SCROLL DOWN FOR DATES & REGISTRATION INFO!
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ECHO Retreats are dynamic and immersive Catholic retreat experiences of St. John Paul II's landmark teaching called the Theology of the Body. Geared toward different audiences (young adults, teens, engaged couples, and married couples), ECHO is not just an intellectual exercise, but a journey into the heart where we discover the "distant echo" of God's plan for life and love from the very beginning.
Focused on identity, prayer, vocation, relationships, and the Catholic Church's teachings on human sexuality, participants are invited into a new level of freedom to be the gift that God has called them to be. |
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ECHO - STILLWATER
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Dates:
June 15-18, 2026 Location: Stillwater Catholic Retreat Center - Abbeville, LA Audience: Teens (Entering juniors through recent high school grads) Cost: $449 (Oct 10 - Nov 10, 2025) $499 (After Nov 10th) |
Registering as a young adult? Please click HERE.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHY DO YOUNG ADULTS COME FIRST, AND THEN TEENS JOIN IN LATER?
At the full ECHO experience, young adults come together over a weekend, dive into the teachings of St. John Paul II together, grow in community, and then on Monday when the teens arrive, they immediately have a chance to give away what they have received. We then repeat the retreat through a "teen lens" while young adults serve as mentors, on hospitality team, or as intercessors on prayer team. There is an enhanced dimension of receiving and integrating the Theology of the Body when we become a gift to others, and it really is an experience unlike any other. Teens will thus have many amazing young adult mentors to look up to!
All young adults present at the retreat have completed safe environment training according to their diocesan policy and have cleared a background check.
All young adults present at the retreat have completed safe environment training according to their diocesan policy and have cleared a background check.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Dynamic talks, Daily Mass, Adoration, sports, outdoor activities, praise & worship, quiet prayer, life-changing conversations, and the best friends you will ever make. Expect great things! We also have substantial free time built in to most days for you to rest, read, and recreate!
WHAT DOES THE COST OF THE RETREAT INCLUDE?
The retreat fee covers all of the food, retreat supplies, facility costs, T-shirt, water bottle, insurance, etc....basically everything but your transportation to and from the event and your personal items/clothing.
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?
Teens may arrive to Stillwater Catholic Retreat Center (13407 Junius Rd, Abbeville, LA 70510) between 1:30-3:00 PM on Monday, June 15th. We ask that you not arrive prior to 1:30 PM so our team has time to finish preparations.
The retreat will end on Thursday, June 18th by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
The retreat will end on Thursday, June 18th by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
if you plan to fly, please read prior to booking your flight:
ECHO is able to offer complimentary shuttle service ONLY to and from LFT (Lafayette Regional Airport). If you plan to utilize this service, please book your flight to arrive to LFT NO LATER than 1:30 PM on Monday, June 15th. Please book your flight to depart NO EARLIER than 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 18th. Outside of these times, we cannot guarantee a pickup or drop-off and you may need to be responsible for your own transportation.
In the registration process, please select that you plan to fly when prompted and our team will be in touch regarding your flight information and shuttle information as the date gets closer.
In the registration process, please select that you plan to fly when prompted and our team will be in touch regarding your flight information and shuttle information as the date gets closer.
DO YOU OFFER ANY SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL AID?
Yes, but we recommend the following steps:
(1) Consider enrolling in the payment plan EARLY. This will allow you to pay in smaller monthly installments with no added fees (aside from typical processing fees). You will have the option to select this as you register. Keep in mind that to enroll, you will need to input your financial info for auto-draft purposes.
(2) Visit the financial aid page of our website. Click HERE. It shows you how you can reach out to family and friends for them to assist you in paying off your remaining balance directly. This has born great fruit in the past!
(3) Fill out the scholarship application, also on the Financial Aid page of our website. We will be in touch with you with what we can offer. Scholarships come from donors and their generosity, and we are grateful for them!
We never allow finances to be a reason someone cannot attend ECHO! Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
(1) Consider enrolling in the payment plan EARLY. This will allow you to pay in smaller monthly installments with no added fees (aside from typical processing fees). You will have the option to select this as you register. Keep in mind that to enroll, you will need to input your financial info for auto-draft purposes.
(2) Visit the financial aid page of our website. Click HERE. It shows you how you can reach out to family and friends for them to assist you in paying off your remaining balance directly. This has born great fruit in the past!
(3) Fill out the scholarship application, also on the Financial Aid page of our website. We will be in touch with you with what we can offer. Scholarships come from donors and their generosity, and we are grateful for them!
We never allow finances to be a reason someone cannot attend ECHO! Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
MY TEEN HAS A DIETARY RESTRICTION. HOW IS THAT HANDLED?
We have an incredible food team that can handle most common medically prescribed dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and dairy-free. During your registration process, please list clearly any restrictions you have and our team will be in touch if there is anything that we cannot handle and what your options are.
mY TEEN WILL BE BRINGING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. HOW IS THAT HANDLED?
We will have a licensed nurse at the check-in table upon your arrival. All teens (for the safety and well-being of all retreatants) are asked to turn in their medications in a ziplock bag with specific dosage information to the nurse upon arrival. He/she will be primarily responsible for distributing that medication according to the dosage information you provide. We do not allow prescription meds in the cabins.
This policy DOES NOT include rescue inhalers, epipens, and other emergency medications. Teens are asked to keep these on their person at all times for when needed. Please include all of this information in your registration form so our nurse can be advised.
This policy DOES NOT include rescue inhalers, epipens, and other emergency medications. Teens are asked to keep these on their person at all times for when needed. Please include all of this information in your registration form so our nurse can be advised.
WHAT IS THE HOUSING LIKE AT STILLWATER CATHOLIC RETREAT CENTER?
Stillwater Catholic Retreat center offers single-sex, bunk-style cabin accommodations. Each cabin has 10 beds with shared shower and bathroom facilities. You can request cabin mates during the registration process. We will do our best, but cannot guarantee your selection!
WHAT DO WE LEARN AT ECHO? IS THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY ALL ABOUT SEX?
Although the Theology of the Body does touch on areas of sexuality and shed a beautiful light on God's call through the gift of our sexuality, it is so much more than that and has a broad reach into areas of identity, prayer, friendships, and answering the call to be a sincere gift in whatever state of life you are in. We don't shy away from the hard questions and the beautifully challenging teachings of the Church, but we create a safe space to wrestle with them, understand them, and embrace them. The Theology of the Body touches every area of the human experience and has far reaching implications for the whole of our lives.
what are the payment options?
A $100 deposit required to reserve your spot at ECHO, and these payments can be made via ACH, credit card, or via mail-in check.
Payment plans are available and you can opt in to one directly during the registration process. If the one offered at the payment page doesn’t work for you, please email [email protected].
Payment plans are available and you can opt in to one directly during the registration process. If the one offered at the payment page doesn’t work for you, please email [email protected].
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
- There is a non-refundable deposit of $100 required to secure your spot at ECHO. In the event of cancellation this amount cannot be refunded.
- If cancellation occurs on or before Monday, June 1, 2026 (10 business days prior to the retreat), you will be refunded any monies paid over $100.
- If cancellation occurs after Monday, June 1, 2026, we are unable to reimburse any ECHO registration fees and you are still responsible for the full registration balance.
ECHO - MARYHILL
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Dates:
July 20-23, 2026 Location: Maryhill Renewal Center - Pineville, LA Audience: Teens (Entering juniors through recent high school grads) Cost: $449 (Oct 10 - Nov 10, 2025) $499 (After Nov 10th) |
Registering as a young adult? Please click HERE.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHY DO YOUNG ADULTS COME FIRST, AND THEN TEENS JOIN IN LATER?
At the full ECHO experience, young adults come together over a weekend, dive into the teachings of St. John Paul II together, grow in community, and then on Monday when the teens arrive, they immediately have a chance to give away what they have received. We then repeat the retreat through a "teen lens" while young adults serve as mentors, on hospitality team, or as intercessors on prayer team. There is an enhanced dimension of receiving and integrating the Theology of the Body when we become a gift to others, and it really is an experience unlike any other. Teens will thus have many amazing young adult mentors to look up to!
All young adults present at the retreat have completed safe environment training according to their diocesan policy and have cleared a background check.
All young adults present at the retreat have completed safe environment training according to their diocesan policy and have cleared a background check.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Dynamic talks, Daily Mass, Adoration, sports, outdoor activities, praise & worship, quiet prayer, life-changing conversations, and the best friends you will ever make. Expect great things! We also have substantial free time built in to most days for you to rest, read, and recreate!
WHAT DOES THE COST OF THE RETREAT INCLUDE?
The retreat fee covers all of the food, retreat supplies, facility costs, T-shirt, water bottle, insurance, etc....basically everything but your transportation to and from the event and your personal items/clothing.
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?
Teens may arrive to Maryhill Renewal Center (600 Mary Hill Rd, Pineville, LA 71360) between 1:30-3:00 PM on Monday, July 20th. We ask that you not arrive prior to 1:30 PM so our team has time to finish preparations.
The retreat will end on Thursday, July 23rd by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
The retreat will end on Thursday, July 23rd by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
IF YOU PLAN TO FLY, PLEASE READ PRIOR TO BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT:
ECHO is able to offer complimentary shuttle service ONLY to and from AEX (Alexandria International Airport). If you plan to utilize this service, please book your flight to arrive to LFT NO LATER than 2:00 PM on Monday, July 20th. Please book your flight to depart NO EARLIER than 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 23rd. Outside of these times, we cannot guarantee a pickup or drop-off and you may need to be responsible for your own transportation.
In the registration process, please select that you plan to fly when prompted and our team will be in touch regarding your flight information and shuttle information as the date gets closer.
In the registration process, please select that you plan to fly when prompted and our team will be in touch regarding your flight information and shuttle information as the date gets closer.
DO YOU OFFER ANY SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL AID?
Yes, but we recommend the following steps:
(1) Consider enrolling in the payment plan EARLY. This will allow you to pay in smaller monthly installments with no added fees (aside from typical processing fees). You will have the option to select this as you register. Keep in mind that to enroll, you will need to input your financial info for auto-draft purposes.
(2) Visit the financial aid page of our website. Click HERE. It shows you how you can reach out to family and friends for them to assist you in paying off your remaining balance directly. This has born great fruit in the past!
(3) Fill out the scholarship application, also on the Financial Aid page of our website. We will be in touch with you with what we can offer. Scholarships come from donors and their generosity, and we are grateful for them!
We never allow finances to be a reason someone cannot attend ECHO! Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
(1) Consider enrolling in the payment plan EARLY. This will allow you to pay in smaller monthly installments with no added fees (aside from typical processing fees). You will have the option to select this as you register. Keep in mind that to enroll, you will need to input your financial info for auto-draft purposes.
(2) Visit the financial aid page of our website. Click HERE. It shows you how you can reach out to family and friends for them to assist you in paying off your remaining balance directly. This has born great fruit in the past!
(3) Fill out the scholarship application, also on the Financial Aid page of our website. We will be in touch with you with what we can offer. Scholarships come from donors and their generosity, and we are grateful for them!
We never allow finances to be a reason someone cannot attend ECHO! Please don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help.
MY TEEN HAS A DIETARY RESTRICTION. HOW IS THAT HANDLED?
We have an incredible food team that can handle most common medically prescribed dietary restrictions such as gluten-free and dairy-free. During your registration process, please list clearly any restrictions you have and our team will be in touch if there is anything that we cannot handle and what your options are.
MY TEEN WILL BE BRINGING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. HOW IS THAT HANDLED?
We will have a licensed nurse at the check-in table upon your arrival. All teens (for the safety and well-being of all retreatants) are asked to turn in their medications in a ziplock bag with specific dosage information to the nurse upon arrival. He/she will be primarily responsible for distributing that medication according to the dosage information you provide. We do not allow prescription meds in the cabins.
This policy DOES NOT include rescue inhalers, epipens, and other emergency medications. Teens are asked to keep these on their person at all times for when needed. Please include all of this information in your registration form so our nurse can be advised.
This policy DOES NOT include rescue inhalers, epipens, and other emergency medications. Teens are asked to keep these on their person at all times for when needed. Please include all of this information in your registration form so our nurse can be advised.
WHAT IS THE HOUSING LIKE AT maryhill renewal CENTER?
Teens will be housed in single-sex, double-occupancy rooms with other teens, with a private bathroom. You have the option to request a roommate during the registration process. While we cannot guarantee your selection, we will do our best!
WHAT DO WE LEARN AT ECHO? IS THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY ALL ABOUT SEX?
Although the Theology of the Body does touch on areas of sexuality and shed a beautiful light on God's call through the gift of our sexuality, it is so much more than that and has a broad reach into areas of identity, prayer, friendships, and answering the call to be a sincere gift in whatever state of life you are in. We don't shy away from the hard questions and the beautifully challenging teachings of the Church, but we create a safe space to wrestle with them, understand them, and embrace them. The Theology of the Body touches every area of the human experience and has far reaching implications for the whole of our lives.
what are the payment options?
A $100 deposit required to reserve your spot at ECHO, and these payments can be made via ACH, credit card, or via mail-in check.
Payment plans are available and you can opt in to one directly during the registration process. If the one offered at the payment page doesn’t work for you, please email [email protected].
Payment plans are available and you can opt in to one directly during the registration process. If the one offered at the payment page doesn’t work for you, please email [email protected].
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
- There is a non-refundable deposit of $100 required to secure your spot at ECHO. In the event of cancellation this amount cannot be refunded.
- If cancellation occurs on or before Monday, July 6, 2026 (10 business days prior to the retreat), you will be refunded any monies paid over $100.
- If cancellation occurs after Monday, July 6, 2026, we are unable to reimburse any ECHO registration fees and you are still responsible for the full registration balance.