M.A.S.K.S. — Mission and Service Kovid-19 Style — is a one-day service retreat for youth in grades six through 12 on Friday, Oct. 16, at St. Mary Parish in Alexandria. The program, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes indoor and outdoor service opportunities, a keynote reflection by Father Michael Wolfbauer and time for faith sharing.
“The goals of this retreat are to help youth in a number of ways,” said Kent Schmitz, associate director of youth ministry for the Diocese of St. Cloud. “We hope they develop a commitment to service as a life-long component of their faith, identify ways in which they receive through giving, are introduced to a variety of service and prayer experiences as well as feeling what it means to be part of a Catholic faith community. And, it would be great if they share their experience with their faith community back home.”
The cost for the day is $10 per youth participant to cover lunch and transportation. Those interested in attending should contact their parish youth leader. Registration information and a parental consent form are also available at www.stcdio.org/service. Registration should be completed by Monday, Oct. 12. For further information, contact Kent Schmitz at 320-251-0111, ext. 4.
Diocesan COVID-19 protocols will be in place during the event. The program is a collaborative effort between the diocese’s Catholic Education Ministries and parish youth ministers. The Central MN Noon Optimists provided supplementary funding for this retreat.