Christ born in the hearts of retreat youth

The Office of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Corpus Christi held a TOUGH (Teens Open Up to God's Holiness) Retreat for the first time at the Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat Center on Dec. 19-21, 2014, under the direction of Augie Soliz and Maire Bustamante. The two co-coordinators led 27 youth, young adults and adult staff volunteers to receive 96 teen participants from the different parishes throughout the diocese.

"This is my first time leading a retreat and I am nervous and excited at the same time" Bustamante said. "I have been on this retreat team for six years now and I understand the enormous responsibility Augie and I have co-coordinating this retreat."

Soliz has been coordinating retreats and volunteering in youth ministry for more than 30 years with past diocesan youth directors and parish priests.

"In addition to a great team, we need a facility to conduct this retreat" Jaime Reyna, Diocesan Youth Director, said. "The Pax Christi Liturgical Retreat center allowed us to receive this many retreaters. This is the largest group of teens we have ever received, ever."

As the teens brought their luggage and other items to the retreat center dormitory area, teen retreaters were invited to the hall where most of the activities took place. The teens were able to participate in several exciting ice breakers, games and dinner. As the night continued on Friday, retreaters were divided up with volunteers to participate in other activities and talks geared towards getting to know one another and getting to know Christ.

The weekend continued with eight priests present for the sacrament of Reconciliation. Many retreaters took this moment to open up and receive this sacrament.

Food at the retreat is very important and is always directed and managed by one dedicated cook, Nora Velsaquez. "I love to cook and I love the youth. So I love to help at this retreat every chance I get. I really love my job here. No teen or volunteer ever leaves hungry under my watch" Velasquez said.

More sharing and more games continued the rest of the weekend.

"I just want to thank you parents for trusting us with your teens. You have great kids and we got to share scripture, have fun, cry and laugh and got to know Jesus" said Soliz, as the retreat came to a close. "I also want to thank my wife who always is with me in this ministry and during the retreat, we celebrated our 43rd anniversary with your kids."

Retreaters gave Soliz and his wife a standing ovation.

"This retreat couldn't not have come at a better time for me. This retreat is my Christmas present and I want to thank my parents for making me come to this retreat" one retreater said. Other retreaters shared many other wonderful and powerful testimonies as they got a chance to say their goodbyes to other retreaters and the staff volunteers, Reyna said.

Anyone interested in the next retreat, should contact the Office of Youth Ministry.

Photos by Jaime Reyna