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 - NEBRASKA
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Dates:
March 13-15, 2026 Location: Immaculata Monastery Spirituality Center - Norfolk, NE Audience: Young Adults (19-35 years of age and out of high school) Cost: $175 |
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
ECHO NEBRASKA - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHORTER WEEKEND RETREAT AND THE LONGER SUMMER RETREATS?
This weekend experience is a little shorter than a typical weekend or week-long experience at our summer retreats, and will have fewer sessions. However, it is a great opportunity to dive into St. John Paul II's teachings, grow in community, and get a solid taste of the ECHO experience. This retreat center has more amenities than others and therefore is a little more costly, but will thus offer a beautiful, restful, and life-giving weekend!
WHAT IS COVERED IN THE REGISTRATION COST?
The retreat cost includes lodging and food (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch), as well as all retreat supplies and materials!
DO YOU OFFER ANY KIND OF AIRPORT SHUTTLES IF I FLY IN?
Unfortunately we cannot offer any airport shuttles for this retreat, so you would be responsible for your own transportation.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TIME:
Please arrive to the Immaculata Monastery Spirituality Center between 5:30 - 6:30 PM on Friday, March 13th. We ask that you do not arrive earlier than 5:30 pm so our team has time to prep for your arrival.
The retreat will end by 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 15th.
The retreat will end by 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 15th.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Expect an incredible weekend consisting of dynamic talks, daily Mass, quiet prayer, outdoor activities, art, music, and life-giving conversations of eternal significance...and an awesome community to enjoy it all with.
WHAT ARE THE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
The Spirituality Center offers a mix of dormitory style rooms as well as individual rooms in wings with common bathrooms. The wings will be separated by sex. Where you will be housed will depend on a number of factors including male/female ratio, so we cannot guarantee any housing preferences. However all spaces will be clean and comfortable!
DO YOU ACCOMMODATE DIETARY NEEDS/RESTRICTIONS?
You can list any dietary needs in the registration form. If there is something that cannot be accommodated, we will be in touch with you directly regarding your options.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
If you cancel by March 5, 2026, you will be eligible for a full refund. However, any cancellations after March 6, 2026 will not be refunded.
ECHO - COVECREST
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Dates:
April 10-12, 2026 Location: Lifeteen Camp Covecrest - Tiger, GA Audience: Young Adults (19-35 years of age and out of high school) Cost: $119 |
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
ECHO - STILLWATER
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Dates:
June 12-18, 2026 (Weekend only option: June 12-14) Location: Stillwater Catholic Retreat Center - Abbeville, LA Audience: Young Adults (19-35 years of age and out of high school) Cost: $449 (Oct 10 - Nov 10, 2025) $499 (After Nov 10th) |
Registering a teen? 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. Be not afraid!
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 IF I CAN ONLY COME FOR THE WEEKEND?
We highly recommend coming for the full week to get the full experience! However, if that is not possible for you, you do have the option to come for only the weekend and still have an incredible experience. Weekenders are allowed to stay on site until after the first Monday morning session, and then they will depart as we prepare to receive the teens as a community.
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.
IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR JUST COMING FOR THE WEEKEND?
We get this question often! The retreat cost covers 4 days/3 nights, which is the length of the weekend experience. Young adults who stay the entire week to serve and continue their retreat get a discount! We don't charge extra for those extra days.
what are the arrival and departure times?
Young Adults may arrive to Stillwater Catholic Retreat Center (13407 Junius Rd, Abbeville, LA 70510) between 4:00-6:00 PM on Friday, June 12th. We ask that you not arrive prior to 4:00 PM so our team has time to finish preparations.
The retreat will end on Thursday, June 18th by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
If you are coming only the weekend, you may depart Sunday, June 14th at 9:00 PM after the evening session, or you may stay until after the first morning session on Monday, June 15th.
The retreat will end on Thursday, June 18th by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
If you are coming only the weekend, you may depart Sunday, June 14th at 9:00 PM after the evening session, or you may stay until after the first morning session on Monday, June 15th.
if you plan to fly...please read this before 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 4:30 PM on Friday, June 12th. 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.
I HAVE 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.
what is the housing like at stillwater catholic retreat center?
Stillwater Catholic Retreat center offers 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!
Married couples who attend have alternate accommodation options. Our team will be in touch if you fall into that category!
Married couples who attend have alternate accommodation options. Our team will be in touch if you fall into that category!
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 IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
- 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 Friday, May 29, 2026 (10 business days prior to the retreat), you will be refunded any monies paid over $100.
- If cancellation occurs after Friday, May 29, 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 17-23, 2026 (Weekend only option: July 17-19) Location: Maryhill Renewal Center - Pineville, LA Audience: Young Adults (19-35 years of age and out of high school) Cost: $449 (Oct 10 - Nov 10, 2025) $499 (After Nov 10th) |
Registering a teen? 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. Be not afraid!
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 IF I CAN ONLY COME FOR THE WEEKEND?
We highly recommend coming for the full week to get the full experience! However, if that is not possible for you, you do have the option to come for only the weekend and still have an incredible experience. Weekenders are allowed to stay on site until after the first Monday morning session, and then they will depart as we prepare to receive the teens as a community.
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.
IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR JUST COMING FOR THE WEEKEND?
We get this question often! The retreat cost covers 4 days/3 nights, which is the length of the weekend experience. Young adults who stay the entire week to serve and continue their retreat get a discount! We don't charge extra for those extra days.
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES?
Young Adults may arrive to Maryhill Renewal Center (600 Mary Hill Rd, Pineville, LA 71360) between 4:00-6:00 PM on Friday, July 17th. We ask that you not arrive prior to 4:00 PM so our team has time to finish preparations.
The retreat will end on Thursday, July 23rd by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
If you are coming only the weekend, you may depart Sunday, July 19th at 9:00 PM after the evening session, or you may stay until after the first morning session on Monday, July 20th.
The retreat will end on Thursday, July 23rd by 3:30 PM. Please plan accordingly.
If you are coming only the weekend, you may depart Sunday, July 19th at 9:00 PM after the evening session, or you may stay until after the first morning session on Monday, July 20th.
IF YOU PLAN TO FLY...PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE 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 AEX NO LATER than 5:00 PM on Friday, July 17th. 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.
I HAVE 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.
WHAT IS THE HOUSING LIKE AT MARYHILL RENEWAL CENTER?
Maryhill Renewal Center offers both single rooms and double rooms with private bathrooms. You may select your preference as well as a roommate 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 IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
- 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 Thursday, July 2, 2026 (10 business days prior to the retreat), you will be refunded any monies paid over $100.
- If cancellation occurs after Thursday, July 2, 2026, we are unable to reimburse any ECHO registration fees and you are still responsible for the full registration balance.