An ACTS retreat is a three day and three night Catholic lay retreat presented by laymen including fellow parishioners. The retreat begins on Thursday evening and ends the following Sunday at a Mass celebrated by the parish community. Retreats for men and retreats for women are given separately. Talks and activities during the retreat focus on Adoration, Community, Theology and Service, from which the ACTS program acronym is derived. Holy Scripture and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church are the guides for the retreats. The retreat takes on the traditions and atmosphere of the parish community sponsoring it. It facilitates attainment of a new or deeper relationship with the Lord through:
Adoration – the call by, acceptance of, and response to God
Community – the love and caring of each other
Theology – the study of God through scripture and the Catholic faith
Service – to God and his people
Each retreat is conducted by a retreat “team” composed of 20 – 30 individuals who have attended prior ACTS retreats. Chosen by the retreat Director, the team organizes the retreat, conducts the retreat talks and activities and ministers to the needs of the retreatants during the retreat weekend.