The Discernment Retreat offers young people the opportunity to explore God's dream for their lives, to learn some basic discernment skills, and to find peer support as they contemplate various life options.

A spirit of reflection, quiet listening, personal and communal prayer pervades this overnight retreat. Teens and young adults appreciate the relaxed, slow pace which allows them to examine the purpose and direction of their lives.

Activities may include presentations by guest speakers, discernment activities, sharing of experiences with peers, guided meditations, discussion panels, personal reflection and prayer, and recreation.

Young people of high school, college, and post-college age are eligible for the Discernment Retreat, which is hosted at the St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center in Avon.

Typically, a Discernment Retreat will begin in the evening, continue to about midnight, and resume the next morning till its conclusion around midday. Participants sleep at the St. Leonard Youth Retreat Center.

The Discernment Retreat requires no fee. The Congregation of St. Joseph offers this opportunity to young people FREE of charge.

Donations of food and drinks are accepted. Volunteer cooks forming a "kitchen crew" are highly appreciated.

There are two Discernment Retreats every year: one is scheduled during Christmas vacations and the other around the Feast of St. Leonard in mid-May.