Special to The Message
St. Joseph Parish in Jasper once again hosted the annual Rock Your Faith retreat July 6-9.
The beloved three-day event continues to be a powerful source of spiritual growth and joy for middle schoolers across the community. Now in its 11th year, this retreat has become a vibrant tradition, drawing students, volunteers and speakers together for a transformative experience rooted in Christ. Students from eight different parishes across the area came to participate or serve as volunteers. The retreat has truly grown into a regional expression of youth discipleship, uniting the wider Catholic community in prayer, service and formation.
Throughout the retreat, students were blessed to hear inspiring and engaging talks from Brendan McCauley, founder of the Humanum Project, as well as two Dominican Sisters from Nashville. Their witness and wisdom sparked deep conversations about faith, identity and discipleship. In addition, local parishioners and seminarians shared moving testimonies that resonated with the hearts of the young participants and provided authentic examples of vocational discernment.
This year, thanks to the generous support of the Knights of Columbus and St. Anne’s Auxiliary, they were able to offer stipends to bring the Dominican Sisters. Their presence played a vital role in inspiring vocations—the Sisters encouraged the girls to consider religious life, while the seminarians supported the boys in thinking prayerfully about their own calling.
A special addition to this retreat was the parent component. Each night, parents were invited to join the final hour of the evening, where they had the opportunity to attend a dedicated talk from one of the speakers, followed by praying Night Prayer together with their children. It was a beautiful opportunity for families to grow together in faith and share in the retreat’s spiritual richness.
High schoolers and young adults played a huge role in making this retreat dynamic and fun. They led skits, small group activities and games that brought joy and laughter while also fostering community and connection. Returning for his second year, Carlos Lamoutte from Tampa, Florida, led the group in powerful praise and worship, helping teens lift their hearts to God through song.
Beyond the fun and fellowship, the retreat offered profound encounters with Christ through the sacraments and devotions. Attendees participated in daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many students also chose to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular, deepening their devotion to Our Lady.
The retreat concluded July 9 with a community service day—putting faith into action. Participants and volunteers spread out across the area to serve the homebound and residents in nursing homes, and to support organizations like the Sisters of St. Benedict, Restore, Bosco House and the Trotter House. These service projects allowed students to experience firsthand the joy of giving and living the Gospel.
To celebrate a week of spiritual growth, friendship and service, the group wrapped up the retreat with a night at a Bombers baseball game—a joyful end to an unforgettable week.
Rock Your Faith continues to be a cornerstone for forming young disciples in the community and beyond. Thank you to all who helped make this year’s retreat such a success—your prayers, time and support truly make a difference in the lives of our youth and families.
