The Choices Experience is designed for single young adults ages eighteen to thirty-five of any denomination. Choices is not a traditional religious retreat, it is an encounter, an experience, a chance to listen, share, and build friendships. The focus of the weekend is on relationships and how they affect one’s life. Choices addresses the meaning of “relationship” for the single young adult. The weekend is designed to stimulate a positive response within the young adult. Choices also attempts to foster an environment of trust with other young adults.
The retreat is built around a series of sessions consisting of short readings, talks, and small and large group discussions spread over the weekend. The group gathers early Friday evening and departs Sunday afternoon or evening. The group size can be up to twenty-five people, but the ideal number is eight to fifteen. If there are more than twenty-five, the weekend can become more like a conference than an encounter. A smaller group promotes the bonding necessary for open sharing.
The weekend is centered on eight talks that offer an informal fresh look at “Who we are” and “Where we are going”. Single young adults, married couples, a priest and a religious or a committed single gives the talks. They are of a personal nature and are preceded by a short article or essay that each participant reads. The essays are followed by written questions, which the participants answer on their own, prior to hearing the talk, and later are shared in small group discussions called triads. Usually after the triads there are two large group discussions where new questions are introduced and talked about in a group setting. The participants are also given solo exercises that they can work on their own. This format helps the participants build up to being able to share with the group. The readings or essays try to break through some of the stereotypes prevalent in today’s society. The written questions give the participants something to think about and allow them to write out how they feel. The talks show them that someone else might have the same feelings as them and the speakers are openly sharing their personal experiences with the group. The small group discussions then permit them to become comfortable with sharing their own thoughts with just a few people. Finally, the larger group discussion allows them to open up as they become at ease with the group.
The purpose of this manual is to be a general guideline to those who wish to put on a Choices weekend. It can be used as an aid for those who choose to work on Choices, or who are already involved. Originally written by Theresa Gabriel and Nora Carlson in 1988 with the help of several others, this manual was adapted from a previously copyrighted book authored by Fr. Tom Morrow. The copyright has expired, and Fr. Tom has given his blessings to the work. This manual has also borrowed from the TEC Team Manual with permission. In 1997 this manual was rewritten in its present form through a group effort by the participants and team members of various Choices retreats over the years. The 'Intimacy in Relationships' essay was re-written in 2000. Those using these materials are requested to become a part of the Choices Worldwide Network, which, we pray, will aid all of us in our ministries. For more information please contact:
Choices Worldwide Network
c/o Pro Sanctity Retreat Center
11002 204th Street
Elkhorn, NE 68002