Confirmation Retreats

One requirement for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation is to go on a confirmation retreat. The Diocesan Guidelines for Confirmation state:

"Retreat: During the process of preparing for Confirmation, an overnight retreat or its equivalent is required. An overnight retreat enables the young person to be removed from everyday activities and thus allows him/her to focus fully on the greatness of the Sacrament he/she is preparing to receive. The retreat should be specific to the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Diocese of Duluth provides Confirmation retreats, and each parish is asked to strongly consider participating in these retreats. If you have questions regarding retreats for Confirmation, please contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center."

— Diocesan Guidelines for Catechesis: Sacramental Prep Policies - Page IV-5

For other requirements, please read the document found at the link above starting on Page IV-4.

Retreat information:

Registration preference is given to students who will be confirmed this school year. The retreat is geared toward 11th and 12th graders who will be confirmed this school year.  Those in 10th grade may register, but may be asked to wait until a future retreat if registration fills up and room is needed for 11th and 12th graders. Those in 9th grade are not able to register. Those who live outside of the Diocese of Duluth are not able to register.

Parents and guardians should register their children as all permissions are electronically signed during registration. 

Students must attend the entire retreat! 

What are the options for Confirmation Retreats?

1. Diocesan Confirmation Retreats
   — two are offered throughout the year
2. Provide your own parish retreat
   — must conform to the diocesan guidelines

Fall Confirmation Retreat 

October 18-20, 2024 (MEA Weekend) | Big Sandy Camp & Retreat Center | Registration Fee: $155

September 11, 2024: Registration Opens at noon
October 5, 2024: Registration Deadline

Spring Confirmation Retreat 

March 21-23, 2025 | Big Sandy Camp & Retreat Center | Registration Fee: $155

September 11, 2024: Registration Opens at noon
March 8, 2025: Registration Deadline

To register:

1. The registration for both students and chaperones are posted at the bottom of this page. 
2. Fill in all of the required information, including electronic signatures and permission slips.
3. When you register, you will make a password. Please remember this password and the email address you used to register so you are able to log back in to check your balance, make payments, and register for future diocesan events.
4. Note — you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Active once you have hit submit and completed the online registration process.  If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail you are not registered. 

When registering for this event parents will need the following information:

1. Health History and Insurance Information
2. Know food allergies
3. Emergency Contact Information
4. Coupon codes from the parish office (if applicable)
5. Ability to pay $50 deposit online or by mailing a check to the Diocese of Duluth.

The parish must provide: One chaperone for every eight (8) retreatants. Chaperones must be 21 or older and be confirmed. They must complete the Diocese of Duluth Online Youth Protection Training which includes a background check and  acknowledgment of the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy.  Go to the Safe Environment page to log in.

The preference is that the the parish small group leaders/catechists and/or the Director of Religious Education or Youth Minister be present to help lead your parishes' small groups at the retreat.  

The role of the chaperone is vital to the success of the retreat. Therefore, they are required to be present throughout the entire retreat. They will be responsible for the retreatants they bring. We also ask that the chaperones be willing to assist in the taking care of behind-the-scenes details once they arrive. Duties might include leading a small group, helping in the kitchen, covering patrol duty during the night, and praying for retreatants.

Driving: Each parish is responsible for getting their students to and from the retreat. Friday's supper is not provided, so please eat before you arrive.

Attendance: All retreatants will be expected to attend the entire retreat to fulfill the Diocese of Duluth confirmation requirements.

What to bring: Students are to bring sleeping bags, pillows, toiletries, etc. Leave cell phones, tablets, etc. at home or in your car at your own risk. They are not to be used during the retreat. Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic smoking products, and weapons will not be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from the retreat with no refund.