“Renewed by Grace:” YAR 2024

By Mrs. Amy Stockinger, Program Coordinator, Province Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

(New Rochelle, NY – June 13) – From Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2, fifty young adults gathered with four team members at the Salesian Sisters’ property at Camp Auxilium for the annual province young adult retreat (YAR). Ms. Victoria Weekley and Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB, facilitated the retreat using the theme of “Renewed by Grace.” Fr. Steve gave several talks that focused on entering the mystery, listening to the Father, encountering the Son, following the Spirit, and living the mystery.

There was representation from both Canada and the U.S., including eight Salesian schools, four parishes, one other ministry, one alumnus of the SLM program, and one friend new to the Salesians. This year’s YAR also offered opportunities for morning and night prayer, the sacrament of Reconciliation, adoration (including perpetual adoration), daily Mass, small group sharing, large group sharing, personal reflection time, kayaking, and hiking.

A special word of thanks to Ms. Teresa Massa, mother of Ms. Victoria Weekley, who prepared all the meals for the retreat, and to the Salesian Sisters for being wonderful hosts and making this retreat possible!