Special to The Message
“I plead with you — never, ever give up on hope; never doubt, never tire and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” – St. John Paul II
“This is my body, which is given for you” (Luke 22:19).
The young people of the diocese (ages 13-24) are invited to join hundreds of young pilgrims on a three-day spiritual Pilgrimage of Hope at Source + Summit 2025. This year’s retreat weekend is April 4-6 at Reitz Memorial High School in Evansville, and it will be defined by the extraordinary graces that God wants to pour into our souls during this Jubilee Year!
Joining the pilgrimage will be NCYC, SEEK and Steubenville Youth Conference favorites Dr. Andrew and Sarah Swafford. They will zero in on drama-free, healthy relationships, virtue, dating, and avoiding characteristic pitfalls in relationships. They will discuss how their faith enables them to relate well with others at every stage, with joy and confidence. The Swaffords have authored many popular books and already made a significant impact on the faith journey of many in our diocese.
Source + Summit will also welcome Benedictine Father Augustine Wetta, a dynamic monk, teacher, author and speaker whose life and work blend faith, creativity and humor impacting all who encounter him. He is a member of St. Louis Abbey in Missouri, where he teaches high school and coaches rugby. Known for his bestselling books, “Pray. Think. Act,” “The Eighth Arrow” and “Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem.”
The Scally Brothers, a dynamic duo from Toledo, Ohio, will lead praise and worship and partner with the Source + Summit music team. Back by popular demand, Catholic Illusionist Giancarlo Bernini, will share his unique ability to brilliantly connect the truths of Catholicism through an impassioned presentation that is entertaining, informative and inspiring. Other speakers include the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Apostolic Sisters of St. John, Diocese of Evansville priests, religious and more.
Through inspiring talks, small group discussions, praise and worship, adoration, the Holy Mass, Reconciliation, food, fun and new friends, Source + Summit will connect the dots for diocesan young people. The information they receive about their faith and the sacraments will move from their heads into their hearts leading to a personal experience of God, the goal of our faith.
Averi Bauer shared her experience in an essay: “I simply do not have the words to describe how adoration at Source + Summit makes one feel. This was the moment that I realized that God is meant to have such a bigger impact on my life than just a weekly, Sunday morning Mass. … I could not imagine how differently my life would be if I would not have taken the chance to go to Source + Summit my freshman year. It truly changed my life for the better, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity God gave me to go find my true purpose through him at this wonderful event.”
The cost is $50 before March 21; and $55 after. Each additional sibling is $35. For more information, contact your parish Youth Minister or visit sourcesummitevansville.org.