ACTS retreats have enlivened parish

By Erin Roussel
St. Joan of Arc parishioner

The ACTS (Adoration, Community, Theology and Service) Retreat strengthens Catholic parish involvement. Begun by three men in Texas who were inspired by Acts 2:42-47, the retreat spread nationwide as the lives of attendees were changed and community involvement grew.

It found its way to my church parish, St. Joan of Arc in LaPlace, in 2019 as a men’s retreat. A women’s retreat followed in February 2020. We have since had four men’s retreats and three women’s retreats with Mass, confession, a rosary and other opportunities for spiritual growth, and community building.

I attended a 2020 retreat on a whim (which is unusual for me), but later understood it was Holy Spirit-inspired. The retreat was life-changing, and I learned much about perseverance. The presence of the Holy Spirit was powerful, and everyone was so full of love. I came home with my soul on fire and began attending daily Mass and regularly visiting the adoration chapel.

The Holy Spirit knew I would need a stronger faith to persevere through a dark time in my life. The Lord knew it was time for me to surrender to his will.

Shortly after my retreat, the pandemic began, churches were closed and my mom and sister were diagnosed with cancer. That was followed by other unfortunate life events. I entered a spiritual battle where fear continually threatened my faith, and every day brought new difficulties.

Knowing that I was struggling, my ACTS sisters reached out at different times and in different ways when I needed them most and were praying for me. The love and support of my family, my ACTS sisters and the amazing faith culled from my ACTS retreat helped me endure and press on.

Since attending ACTS, my thirst for Jesus is unquenchable. I attend daily Mass and appreciate adoration and prayer time. I was blessed to attend a second ACTS retreat as a team member in June 2022 and made new friends with beautiful souls. I’ve desired to be a better servant of the Lord and more open to serving my community, family and friends.

I encourage anyone, no matter where he or she is on the faith journey, to attend an ACTS retreat. It is an awesome experience where everyone is accepted. Don’t ignore your inspiration.

St. Joan of Arc parishioners Erin Roussel attended her first ACTS Retreat in 2020, and became a team leader for a 2022 retreat.