SEARCH retreats can deepen relationships with the Lord

By Marielle Burque
For The Catholic Week
Hi, my name is Marielle Burque, and I’m a senior at Houston Academy. I attend St. Columba in Dothan and have been blessed with the role as co-director for SEARCH 29 and 30.
What is SEARCH? I’ve been asked that question many times. I typically answer, “It’s a retreat led by teens, for teens! It’s a chance to create new friendships, explore new activities, learn different ways to pray, and most importantly to deepen your faith in Christ.” 
That may be a gist of the whole idea, but to me, SEARCH is so much more. I went to SEARCH 22 as a retreatant, and I was so excited to go. While I’ve been to many retreats throughout my life, SEARCH was different. It felt more intimate, and I truly realized how much deeper my relationship with the Lord could be. 
Seeing how teens were so vulnerable about their faith journeys and able to give their “yes” to the Lord to be disciples for other teens inspired me with the desire to do the same. Some of my best relationships have come from SEARCH, and it has tremendously helped me in my relationship with Christ. Simply put, my life would not be the same without it.
Being on SEARCH team these past few years has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Working with other teens who want to share Jesus’s love just as much is so incredible to witness and be a part of. Knowing the difference that we can make in other teens’ lives and seeing the kingdom of Heaven build throughout the weekend brings both the team and myself nothing but pure joy. 
God works in mysterious ways, and I believe that His calling to place me on SEARCH team was exactly where He wanted me to be, and I am forever grateful that I said yes to His plan. It is so beautiful to see how God works through not only the team, but to everyone who experiences the SEARCH retreat.
One of my favorite quotes is, “When God tells you what to do, you cannot hesitate.” So, if you feel God calling you to SEARCH, do not hesitate; say yes to His will. You won’t regret it.