The retreat was named 'Brotherhood of Christ' with a theme centered on the 'Year for Priests'. The weekend started with creating five Scout patrols named after American priests who are saints (or in the process): St John Neumann, St Peter Claver, St Isaac Joques, St Damien of Molakai, and Bl Junipero Serra. An Agape prayer service was held to officially start the retreat - and all enjoyed the bread baked by the Flemmings. Saturday was a full day with five stations: an icon craft (Sue Flemming and Pat Minford), rope skill training (Fred Flemming), a discussion of the laities role in the priesthood (Paul Lopresti and Sandi Dale), Fr Walter Ciszek's life story (Terry Brodniak), and 'a day in the life of a priest' (Eileen Leicht, Mark Anderson, and Karen Giroux). PLUS an hour with two seminarians (Joseph Ganser and James Harper III) who discussed their lives, vocation, and the seminary. The day ended with the celebration of the Mass with Fr. Laskowski, Board's of Review (with twenty adults pitching), and a game of Jeopardy (based on the happenings of the day). Bill Brodniak even squeezed in a counselor training session. As always the kitchen was GREAT, led by Chris Polk (with a large support group) - every meal was a treat that the Scouts (and adults!!) loved. Sunday was clean-up, breakfast, and awards.
The Retreat went very smoothly due to all the work that the kitchen and station leaders did on the weekend and in preparation - the work of the Holy Spirit is always evident at these events - though how things work out is not always as anticipated in the months leading up to the retreat. Thanks to the adults that accompanied the Scouts and helped in the kitchen and dining hall. To learn more about the retreat and the entire Catholic Scout religious awards program, please visit our website at http://www.adccos.org.