ACTS Retreats
Contact
Parish Office
(636) 441-0055 ext. 701
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.
Register and pay online by clicking on the link below.
Please note:
Financial difficulties should not prevent anyone from attending this retreat. If you wish to inquire about assistance, please contact either of the retreat directors.
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 your completed registration form, along with the deposit to:
Attn: ACTS Retreat
St. Joseph Parish
1355 Motherhead Rd.
Cottleville, MO 63304
Women’s ACTS Retreat
Testimonials
"ACTS has Truly Shown Me the Power of Community"
“Becoming involved in ACTS has truly shown me the power of community. Through ACTS, I’ve formed friendships with women whose paths may have never crossed mine otherwise—because of differences in age, the Mass we attend, or our different seasons of life. Yet through this shared faith experience, we have built friendships that have been a true blessing.
This community has shown up for my family when we needed it most. They have prayed with us, supported us, and walked alongside us during difficult moments. They have truly been the hands and feet of Jesus, and I am so grateful for the friendships, encouragement, and faith that ACTS has brought into my life.”
~ Brittany Cyr
"Time Away with the Lord in a Way that also Connected Me with Women Who Were Like Me"
“If you are anything like me you have looked at the advertisement for the ACTS retreat many times, thought it was a good idea to sign up but then you never do. For me it took a personal invitation from a dear friend for me to attend my first ACTS retreat. I have been a Catholic my entire life, however something was missing. A personal relationship with the Lord. I just didn’t know how to obtain it. That friend knew exactly what I needed. Time away with the Lord in a way that also connected me with women who were like me.
ACTS gave me a place where I could be still, pray and really connect with the Lord exactly where I was. I was able to put my family, my job, my worries and concerns aside for a few days and concentrate just on Him and me.
Let me be that friend to you and offer you a personal invitation to attend an ACTS retreat. I can’t promise you that it will fix all your problems, but I can tell you that you will be surrounded by women who want to walk with you right where you are. We have been praying for you every week and will continue to do so. I hope to see you there.”
~ Tina Ducharme
"I Left Feeling Renewed, Grateful, and Reminded that I Am Never Walking this Journey Alone"
“Being on the ACTS Retreat meant more to me than I can put into words. It gave me the opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, slow down, reconnect with my faith, and grow closer to God.
It reminded me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own and that I can trust God’s plan, even when I don’t understand it.
The friendships, conversations, prayers, laughter, and tears will always hold a special place in my heart. I left feeling renewed, grateful, and reminded that I am never walking this journey alone.”
~ Tanya McTurnan
"Everyone is Welcomed and Accepted, Regardless of their Age or Where They Are in their Faith Journey"
“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
"Give Yourself the Gift of Stepping Away, Opening Your Heart, and Experiencing His Love in a Whole New Way"
“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