ACTS Retreats
Contact
Parish Office
(636) 441-0055 ext. 100
parish@stjoecot.org
Women’s ACTS Retreat
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…”
~ Acts 2:42
What is an ACTS Retreat?
An ACTS Retreat is a parish-based three day evangelization experience which offers parishioners an opportunity to encounter the love of Jesus Christ, deepen their faith, and grow as intentional disciples. The Retreat is conducted by parishioners for parishioners, which greatly fosters Christian community and fellowship in our parish.
What does ACTS mean?
ACTS is an acronym that stands for Adoration, Community, Theology and Service. It is a retreat that was started in San Antonio, Texas and has spread throughout the United States. It is entered on how we as Catholics can improve our relationship with God and build a better, stronger faith community.
Inspired by Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47, the ACTS Retreat offers parishioners a grace-filled opportunity to grow closer to God and build deeper connections within our parish community. It meets people where they are in their spiritual journey and invites them to experience God in a manner that is both personal and communal. This three-day, parish-based retreat begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday with Mass, centering around four key pillars:
Adoration – Deepen your personal relationship with Jesus through prayer and worship.
Community – Build friendships rooted in faith with fellow parishioners.
Theology – Reflect on Scripture and Catholic teaching in meaningful ways.
Service – Discover how you’re called to live out the Gospel in everyday life.
Held separately for men and women, ACTS Retreats are led by fellow parishioners and include talks, small group discussions, quiet reflection, and joyful fellowship.
Upcoming Retreats
Women’s ACTS Retreat
November 5-8, 2026
Marianist Retreat & Conference Center
4000 Hwy 109 Eureka, MO 63025-0718
Director: Kathy Stroud – kathleenstroud@live.com
Co-director: Barb Kendrick – bkuhl11@yahoo.com
The retreat begins Thursday evening, with check-in at 6:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Cottleville. Transportation will be provided to and from the retreat center.
The retreat concludes with the 12:15 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish on Sunday (November 8th), followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Approximately 7-10 days prior to the retreat you will be contacted with information about what to bring with you (clothing, etc.) for the weekend.
The total cost for the weekend is $350, which includes all meals and lodging.
A deposit of $75.00 is requested to reserve your place. The remaining balance of $275.00 is due by November 3rd. You can register and pay online by clicking on the link below.
Register and Pay Online
Payment Options
Pay deposit of $75.00
Pay balance of: $275.00
Pay in full: $350.00
Checks
Checks are payable to St Joseph Cottleville.
Please write ACTS in the memo section.
Send any checks to:
Attn: ACTS Retreat
St. Joseph Parish
1355 Motherhead Rd.
Cottleville, MO 63304
Please note:
Financial difficulties should not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. If you wish to inquire about assistance, please contact the retreat director: Kathy Stroud at kathleenstroud@live.com
My Testimonial
I made my first ACTS Retreat in January 2007 when a mission team of women came to my parish.
From the moment I arrived, I was inspired by the deep bonds of friendship among the women and the authentic way they share their Catholic faith.
It was a beautiful witness to God’s love in action.
Through ACTS, I have grown tremendously in my faith, found a true community, and been blessed to serve alongside friends who have become like family.
God has used this ministry to strengthen those relationships and continually draw me closer to Him.
One of the things I love most about ACTS is that everyone is welcomed and accepted, regardless of their age or where they are in their faith journey.
It is a place where lives are transformed, friendships are formed, and hearts are opened to the love of Christ.
~ Cyndi Barclay
My Testimonial
Going on an ACTS retreat was a gift I will always treasure.
It gave me the opportunity to step away from the noise and busyness of everyday life and make room for God.
In that space, I experience His love in a deeper way and was reminded that He is always present – waiting for us to slow down, in our hearts, and let Him in.
I came home with a renewed faith, a deeper relationship with God, and a heart that felt lighter and fuller.
And then there were the women. Some I knew before the retreat, and some I had never met.
But somewhere between the prayers, the conversations, the laughter, and the tears, strangers became friends and friends became sisters.
We shared our stories and our faith, and I discovered that God has a beautiful way of bringing the right people into our lives.
So if you are thinking “I don’t know anyone,” please don’t let that stop you. Go anyway.
You may arrive not knowing a single person, but you will not leave alone. Give God the chance to surprise you.
Give yourself the gift of stepping away, opening your heart, and experiencing His love in a whole new way.
Say yes to the retreat – you never know how God may change your heart or who He may place in your life.
~ Lesia Anstead