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FAQ

- What is Youth Encounter?
  
  Youth Encounter is a grass-roots movement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette, MI. The efforts of Youth Encounter center around a weekend retreat held every Fall and Spring, and a Follow-Up program that encourages young people to gather regularly for sharing, prayer, service, study, and fun after the weekend.
- Who can attend the weekend retreat?
  
  Youth must be at least 16 years old or in the 2nd semester of their Sophomore year of high school. Each Candidate must be registered by a Sponsor, who can be another youth who made a Youth Encounter weekend, an adult who made a Cursillo weekend, or a priest or religious who knows the Candidate well.
  
  Youth Encounter is open to people of all faiths, but is distinctly Catholic. On the weekend, we respect and reverence each person regardless of their denomination, while we continue to pray and work for Christian unity.
- Where is the weekend held?
  
  The weekend has recently been held at Fortune Lake Camp in Crystal Falls and at St. John the Evangelist parish in Ishpeming. Check on the weekend registration page for the planned location of the next retreat weekend.
  
  The setting provides a fresh atmosphere away from home, work, and school, and is the perfect place to reflect on life and to prepare for, receive, and respond to an encounter with Jesus Christ risen and alive today!
- When does the weekend start and end?
  
  The Youth Encounter weekend begins Friday at 7:00 p.m. eastern time and ends Sunday at about 5:30 p.m. eastern time.
- How much does it cost?
  
  Thanks to a generous subsidy from the Diocese of Marquette and contributions from priests and people of the U.P., the Youth Encounter weekend costs only $35 per person, which covers everything!
  
  Payment can be made by check or cash and is to be brought to the weekend retreat. Checks can be written out to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Ishpeming.
- Why should I go?
  
  During the Youth Encounter weekend, you'll discover you’re not alone during the years of moving into adult life! You'll experience being part of a vibrant, loving, and supportive faith community in which friendship with Jesus Christ becomes real and makes sense.
  
  The retreat is led by other young people who share the joys, struggles, and feelings they've experienced in their own lives. The weekend provides a space to reflect on your own ideals, hopes, dreams, and problems, and discover a God you can believe in - Jesus alive and risen and in our midst!
- How do I get there?
  
  It is the responsibility of each Candidate's Sponsor to assure that each Candidate has a ride to the retreat location. Young people attending the weekend retreat are not allowed to drive themselves. Carpooling from different areas of the U.P. is the most common way that Candidates get to the retreat location. Carpool rides are organized from most places in the U.P. and many places in northeast Wisconsin.
- How do I sign up?
  
  To attend a Youth Encounter weekend, each Candidate needs a Sponsor to register them online.
  
  Once sponsored, the Candidate then needs to fill out their own application here. If under the age of 18, they must have their parent or guardian fill out and sbmit the Parent Permission and Emergency Medical Release Form.
  
  Once these steps are done, the Candidate will receive a letter via mail notifying them of their acceptance as a Candidate or deferral to a future Youth Encounter weekend. Finally, payment of $35 is to be brought to the weekend retreat.
- What do I need to bring to the weekend?
  
  Plan to bring a sleeping bag or bedding and blanket, a pillow, towel, comfortable clothing, pajamas, personal items/toiletries, and good clothes for Sunday Mass.
  
  Unacceptable attire includes short dresses, tank tops, leggings, and inappropriate t-shirts, etc.
  
  Please do not bring radios, iPods, alarm clocks, or cell phones.
  
  Meals and snacks are provided throughout the weekend.