Sign Up for April 13 - 16, 2023 Retreat

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ALL RETREATS BEGIN AT ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA ON
THURSDAY AT 5:30PM - SUNDAY AT 11:00AM MASS 
WITH A RECEPTION FOLLOWING IN THE BARRETT COMPLEX 

• April 13 - 16, 2023
• September 21 - 24, 2023
• April 11 - 14, 2024
• September 12 - 15, 2024
• March 13 - 16, 2025
• September 11 - 14, 2025

TARA MADDOX

My name is Tara Maddox.  Myself, my husband, Fisher, and our three daughters are parishioners at St. Catherine Church.  When Father Tim asked me to write about my experience with ACTS, I immediately had fond recollections of both Women’s ACTS retreats I have attended. My first was in 2013, and I signed up again in 2015 to assist as a team member. At the risk of sounding cliché, there are no words to describe my feelings after my ACTS weekends. I didn’t want the feeling to end, and I wanted to encourage others to share the experience. 

I became interested in learning more about ACTS many years ago when residing in Beaumont, Texas. It was as if my attention was drawn to cars with ACTS logo stickers, and I was intrigued by the acronym. I was in my mid-20’s at the time and, although I was not a member of the Catholic Church, I attended mass at St. Anne's. There, I learned ACTS stands for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. I also heard testimonials of those who had attended ACTS retreats. All things were working together, leading me to sign up. 

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Years passed, and I decided to attend RCIA. Though I routinely attended mass, I still felt like something was missing in my faith.  I decided the next step on my faith journey was the ACTS retreat. By this time I had a 1-year-old daughter and a second child on the way. Leaving for a long weekend seemed more like an emotional hassle than steps on a journey of faith. Wow! I was wrong! Nothing about the weekend is a hassle. 
It is a break from everyday distractions and a time to focus on your relationship with God. It is a time to pray, reflect, heal, learn, forgive, form new friendships, laugh, and have fun. It is a time to surround yourself with women from different walks of life and different denominations, but with the same goal - a deeper relationship with God. 

Going in, I was nervous and unsure of what God wanted me to get out of the retreat. I came away with a boost of faith in God and a dose of assurance for myself. I made new friends who continue to be a part of my journey. 

The ACTS community shares an indelible bond. I am so excited St. Catherine is providing others with the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful community. I encourage you to sign up, and block that weekend on your calendar, pack and go.