February 16, 2022

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, NET Ministries will return to the Diocese of Ogdensburg in March to share “With Great Power,” a confirmation retreat, with diocesan youth.

“We’re joyful and hopeful about returning to an in-person retreat with NET Ministries,” said Anita Soltero, assistant director of education for Faith Formation and Catholic Schools (eastern region of the diocese). “We plan to use caution, and we’ll follow any protocol that are in place at that time, but we felt more comfortable having it this year. People are going to school and going to Mass. We’re gathering more than we were.”

“NET Ministries gives a very engaging presentation,” added Catherine Russell, assistant director of education for Faith Formation and Catholic Schools (western region of the diocese). “They perform skits, they run small-group discussions and get very involved. It’s not something we could’ve done remotely.”

According to the organization’s website, NET Ministries trains young adults from across the United States “in how to proclaim the Gospel through retreat and discipleship ministry.”

“This year, 148 young adults coming from all across the United States, split into 14 teams, have answered the call to mission,” NET Ministries says. “While serving on a NET team for nine months, missionaries, ages 18-28, lead transformative retreats and personal discipleship groups at various parishes and schools in over 110 dioceses.”

The ministry will conduct “With Great Power” to second-year confirmation students from around the diocese on March 4 in Watertown, March 5 in Massena and March 6 in Plattsburgh.

NET describes the retreats as “featuring small group discussions, large group presentations, prayer ministry, lively games, dynamic music, dramatic and funny skits, and inspiring talks to motivate the youth to be unafraid to accept God in their lives.”

“Bringing NET here allows our kids to experience the vibrancy and dedication of the faith-filled young adults who run the retreat,” said Soltero. “It’s good for them to experience that witness of the faith by young adults.”
Diocesan youth preparing for the sacrament of confirmation are required to attend a confirmation retreat. NET conducted the retreats in this diocese for nearly a decade prior to the pandemic.

“Last year, we offered an online retreat for parishes to use,” Russell said. “That online retreat is still available for use, but we really wanted to give the option of an in-person retreat, as well.”

Participating parishes in the NET retreat typically cover the cost of participation for their youth.

Donations are also accepted to help defray the cost of providing accommodations for the NET team during their visit.

To learn more, contact your parish, Soltero at 518-310-3669 or asoltero@rcdony.org or Russell at 315-393-2920 or crussell@rcdony.org.