Retreats

Through the Youth Ministry Program at St. Francis de Sales, teens have the opportunity to attend a variety of retreats to help them strengthen their relationship with Christ, build new friendships with their peers, and further develop their personal faith. Many retreat opportunities are offered throughout the year. For further information on any of our retreats, please contact Diana Arizmendi at 847-726-4842 or via email at darizmendi@stfrancislz.org

Important: No medication may be administered at Youth Ministry Events unless both the student's physician and parent/guardian complete, sign, and return the Medical Authorization Form to the Youth Ministry Office.

Castle Retreat

All Confirmation Year 2 students are required to attend our overnight Castle Retreat prior to Confirmation. Castle Retreat is led by the Peer Ministers and Adult Youth Ministry Team. 

These are the dates of our upcoming retreats:

  • December 19-21, 2025

  • February 20-22, 2026

We will be traveling and spending the weekend at St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Accommodations are hotel style with 3-4 students in a room with private bathroom. 

All meals will be provided, including dinner on Friday night.

Parents should expect an email with registration information.

Would you like to attend Castle, but you are not in the Confirmation program? Please reach out to Diana Arizmendi for more information!

 

Kairos Retreat

Kairos is a Christian experience of prayer and reflection that can be a powerful and life-changing opportunity for teens as they grow in their knowledge of themselves, others, and especially, God.

Kairos is open to incoming Juniors and Seniors as well as recent High School Graduates. Participants do not need to be Catholic to attend.  All are welcome. 


Retreat Details

Date: Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2026

Location: Loyola Retreat and Ecology Campus at 2710 S. Country Club Road in Woodstock Illinois

Cost: $325.00 which includes 3 nights stay (single room), meals, all materials and transportation. A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required in order to secure your spot. Full payment is due by December 19, 2025. Please contact Diana Arizmendi at darizmendi@stfrancislz.org if you are in need of a scholarship.

The retreat will begin on Friday at around 4:00 pm and will conclude on Monday at around 7:00pm.

Good Reasons to Participate in a Kairos Retreat:

Kairos20

  • Everyone needs time to reflect. This retreat offers a break from the many distractions in our lives.

  • The Kairos Retreat centers on seeing God’s love in our lives and encourages the development of a personal relationship with God.

  • This retreat creates an open and accepting retreat atmosphere for you to experience God’s love and forgiveness and the importance of friendship and family.

  • Maybe you don’t know if God really cares, and you need to find out just how much He does.

  • The reasons to attend are as unique as each person. Talk to past Kairos participants or youth ministry adults and ask them why they participate in Kairos.


 

Steubenville Youth Conference

Each year, St. Francis de Sales Youth Ministry participates in the Steubenville Youth Conference. This three-day conference features music, fellowship, talks, Mass, worship, workshops and much more. Approximately 2,000 teens from across the nation attend the conference to deepen their faith. It is a powerful celebration of the Lord with a strong focus on Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacraments. The Steubenville Youth Conference is open to all high school students.

Join us at Steubenville Joliet in 2026!

Save the dates: June 26-28, 2026

Stay tuned for registration information coming soon!