Pack for comfort and the weather. The retreat center has gender-specific bunk rooms and bathrooms with showers.

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

• Comfortable clothing for two nights/three days (including Sunday Mass attire)

• Modest pajamas, slippers, robe, etc.

• Warm layers (coat, hat, gloves — we’ll be outdoors at times)

• Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, soap, hairbrush, etc.)

• Washcloth and bath towel

• Reusable water bottle

• Snacks and a 2-liter beverage to share (water and lemonade provided)

Note: Youth do not need to bring a Bible, journal, or rosary. Each participant will receive these items on retreat as a gift to take home.

No. Because retreats are designed to be an immersive experience, we cannot allow late arrivals, early departures, or mid-retreat comings and goings. Retreats are not merely to teach youth about the faith, but to also give them a space to step away from everything in their daily life and be immersed in this experience. We understand it may mean saying no to other activities, but the gift of this time set apart will be worth it.

Yes. Meals are served in the Mt. St. Francis cafeteria. Please list dietary needs at registration, and we’ll coordinate with the chef. We’ll also provide snacks and beverages throughout the weekend.

The Summit is offered by Catalyst Catholic, the office of youth ministry for the New Albany Deanery, which serves 16 Catholic parishes in Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties.

The retreat is staffed by trained young adult leaders and volunteers from across the deanery. All adults have completed Safe Parish training and background checks.

That’s okay! Small groups are intentionally designed to help teens connect quickly. Many participants say they leave with new friendships and stronger ties to their faith community.

Absolutely. The Summit welcomes all high school seniors from our deanery parishes—whether they’re deeply involved or have been away for a while.

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. Scholarship requests are reviewed only by Catalyst staff, and we work to discreetly cover costs so that every teen who wants to attend can attend.

We want the retreat to be a chance for seniors to step away from distractions and be fully present to God, themselves, and their peers. Participants will have limited time during the weekend to check their phones. Outside of that, phones will be securely stored by retreat staff. Parents will be provided with an emergency contact number prior to the retreat beginning.

Yes, we do! We will be done with plenty of time to see kickoff!