What is a Youth 2000 Retreat

YOUTH 2000, U.S.A., promotes, organizes, and directs retreats based on the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 6, " I am the Bread of Life." The focus on the Eucharist shows young people that Christ must be at the center of their lives. The format of each retreat, which includes the Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer, talks, music and fellowship, provides a means to help young people develop a deep and lasting personal relationship with Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist, "the source and summit of Christian life." (Lumen gentium 11). Young people gain a solid foundation upon which to build their lives.

The YOUTH 2000 Retreat always begins with Mass to show that adoration of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the Mass. The weekend also includes talks given by priests, testimonies by young people and time for small group discussion. The speakers discuss topics important to young people, for example,

• Who is Jesus Christ?
• What does the world offer me?
• What are the values I seek?
• Do these values bring me a true and lasting peace?
• How do I pray?
• How can I affect other young people?
• How can I build a civilization of peace and love?
• How do I follow Jesus Christ?

The small discussion groups give young people an opportunity to meet with other young people, make new friends, and talk over the topics of discussion. The small groups also provide a forum for young people to discuss the many difficulties they face in the world today.

Mass is celebrated each day, during which time the Blessed Sacrament is reposed. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is another vital part of every YOUTH 2000 weekend. The priests discuss the Sacrament in an effort to give young people a deeper understanding
of the importance and the need for reconciliation with God. The Sacrament is available throughout the weekend.

Devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, is shown through daily recitation of the rosary lead by the young people, and the crowning of the Blessed Mother on the last day.

Recreation is also a part of each YOUTH 2000. Meal time and breaks provide a great opportunity to meet, share and laugh with youth
from other places.

Over and over, young people have responded with great enthusiasm and zeal. Evidenced by the testimonies young people are invited to give at the end of each Retreat, young people are finding a true and lasting love for Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. By placing Christ at the center of their lives, young people are finding a deep peace and a way to cope with the culture of today.

Important Details

All teachings and instruction at each YOUTH 2000 Retreat are taken from Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, encyclicals and documents approved by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.  The liturgical practices at each Youth 2000 Retreat follow the guidelines as set out in the Sacramentary and Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass.

On December 12, 2000, YOUTH 2000 was granted an Imprimatur by Bishop William E. Lori for the booklet The YOUTH 2000 Retreat, which outlines the theological content and liturgical practices of a YOUTH 2000 Retreat.  The Nihil obstat was granted by Reverend Augustine Di Noia, O.P.

YOUTH 2000 Spirituality & Goals

SPIRITUALITY OF YOUTH 2000

The charism of YOUTH 2000 is to lead young people, through prayer and instruction before the Blessed Sacrament, to a personal encounter and ever-deepening union of heart and mind with the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Christ.

GOALS OF YOUTH 2000

• To promote devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist through a worldwide network of youth gathered in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

• To promote a devotion to Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, especially through the rosary

• To promote fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Magisterium