what He had in store for me! I experienced a healing, a peace and a joy that remain with me to this day. Plus, I had the great blessing of getting to know several wonderful ladies of our parish." *~~Terri Hand* "For me, the A.C.T.S. retreat was an opportunity to become more closely connected with my Sisters-in-Christ in my parish family; I now enjoy a closer relationship with many wonderful ladies whom I only recongnized by face as we sat near each other at Sunday Masses. It was also a very special experience for me to renew and deepen my relationship with God and better understand His great love for me" *~~Diana Dodson* Who can attend the retreat? Because the primary goal of the A.C.T.S. retreat is to strengthen the community of St. Patrick's Parish, presently, only registered St. Patrick's parishioners may attend the retreat. What is the cost? The retreat cost to each participant is $125.00 with a $50.00 deposit upon registration to reserve a place in the retreat. The remaining balance is due on Thursday evening at check-in. Checks should be made payable to St. Patrick Church. Any person truly unable to pay the entire registration fee will not be turned away. Contact Msgr. Roger Smith at the parish office at (361) 855-7391 to make arrangements. Those who register will receive a letter 10-14 days prior to the retreat with additional information. For more information call: Jim West, co-directer for the Mens' A.C.T.S. at (361) 334-9151. Diana Dodson, co-director for the Womens' A.C.T.S. at (361) 774-8474.
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