World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 37

Suggested Outline
1. Introductions/Check-In (15 minutes)

6. Prayer Experience:
Reconciliation Service (60 minutes)

2. Opening Prayer (15 minutes)
7. Peer Presentation (15 minutes)
3. Catechetical Presentation: Mercy
(20 minutes)

8. Personal Reflection Time (15-25 minutes)

4. Personal Reflection Time (15-25 minutes)

9. Small Group Discussion (20-30 minutes)

5. Small Group Discussion (20-30 minutes)

10. Closing Ritual/Prayer (15 minutes)

TOTAL TIME (without breaks): 3.5 to 4.0 hours
If the schedule and space permit, a Mass may open or, more appropriately, close this retreat experience.
Once participants have had a chance to know and pray with each other during this experience, a
liturgical celebration would be an ideal way to offer the emotions and thoughts generated in the retreat
up to God through the celebration of the Eucharist. The experience of the Mass also unites those on
retreat with other pilgrims across the United States and around the world in preparation for World
Youth Day – as the Eucharist is our common source and summit.
Closing the retreat in such a liturgy would also mirror the closing of the World Youth Day experience
in Kraków with the Closing Mass with Pope Francis in July 2016 (and the Closing Masses of stateside
celebrations throughout the United States taking place concurrently with the events in Poland).

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