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Youth Ministry

NET Ministries

Middle and High School

An international youth ministry that challenges young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. NET Ministries fulfills its mission by conducting nearly 1,000 youth retreats across the United States each year.

NET retreats range in length from four hours to three days. The format and theme of the retreats vary, but the basic message is always the same:

"In Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man, who died and rose from the dead, salvation is offered to all, as a gift of God's grace and mercy."
Evangelization in the Modern World, Pope Paul VI

These retreats, typically for youth in grades 7-12, are high-energy experiences using large group presentations, small group discussion, music, drama, personal faith sharing, one-on-one prayer, and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.

The Goal of a NET Retreat

  • To help young people understand and accept God's unconditional love for them.
  • To offer the faith of the team members as a witness to the youth that faith in God is a desirable, acceptable, and exciting part of their lives.
  • To encourage young people to grow in their commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.

Catholic School Retreats · Confirmation Retreats · Faith Formation Retreats · Youth Group Retreats

Young people today often struggle with peer pressure, busy schedules, and life’s many demands. They may find it difficult or unimportant to set aside time for their faith among sports, homework, social media and friends. Sometimes, these young people respond best to a new voice. NET retreats can provide a wonderful opportunity to hear the Gospel presented in a language that young people can understand. Whether these young people are in Catholic School, Confirmation Preparation, or in Youth Ministry, they will see the witness of the team members, who come from all across the country, as they share their Catholic faith.

There is a genius to NET’s peer-to-peer ministry. All retreats are unique and include a variety of inspiring talks, personal faith sharing, dramatic skits, small group discussion, lively songs and prayer, making every retreat a unique experience. The NET team members' own youthful experience allows them to be heard and understood.

NET Ministries will be coming to the Diocese of Savannah February 6-19, 2019. Secure your retreat today!

Dynamic Themes

  • With Great Power (Confirmation, Holy Spirit)

    With great power comes great responsibility!
    At Confirmation, the grace of Pentecost is unleashed and we receive greater access to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God can do incredible things with us if we are open to His action. How will your life look different when living in the power of the Holy Spirit? This theme explores the personal experience of young people who open themselves to the action of the Holy Spirit after Confirmation. This talk is suitable for all Confirmation programs.
  • Anchored in Hope (Suffering, Hope)

    There is no cross, big or small, in our life which the Lord does not share with us
    When storms rage, boats will rock. When you suffer, what or who is your anchor? This theme explores the power of being anchored in the hope of the resurrection in the midst of suffering.
  • Fully Alive (True Happiness)

    Only God is big enough to fill you.
    The pursuit of happiness motivates every decision we make. Why is it, then, that we find ourselves unhappy so often? This theme explores our search for true happiness, highlighting the one thing that is big enough to fill our deepest desires- God himself.
  • In His Image (Identity, Baptism)

    Remember who you are.
    Who are you? A soccer player? A dancer? The funny guy? The nice girl? There is one identity you don’t have to earn and cannot be taken away. This theme explores our inclination to identify ourselves by what we do rather than who we are as God’s sons and daughters. Middle school, Senior high, Confirmation.
  • One Church (The Catholic Church)

    One universal home guaranteed by God.
    What if there was an institution we could trust when our reasoning fails us? What if there was an institution guaranteed by God himself to withstand every difficulty the world offers? There is. This theme explores the Catholic Church as the universal home for all people.
  • Righteousness (Jesus)

    We owed a debt we couldn’t pay; He paid a debt He didn’t owe.
    We owe a debt we can’t pay. Who has the righteousness to volunteer as tribute? This theme explores who Jesus was and how His sacrifice restores our relationship with God. Middle school, Senior high, Confirmation.
  • Strength in Numbers (Authentic Friendship, Greatness)

    True friends walk together through their weakness.
    Betrayal, gossip, and scandal: these traits often characterize friendships portrayed in the entertainment industry. What if our friendships, were instead marked by support no matter the circumstances? This theme explores the role of authentic friendships and their ability to empower us to greatness.
  • True Grit (Authentic Masculinity)

    Real men lay their lives down for others.
    What does it mean to be a man? Strength? Fame? Wealth? Masculinity means sacrifice. Fewer and fewer men are willing to respond to this difficult call. Do you have what it takes? This theme explores authentic masculinity in response to Christ’s example of laying down His life for others.
  • Dignified (Authentic Femininity)

    Say “yes” to God. Say “yes” to love.
    Mary crushed the serpent’s head and welcomed Jesus into the world by saying “yes” to God’s plan for her life. God has an incredible plan for your life and wants to share himself with others through you. Will you say “yes”? This theme explores authentic femininity through imitating Our Blessed Mother, Mary.
  • The Journey (Advent, Transformation)

    When we see that it truly was God who became man, we can be open to the journey he invites us on to become like him.
    We are each on a journey. Many traveled 2000 years ago to visit a child during this season we call Advent. But what sort of child attracts the attention of the world leaders of the time? This Advent theme explores the intrigue surrounding Jesus’ birth and our journey to become like Him.
  • The Joy of the Gospel (Christmas, Joy)

    You are loved and saved!
    How can we experience the gift of God’s Joy this season? In Pope Francis’s letter, The Joy of the Gospel, he writes, “Christianity spreads through the joy of disciples who know that they are loved and saved.” This Christmas theme explores how we can experience the Joy of the Gospel by remembering God’s love and saving grace.
  • Heroic 40 (Lent, Prayer)

    Commit to the Heroic 40; Forty days and forty nights of prayer with guaranteed results.
    Think about the many diet plans that promise great results “in just forty days.” What would the world be like if we took these 40 days of Lent to truly grow closer to God? This Lenten theme explores the way God can transform our life when we seek him consistently in prayer. Middle school, Senior high, Confirmation.
  • Risen (Easter, Resurrection Power)

    “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” 1 Cor 15:14
    Jesus rose from the dead so that we can live. Too often our daily faith experience is disconnected from the power of Christ’s resurrection. What difficulty in your life do you need the power of Christ’s resurrection to overcome? This Easter theme demonstrates that Christ’s rising from the dead has a direct impact on the lives of those who follow Him.

Vicar for Evangelization & Education

Fr. Kevin O'Keefe
912-201-4122

Director of Youth Ministry

Caroline Ebberwein
912-201-4057


Pray for us.