Friday, October 13 - Sunday, October 15, 2023
Evans Lake Camp, Squamish, BC
Please contact office@ctrwestvan.ca to inquire about registration.
WHAT IS GREATER THAN?
Greater Than started in 2016 as a three-day youth retreat created by the Christ the Redeemer Youth Ministry Core team. We've run it three times (2016, 2018, and 2019) and are excited to finally bring it back for fall 2023!
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness" (St. Pope John Paul II).
When Greater Than was being planned for the first time, the team challenged themselves with the question: how do we talk about who God is, who we are, and how we live the Christian life all in one retreat? By exploring topics like being real with ourselves and others, who Jesus is and how we experience Him in our lives, barriers to accepting love from and relationship with God and others, and living in Christian community, we can become greater today than we were yesterday.
Greater Than 2016
Greater Than 2018
Greater Than 2019
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each year we've run Greater Than, teens have said it's been a fun and life-changing experience!
Greater Than is built around five sessions that include talks, testimonies, activities, videos, and small group discussion. In addition to the sessions, we eat (a lot!), play games and sports, and take advantage of the awesome outdoor activities Evans Lake has to offer: rock climbing, archery, canoeing, and more! And what would a retreat at camp be without a campfire? Whether it's your first retreat or you've been to many before, you are welcome here. Greater Than has something to offer everyone!
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Can I start this process before my child is born?Yes, in fact we recommend doing so.
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How long does the process take?There are two to three meetings required before an infant is baptized. Child/adult baptisms usually require months of preparation.
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When are baptisms scheduled?The Rite of Baptism recommends that baptisms be celebrated on Sunday. Baptisms are normally scheduled after the 11:00 am Mass so that families may attend Mass and then stay for the baptism.
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Can we baptize in a place other than the Church?The Rite of Baptism indicates that it should be celebrated in a parish church. We do not celebrate baptisms outside of a church, except in cases of family illness or emergencies.
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Who can serve as godparents?The Church asks that a child have two Catholic godparents who are baptized, confirmed, and living their faith. One of the two godparents may be a “Christian witness” who need not be Catholic. Someone may “stand in” (act as a proxy) for a godparent who is not able to be present at the baptism.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)