Testimonials
Going on an ACTS retreat can bring about dramatic changes for people. Whether you were someone who was already deeply spiritual – or whether you were a lapsed Catholic – or whether you were somewhere in between -- ACTS is designed to amp up your religious practice. People are changed because they spend a three-day weekend strengthening their relationship with God. People are changed because they get out of their comfort zone. Five years ago before ACTS, did you ever think you’d see men hugging each other in church? In a big parish like St. Bernard’s, ACTS provides a way to get to know people beyond just recognizing their faces in the pews. The shared experiences and new friendships give you a reason to linger in the Commons after Mass while the parking lot clears out!
ACTS aims to revitalize the parish by pouring out the Holy Spirit to transform church members. The change is seen when retreatants go back to their families and workplaces with the light of Jesus.
So how did ACTS impact you? We asked a few people around St. Bernard’s to tell us what changed for them after their retreat. Here is what they said:
ACTS aims to revitalize the parish by pouring out the Holy Spirit to transform church members. The change is seen when retreatants go back to their families and workplaces with the light of Jesus.
So how did ACTS impact you? We asked a few people around St. Bernard’s to tell us what changed for them after their retreat. Here is what they said:
- After ACTS, my whole life became easier, not because of circumstances, but because I finally knew I could put my total trust in God to handle the things that were beyond my control. I also learned to forgive myself and trust that God truly loves me more than I will ever know.
- ACTS gave me the confidence and vocabulary to talk about spirituality. Before my retreat, I was very private about my faith, and now I’m more comfortable praying out loud and telling others what God means to me.
- Reluctantly, I entered into the ACTS retreat nearly 4 years ago. I was in control and okay with my faith. Little did I know what I was missing and how grateful I am to have gone and found it! There is so much more to my relationship with my Father and the community of believers I call my sisters and brothers in Christ at St. Bernard's.
- ACTS filled a hole within me that I didn't know I had. ACTS transformed my faith and my relationships!
- At the time I made my ACTS retreat, I was stuck in a rut; going through the motions with my faith. Oh what a difference a weekend makes! After laughing until I thought I would bust and encountering a most special group of women, I have never looked back. My love for our Lord and Savior is deeper and richer. I am completely renewed and have a fire within as I continue to grow in our faith.
- I was a retreatant 5 years ago as a new parishioner wanting to meet other women. As a result, I had 60 new friends, but more importantly I became much closer to our Lord and Savior. The experience changed my life forever.
- ACTS made me realize even more that I am not in control of my life, God is! I should not be carrying around burdens needlessly and that I need to let God handle all my worries. It is still hard to do, but I definitely feel a lot lighter and less stressful. Prayer has also become much easier to do on a daily basis even if it is just a short thank you for the day.