What is the Life Awareness Retreat?
A Time for Discernment
The retreat is based on the conviction that God has made each one of us for a purpose in this life. In our Church tradition we call this purpose our Vocation. This Vocation, this reason for being, is a gift from God in our lives. Think about getting a jacket that was tailored just for you. The tailor first measures your frame and makes a jacket that is uniquely designed to fit you and only you. Your Vocation is similarly tailored for you by God. However, God did not have to measure us, because He created us, and formed us from our conception. You and your Vocation were quite literally made for each other. 
The Life Awareness Retreat is designed to help you become aware of the reason for your life. This process of growing in understanding of our Vocation is called discernment, and that is the heart of the weekend. The retreat is for those who have never discerned seriously, those who are just starting out, and for those who are already on their discernment journey.
Discerning from Experience
One of the most important things to remember is that one cannot discern alone. We gather together with priests, religious brothers and sisters, lay vocation promoters, and people discerning from all walks of life in order to discern together. We gather for prayer (mass, rosary, adoration, liturgy of the hours, etc.), fellowship, discussions, reflections, talks, and one-on-one walks in order to help the retreatants learn from the experience of all present. Very often, it is the experience of others that helps us to see clearly the signs God has given us to show us the way to our Vocation.
What does it involve?
The retreat lasts from Friday evening to Sunday midday. The registration fee of $50 is charged to help pay for the rooms at Our Lady of the Lake University and to help defray some of the cost of the materials. Financial aid is available for those who need it, but you have to admit $50 is a good deal for a two night stay, meals, retreat materials, and a whole crew of priests, nuns, and brothers ready to answer your questions. There are activities for the whole group throughout the day, but also time to reflect and get more in depth with a particular vocation minister.
Life Awareness 2012
May 25-27
Our Lady of the Lake University
Registration is $50 and includes room, meals, and materials. Financial assistance is available; you will not be turned away because of cost. After registration you will receive a list of things to bring.