Frequently Asked Questions

The next retreat is scheduled for November 7-10, 2024. You can always check out the web site calendar for our next retreat. The next retreat is being held at the Rosa Mystica House of Prayer in Edmeston, NY.

A Journey weekend retreat begins with registration at 7pm on the scheduled Thursday of the weekend. Journey ends with a closing mass at the Dominican Retreat Center at 5pm on the following Sunday. Parents and loved ones are always invited to the closing mass.

You can register on this web site. See the Applications page for more information.

The cost of the retreat is $200. If the cost presents a financial burden to you or your family please contact us at journeyretreatny@gmail.com to discuss alternative payment plans or potential scholarship financing.

Attendees will have individual rooms with bedding provided. Three meals a day and snacks are provided. If you have special dietary needs please include that information in the “medical information” portion of your application. Please also reference this link to “what to bring” for additional information.

One of our goals for this weekend is for the candidates to experience something a little different then what they experience every day. That includes the use of smart phones. Our recommendation is to leave them home. We offer a phone number for parents in case of emergency.

Thing you should bring with you:

• Sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, blankets and pillow cases
• Three days and four nights worth of clothes, including:
  • Nice clothes for the closing mass.
  • Appropriate outdoor clothes based on the season (weather permitting).
• Toiletries, including:
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap, shampoo, body wash, etc.
  • Deodorant/anti-perspirant (please avoid strong scents).
  • A towel for showering
• A reusable water container (e.g. water bottle, hydro flask, etc.)
• A musical instrument (if you are interested in playing it).
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What you do not need to bring:

• Your phone. An emergency phone number will be provided for your parents to call if necessary.

The spiritual concepts presented and formation of a community for this weekend build upon each other beginning on Thursday night. Any time away, we feel, will greatly diminish the “Journey experience” for the candidate. Our first recommendation is to attend the weekend in it’s entirety. If outside circumstances prevent this from happening we recommend you speak with a spiritual director to discuss any scheduling conflicts before you apply for a weekend. We can be reached at journeyretreatny@gmail.com or 518-347-7145.

At it’s core, this retreat weekend centers around teachings of Jesus Christ. We celebrate and practice in the tradition of the Roman Catholic faith but welcome candidates from many other christian denominations. If you’re not catholic and are unsure if this weekend is right for you, please reach out to us to discuss.

When it comes religion and our faith, we find that many young people don’t practice or believe because there are still many questions that have not been answered. This is normal. We especially welcome those who question the existence of God or the validity of the teachings of Jesus Christ. We provide a stimulating, non-judgmental environment where a candidate can meet and get to know a community of peers who have had the same questions.

Journey candidates are in grades 10-12 (ages 15-18).