ACTS Testimonials

I attended my first ACTS retreat this past spring with our parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Truth be told, I originally signed up as a weekend away and a break from daily life as a new mother to our 9 month old son.  It was a completely new season of life for me and I knew I wanted to get reconnected with our Lord.  I had felt a calling for a long time that I wanted something "more" out of my faith and this was a perfect opportunity to leap right in! 

I did not know a single person signing up for the retreat but felt called to attend.  I was completely blown away at the powerful ways the Lord perfectly wove together this weekend.  I walked away with a new set of diverse and beautiful faith filled sisters.  I left the weekend feeling energized and completely reconnected with my faith. I highly encourage anyone to attend this weekend that is looking for a way to reconnect with our Lord, make new friendships and truly hear what the Lord is calling you to do in this busy life.

My ACTS retreat experience touched me in several ways.  I was blessed to spend time on this journey with other men who were seeking to grow in their faith also.  My personal life was very difficult in the year before my retreat and the retreat gave me the space, support, and encouragement to deal with my life issues.  I also learned that it does not matter where we are on the journey of faith, just as long as we are still actively on the journey.    To anyone considering an ACTS retreat, I encourage you to take a tiny leap of faith, come on the retreat, and be active in your personal faith journey.

I almost did not attend my ACTS retreat because I do not like retreats and thought... "why lose an entire weekend?" – I wondered - "do they have a mini-version or video?"  But I am soooo glad I bothered and attended. Overall, it was like I left the planet for a couple of days with no “noise, no nonsense, and no negativity and that alone was refreshing but I experienced “my kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” I experienced a “slice of heaven.” And yes, I know that might seem a little strange. I did not expect all the wonderful surprises that inspired me spiritually during retreat and then after in everyday life. 

After the retreat, I am more caring and loving toward others, more sensitive toward my wife’s needs and others, and less bothered/disturbed by world events. I sleep better, laugh more, pray more, and others would tell you I seem happier - which I am. Plus, I met some nice guys who are fun and much like me - so when I see them at Church, they remind me of the many good memories on that special weekend. If you want to add some “pizzazz and energize your life spiritually and in different ways, attend ACTS. After all, if you don’t like it, you just lose a couple days of time and get your old life back- but you will like it.

I had a great retreat. What you are asking for is a testimony and I’m not sure I can say I have one. I did not have an epiphany per say at the retreat. I have a strong faith and have been practicing and growing in my faith for a long time. What I got from the retreat was a lot of encouragement to continue what I’ve been doing and consider doing more and different practices/ministries as I grow in my faith. Being with so many beautiful women and hearing about their faith journey, challenges, successes was very comforting at the retreat. Building a sisterhood in Christ, knowing we are walking in the same direction but taking different paths has made me a better listener and friend. This connection with the group of women, the topics, the practices and time away from my routine gave me the opportunity to grow closer to God. Spending time by myself for myself allowed me to be present with God. The retreat was everything I hoped for and even more than I expected. My husband and I both went on retreat this past spring and if I had to do anything over, I wish Bob and I would have gone on the ACTS Retreat when we were a lot younger. When you and your spouse can grow closer to God together it’s a beautiful thing and when you both experience the ACTS Retreat around the same time you can discuss, reflect and grow together. We have found this to be true.