Search Retreats are a ministry of the Archdiocese of Mobile Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry. This weekend experience is "for teens, by teens" and is led by a team of high school students who have previously attended a Search Retreat and have been trained and formed to lead the weekend. On a Search Retreat, teens will experience a faith community, encounter Christ and his Church, and grow in their relationships with God and others.

Search Retreats are for high school teens (grades 9-12) in the Archdiocese of Mobile. Teens on a Search Retreat come from many parishes, from public, private, Catholic, or home schools, and represent a diverse Church. Teens do not need to be active participants in their parish youth ministry to attend. Search Retreats are geared for teens of varying discipleship levels, from those just starting to explore their faith or those who are more active in their relationship with God.

Cost of a Search Retreat is $125 per participant. This fee covers meals, lodging, activities and supplies for the weekend. However, we do not want cost to be a disqualifying factor for a young person to attend Search. Often, if you contact your pastor or parish, they may be able to assist with the registration cost. Limited scholarships are available if a parish is financially unable to assist a young person in monetary need.

The Search Retreats usually begin on a Friday evening, with registration beginning around 6:30 p.m. and the first session starting near 7:30 p.m. The retreat ends on the following Sunday afternoon, usually around 3 p.m. However, because we offer two different retreats in Mobile and Montgomery, please pay careful attention to the specific information sent to parents after registration and before the retreat begins.

Search Retreats begin on a Friday evening and end on the following Sunday afternoon. Throughout the weekend, we encourage young people to "let go and let God" so we do not generally provide a detailed schedule to teens when they arrive.

Teens will experience witness talks from the Search Team, small group discussion, time for quiet reflection, fun recreational activities, opportunities for Mass, reconciliation, and adoration. There are a few, small "surprises" along the way, but we trust the Holy Spirit throughout the weekend!

We ask young people to dress appropriately for the weather and for the Lord. Attire is casual, but please refrain from inappropriate or immodest clothing. We suggest jeans, appropriate t-shirts, sweatshirts/hoodies/etc.

At each retreat, the following meals are provided: Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snack, Sunday breakfast and lunch. We suggest eating before your arrival on Friday evening. Teens are asked to bring a snack to share with the large group. If you have dietary restrictions such as allergies or gluten free, please contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry before your retreat.

We believe that young people who experience a Search Retreat leave changed and closer to God and to others. Our biggest witnesses to the power of the Search Retreat is the Search Team, who dedicate their time and talents to share the Search experience with other young people.

We've also heard from young people on their evaluation forms what the weekend meant to them.

“I’ve definitely needed something like this for a long time.” “I realized that Christ is the source of pure joy and it is not a part time job.” “I will forever remember it as one of the greatest experiences in my life. I already had high expectations coming in, and those were exceeded!” “Before, I was going through the motions, and now I actually want to be closer to Christ.”