A recent retreat led by the S.A.L.T. (Saving and Leading Teens) ministry made a profound impact on confirmation candidates in the Albemarle region of the Diocese of Raleigh.
"You poured your hearts and souls into the day, and the teens knew it, felt it and were impacted by it," wrote Kathy Masters, director of Religious Education at St. Ann Catholic Church in a letter to the S.A.L.T. Team following the retreat in Edenton. "We are so incredibly grateful."
The S.A.L.T. ministry, which stands for "Saving and Leading Teens," developed by a group of young adults from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove, is designed to connect with young people through peer ministry. The program features young adult leaders from eastern North Carolina who mentor local youth, creating what Masters described as "a gift from God."
During a follow-up session after the retreat, confirmation candidates eagerly shared their experiences with peers. According to Masters, "They were telling stories before we even had the chance to pray!"
One participant reportedly embraced the S.A.L.T. team's advice to fully engage with the retreat experience, telling classmates how transformative it was to be "intentional" throughout the day.
"She wanted to throw her arms around every person who cried during the retreat. She wanted to comfort them. She wanted them to know that they weren't alone," Masters recounted.
The retreat included skits, witness talks, small group discussions and time for Adoration, all of which resonated with the teens. Even those who had already been confirmed or were not yet in the confirmation process were "hanging on every word" as participants shared their stories.
"The Holy Spirit was ALL OVER the retreat," Masters wrote, noting that the ministry's ability to connect with teens "blesses them, their families, and their parishes abundantly."
The S.A.L.T. ministry has been growing in influence throughout the Diocese of Raleigh, focusing on meeting youth "right where they are" with a combination of joy and reverence. The ministry's approach of having young adults from eastern North Carolina lead retreats for teens from the same region is proving effective.
The Diocese of Raleigh has partnered with S.A.LT. to host retreats, funded through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, and frequently refers parishes to the ministry.
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