As part of their ministry to the youth, Pro Ecclesia Sancta has formed a group called Semper. Semper includes intentional formation and fellowship for junior high, high school, and college-aged youth.
Recently, Semper leadership team members from junior high and high school participated in a two-day retreat at Lake Poinsett Camp near Arlington, SD.
“From our experience in the past, with leading retreats for high schoolers, we have seen that it is always best to go out of town for a retreat,” said Br. Bryan Esquivias, PES. “This allows them to disconnect from home, but also it allows them to experience a sense of discomfort, which helps open them up more. Since they are no longer in the comfort of being in a place that they are familiar with, it is amazing to see how this greatly helps them focus during the retreat.”
The retreat included a focus on spiritual formation, including talked from the brothers and sisters, with time for reflection and one-on-one mentoring.
“Most of the talks were focused on helping them understand the importance of the spiritual life, and also helping them understand their call to holiness and what that looks like at their stage in life,” added Br. Bryan. They also enjoyed plenty of fun, including volleyball, gaga ball, and socializing.
"I learned so much more about my faith, and how to continue to grow in it. I realized the importance of meditation and how relaxing it really was. Lastly I was able to connect with people my age who have the same beliefs as me.”
Leadership team member Alexa Bechen attended and had a great experience: “During the Semper Leadership Retreat, I learned many things. I learned so much more about my faith, and how to continue to grow in it. I realized the importance of meditation and how relaxing it really was. Lastly I was able to connect with people my age who have the same beliefs as me.”
The overall goal of the retreat was to held the leadership team members understand the importance of the spiritual life, what it means to be a part of the leadership team, and form a commitment to that role.
Br. Bryan said the retreat had obvious fruits for the youth: “By the end of the retreat, we all noticed a huge progress in their attitude towards the spiritual life. They were all very attentive to the talks and very receptive as well! When it came time to meet one on one, they were very transparent and willing to talk to all of the brothers and sisters.”
Semper plans to continue developing its ministry this summer and fall. For more information on how to get involved, contact Fr. Juan Carlo Villavicienco at