Family Retreat Offers Spiritual Renewal and Community Connection

The new Catholic Family Camp put on by the Archdiocese of Vancouver promised a unique twist on the typical retreat experience - the opportunity to find spiritual rejuvenation while bonding with one's children in a serene, natural setting. Despite initial reservations, the author's family embraced the opportunity and discovered profound insights about their faith, relationships, and parenting that continued to resonate long after the retreat ended.

A Chance to Reconnect with Faith and Family

A Retreat with a Twist

The author's family was in the midst of a major life transition, having just completed a move, when they decided to attend the Catholic Family Camp organized by the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Typically, Catholic retreats offer a chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and find spiritual renewal. However, this particular retreat had an added twist - participants were required to bring their children along.

Apprehension and Hesitation

At first, the author felt apprehensive about the prospect of attending the retreat with their young children in tow. The recent move had been a strain on the family, and the author worried that the additional stress of a camping trip would be too much to handle. Bedtime routines were still unsettled, and the idea of packing up the family and heading out on a new adventure felt daunting.

A Warm Welcome and a Beautiful Setting

Despite their initial reservations, the author's family made the journey to the retreat location, a scenic campground just a short drive from the local town. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the warm welcome of the organizers, who had prepared an array of activities and games for the children. The breathtaking natural surroundings, with towering mountains and lush greenery, helped to ease the family's concerns and set the stage for a transformative experience.

Building Community and Strengthening Faith

As the retreat unfolded, the author's family immersed themselves in the various spiritual and community-building activities. Eucharistic processions, adoration, and prayer services allowed the children to engage with their faith in meaningful ways, while the opportunities to interact with other families fostered a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. The talks given by the missionary couple on finding meaning in suffering were particularly impactful, providing the author and their spouse with valuable insights to reflect on.

Unexpected Insights and Lasting Impact

Throughout the retreat, the author witnessed their child's growing relationship with God, highlighted by a poignant moment during adoration when the child expressed a desire to pray for a friend. This experience, along with the family's subsequent struggles during a Sunday Mass, demonstrated the lasting impact the retreat had on the author's understanding of their child's spiritual development and the importance of guiding them towards a meaningful connection with the divine.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose and Perspective

The time spent at the Catholic Family Camp allowed the author's family to step back from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters. The retreat provided a much-needed respite, enabling the author and their spouse to address issues in their relationship and find renewed strength and purpose in their roles as parents. The author left the retreat with a deeper appreciation for the power of community, the transformative potential of faith, and the profound insights that can emerge when families are given the space to grow together.