Baptism marked the start of your relationship with Christ. Now it is time for that grace to be perfected! Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens your baptismal graces bringing you closer to Christ and better preparing you to face the daily challenges of Christian life

Youth in grades 7–12 preparing for Confirmation in 2026 are invited to join us for this powerful weekend retreat experience.

 
 

Register by September 6

Register for Fall

Drop-off: 9:30-10am Saturday
Pick-up: 11:45am Sunday
Youth are required to attend the entire retreat.

 

What to Expect

During the Fire & Water Retreat, Confirmation candidates will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore topics relevant to their upcoming Confirmation with their peers

  • Learn from faithful, energetic young leaders in a non-classroom setting

  • Grow in comfort with prayer, Scripture, and the Church’s traditions

  • Experience the larger Catholic community of the New Albany Deanery

  • And most importantly—discover how the Holy Spirit can transform their lives!

The Fire & Water Retreat is offered twice each year and accommodates candidates in grades 7–12. It’s an overnight retreat led by trained adults, including leaders from your local parish.

Cost & Scholarships

There is a $50 retreat fee per person, which helps cover meals and materials.

If this fee poses a challenge, confidential scholarships are available through the Jan Loi Memorial Endowment. Simply indicate your interest in financial assistance on the registration form, and we’ll be in touch.

 
 

FAQs

We know sending your child on an overnight retreat can bring up lots of questions! Here are some of the most common ones we hear from parents.

  • Pack for comfort and the weather. We’ll be sleeping in gender-specific areas on either bunk beds or air mattresses.

    • Bedding for twin-sized bunks (pillow & sleeping bag or sheets and blankets)

    • Toiletries (toothbrush, hair products, deodorant, etc.)

    • Comfortable clothing & shoes (we’ll be outside at times)

    • Outfit appropriate for Sunday Mass

    • Modest pajamas

    • Reusable water bottle (if you have one)

    • Bible and/or prayer journal (optional)

    • No phones or electronic devices

    Snacks & Drinks

    We ask all families to provide a few snacks or drinks for the retreat — if everyone brings a little, there will be plenty of options for the whole weekend!

    Please plan to bring about 10–15 servings, following these assignments:

    • Last names A–M: Bring snacks (cookies, brownies, granola bars, chips, fruit, etc. — no nuts, please)

    • Last names N–Z: Bring drinks (soda, juice, or sports drinks — water will be provided)

  • All meals and snacks are provided throughout the weekend.
    If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please note this on the registration form—we are happy to make accommodations to ensure everyone is well-cared for.

  • We know weekends can get busy! However, because retreats are designed to be immersive experiences, youth are asked to be present for the entire retreat—from start to finish. Arriving late or leaving early can disrupt both the individual and their small group.

    If your family has a conflict, please reach out to your parish’s Confirmation coordinator to explore alternative ways to meet the Archdiocesan retreat requirement.

  • We kindly ask that all youth leave their cell phones and other digital devices (such as earbuds, smartwatches, and gaming devices) at home during the retreat. This helps everyone fully unplug and focus on the retreat experience.

    If a phone is brought, it must be turned in upon arrival to be securely stored throughout the retreat.

    Parents will be provided with an emergency contact number prior to the retreat beginning.

  • Please list any health needs on the registration form. Medications can be kept and administered by your teen, or by an adult leader if requested. A nurse/first aid contact will be available on site.

  • Yes! We will attend Mass together as a retreat community during the regularly scheduled parish or retreat center Mass time.

    Families are warmly welcome to attend the same Mass if they wish; however, youth will sit with their retreat groups and should plan to remain until the retreat officially concludes.

  • Fire & Water Retreats are organized by Catalyst Catholic, the office of youth ministry for the New Albany Deanery, in collaboration with parish staff from Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties. Each retreat is led by trained adults who have completed Archdiocesan safe-environment background checks and are experienced in youth ministry.

 

Questions about the Fire & Water Confirmation Retreat?
Contact Kelli Ginter at kelli@catalystcatholic.org or 812.923.8355 ext. 204

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