Retreats are powerful. You’ve seen teens on fire for Christ, and connecting as a youth group like never before. But then comes Monday. Life hits. The momentum fades. And you’re left wondering how to keep that fire burning.
View the webinar to hear from Joan Watson, Pilgrim Formation Manager for Verso Ministries. She will answer the question: “How do we (ministry leaders and parents) support young people when they come home after a mountain top experience?”
This webinar was created in partnership with Verso Ministries.
To learn more about them, click on their logo!
Joan mentioned three resources in her presentation, you can find those resources linked here:
- World Youth Day Pilgrimage Leaders Guide – USCCB Resource
- E-Retreat – Verso Ministries
- Tell Your Story – Verso Ministries
Key Takeaways
1.The Importance of Post-Event Reception
Experiences like NCYC, retreats, and pilgrimages “till the soil” of young hearts.
Without intentional follow-up, these spiritual experiences risk becoming isolated or fading away.
Leaders should not “waste the tilled soil.”
2. Preparation Starts Before the Event
Even before youth attend events, leaders must prepare a plan for how to receive and support them afterward.
During the event, begin asking reflective questions to help youth process in real-time.
3. Understanding the Nature of Mountaintop Moments
Events like NCYC and retreats are similar to the Transfiguration: powerful, transformational, and often emotional.
But, like Jesus and the disciples, youth must “come down the mountain” and return to daily life—with guidance.
These are not endpoints, but launchpads for an ongoing mission.
4. Challenges Without a Plan
Youth may return with zeal, only to find adults or parish life unprepared.
Without support, that fire can die out quickly due to the monotony or distractions of daily life.
5. Three Essential Follow-Up Components
To accompany youth back from NCYC or similar experiences, leaders must help them:
Process: Reflect on what they saw, heard, and felt; name where God was at work.
Connect: Tie their experience into everyday parish and community life.
Act: Channel their energy into continued discipleship and mission.
