Lazer tag was the game, Year of the Priest the theme for the Conquest Junior retreat on January 30th, 2010. Over 30 grade 2-5 boys gathered for a fun retreat. The focus of the retreat for the boys was team lazer tag. The boys were divided into 6 teams and they rotated playing lazer tag in the gym, doing fun activities (catechism quizing, preparing a letter to the archbishop and playing steal the bacon) and receiving great talks from the Conquest leaders on the theme of the retreat. There was lots going on, it was action-packed and fast moving.

 

As you'll see from the pictures, the lazer tag was a big hit. The boys had a fantastic lazer tag field to play on and had a great time with it. The Conquest leaders had a great time transforming the gym at St.Annes into a top notch lazer tag field of play with towers, barriers and buildings. When the lights went out and the games began and the boys battled in lazer fun. For game play each boy received 10 lives on their power packs, so they got lots of action as they battled through the evening.

 

As mentioned earlier, the boys rotated among several activities. One of the activities were team talks given by one of our great teen leaders. Through the evening, each team received two talks. The first, given by David Craig-Penner (grade 11) described the significance of the year of the priest and the special things going on throughout the year. This also included special emphasis on recognizing our priests and thinking of how we can recognize them. The second talk that was given in the evening was given by Braden Novak (grade 10) and it focused on the stages a priest goes through - seminarian, deacon, priest and bishop and the special things around each stage. These talks were both informative and inspiring.

 

In terms of the activities, of special note was the letter that was prepared for the archbishop. The boys were each given a pre-prepared letter to the bishop. The letter stated that the boys were having this retreat and were having fun and learning about the year of the priest. The letter also stated that the boys were praying for the Archbishop and were thankful for all he does for us. At the end of the retreat the boys prayed a decade of the rosary for the Archbishops intentions. What the boys did during the retreat was sign their letter and decorate the Archbishop picture that was on the paper. I will be sending the stack of 30-40 letters to the Archbishop to let him know that we are thankful for what he does for us and let him know that we prayed for him.

 

A big part of any Conquest event aside from great learning and sports action and fun is food. For this retreat the boys got hotdogs and chips, not necessarily nutritious but fun and well enjoyed. Below you'll be able to see some of the highlights of the retreat and see how much fun the boys had. Lazer tag was what the boys will be talking about because they had great time and spent great time with their friends. But, these boys also learnt to appreciate our spiritual fathers (priests) and the special year we are having for them.