What is ACTS?
ACTS is a parish-based retreat program that began in Texas in 1987 and was brought to St. Louis in 2002. The ACTS retreat program is now in parishes all over Texas, in many parishes in St. Louis, and in 13 other states and 3 other countries. The ACTS movement is based on Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verses 42-47. This passage provides a description of the early Church and is inspiration for us in parish life: breaking bread together, worshipping together, receiving instruction together, sharing in common, and reaching out in loving service. The acronym of ACTS came to mean Adoration, Community, Theology and Service, which is today the foundation for these retreats. For more information about the worldwide ACTS movement, click the ACTS Missions link.
Parishioners of St. Gerard Majella are pleased to present ACTS weekend retreat. This parish-based retreat offers the opportunity to renew your spirituality and prayer life, to enhance your relationship with our Lord and to strengthen connections to and within our parish community. Members of our parish present the retreat with spiritual direction from our parish priests. Since September 2013, many of our parishioners have attended the retreats and most have gone on to help with future retreats.
A retreat begins on a Thursday evening with check-in at 6:15 pm at St. Gerard Majella Church, and ends Sunday with a reception in Liguori Hall following the 11:00 am Mass.
The cost for each retreatant is $300, with $100 due upon registration. The remaining $200 is due at the Thursday check-in at the beginning of the retreat.
PLEASE NOTE: Financial difficulties should not prevent parishioners from attending the retreat. If you wish to inquire about a scholarship, or need further information regarding the retreat please contact the Director of the retreat.
The dates of upcoming retreats are:
- Men: July 24-27, 2025
- Women: September 18-21, 2025
- Men: April 16-19, 2026
- Women: June 25-28, 2026
- Men: February 18-21, 2027
- Women: April 1-4, 2027
- Men: November 11-14, 2027
- Women: February 17-20, 2028
- Men: August 24-27, 2028
- Women: October 19-22, 2028
Approximately 7-10 days prior to the retreat, you will receive a letter describing what to bring with you (clothing, reading material, etc.) for the retreat weekend. Please call or email if you have any questions or need additional information.