The Adult ACTS Ministry serves the SJCC parish community, with the support of St. Louis and St. Francis of Assisi parishes. We offer parish-based retreat experiences and ongoing opportunities for spiritual growth rooted in the Catholic faith. Open to all adults age 18 and older, the ministry welcomes both men and women seeking a deeper, more intentional relationship with Christ.
Since the first ACTS retreat in 1987, more than one million people worldwide have been impacted by this powerful experience. Countless testimonies speak of lives transformed through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ—retreatants often share how they have become better fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children.
ACTS retreats are designed to help parishioners experience the love of Jesus Christ in a profound way, fostering a desire for intentional discipleship and ongoing faith formation.
Given by parishioners for parishioners, ACTS retreats strengthen Christian community and deepen the spiritual life of the parish.
What is an ACTS Retreat?
It’sACTS retreats are offered separately for men and women and provide a weekend away from the distractions of daily life, creating space for spiritual renewal and deeper reflection. Each retreat is presented by fellow parishioners who have previously attended an ACTS retreat and feel called to share the experience with others.
Throughout the weekend, participants encounter a rich blend of Scripture, the Sacraments, personal witness, prayer, and reflection—experienced within the support of a faith-filled Christian community.
The retreat begins Thursday evening with a send-off from the parish, followed by the weekend at a retreat center. It concludes on Sunday with a Welcome Mass and reception back at the parish.
It’s a Spiritual Reflection…
The ACTS Retreat experience is rooted in the Pascal Mystery in that retreatants are invited to reflect on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
… and a Spiritual Surrender
Throughout the weekend, retreatants are invited to prayerfully consider how they can respond to His love by spiritually surrendering to Jesus in order to have new life with Him.
at the heart of ACTS are four foundational pillars
ADORATION
Deepening our personal relationship with Christ through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
COMMUNITY
Building lasting bonds with fellow parishioners through shared faith and fellowship.
THEOLOGY
Growing in our understanding of Catholic teaching and how it shapes our daily lives.
SERVICE
Living out the Gospel by serving others within our parish and beyond.
AFTER ATTENDING
Those who attend an ACTS retreat share in an experience that has impacted more than one million lives worldwide since the first retreat in 1987. There are numerous testimonies describing retreatants who were evangelized through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. They witness to becoming better fathers, mothers, husbands, wives and children.
THE RESULTS
As a result, ACTS is supported by bishops and priests worldwide as a legitimate participant in the Church’s New Evangelization. Through ACTS, the laity respond to their baptismal call, and seek to participate in the apostolic mission of the Church to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and this has been found to be good.
Upcoming Retreats
Women’s ACTS Retreat
September 24th – 27th, 2026
Retreat Cost $425.00
Early Bird Cost $400.00
Men’s ACTS Retreat
October 22nd – 25th, 2026
Financial difficulties should not prevent anyone from attending the retreat. If you have financial concerns, contact Deacon Tom White at whitet@saintjoseph.cc
The Retreat Center
Explore small groups meeting on a regular basis offering opportunities for ongoing spiritual growth. The idea behind the small groups is to establish a close, intimate group of friends who can express their ideas and questions, discuss topics, and challenge one another to grow in their faith. It’s an opportunity to grow into a deeper love for Christ and build community.
Have questions? Email Deacon Tom White at whitet@saintjoseph.cc