St. Ambrose ACTS Family History of ACTS

ACTS was given birth through the Cursillo Movement. Cursillo began between WWI and WWII in response to secularization of many Catholics in Spain. It soon became very popular as a result of the dramatic effect it had on a person’s spirituality. By the mid 1980’s Cursillo had spread to many places in the world one of which was Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Selma, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio. It was here that Ed Courtney, Joe Hayes and Marly Sablik, who were heavily involved with Cursillo, planned the first ACTS Retreat. Ed, Joe and Marly felt that several aspects of the Cursillo could be improved to meet the needs of parishes, particularly the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council. The Holy Spirit inspired them to structure a retreat that would meet the needs of everyone as we are all apostles of our day. The Holy Spirit worked through the founders to show them that it was appropriate for the ACTS of the Apostles to be the ACTS Retreat theme. After the first ACTS Retreat it spread from parish to parish in the San Antonio Archdiocese. By 1997 there were several parishes with an ACTS Program. The ACTS Mission, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1997 to take ACTS Retreats to dioceses and parishes all over the world. ACTS Retreats have enriched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world, men, women and teens, young and old, rich and poor and Catholic and non-Catholic. ACTS has reinvigorated the spiritual lives of individuals, families and parishes by opening their eyes and hearts to God.

ACTS is inspired by the ACTS of the Apostles 2: 42-47 “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to communal life, to breaking of the bread, and to prayers. Awe came upon everyone and many wonders and signs were performed through the apostles. All who believed were together and held all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart and praising God and enjoying favor with all people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were saved.”

ACTS is an acronym that stands for:    

Adoration, the call by, acceptance and response to God; Community, the love and caring of each other; Theology, the study of God through scripture and the Catholic Faith; Service, to God and His people.

An ACTS Retreat at St. Ambrose An ACTS Retreat is a three day/three night Catholic lay retreat presented by parishioners. The weekend retreat begins on Thursday evening in the St. Ambrose Parish Hall and ends on Sunday with Mass at St. Ambrose celebrated with our ACTS Family. The ACTS Retreat is open to Catholics and non-Catholics. Men’s, women’s and teen’s retreats are presented separately. St. Ambrose ACTS Retreats are held at Christ the King Retreat Center in San Angelo, Texas. The Holy Spirit guides a leadership team of lay parishioners with the design of a meaningful experience for retreat participants to include Holy scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church. An ACTS Retreat is an invigorating event that often leads to lasting bonds between parishioners.

The purpose of an ACTS Retreat

An ACTS weekend is designed to help retreat participants develop a new or deeper spiritual relationship with our Lord and fellow parishioners. This is accomplished through Adoration and daily prayer, the call to Community as a member of the Body of Christ and Theology in encouraging the study of scripture and our Catholic Faith…all of these emphasize and encourage the virtue of Service to our Lord, our parishes and one another.

The goal of an ACTS Retreat An ACTS Retreat strives to achieve the directives of Vatican II and goals of the Revised Code of Canon Law of 1983 which emphasizes “community and pastoral care” within our parishes. The weekend provides an environment that will allow retreat participants to be filled with the Holy Spirit and come to know and understand the depths of God’s love. It’s a spiritually revitalizing time that provides the peace and joy of our Lord so that participants return to their parishes renewed with a desire to become more involved in their parish faith family.

Why participate in an ACTS Retreat? The weekend is a powerful and enduring personal conversion experience that inspires participants to continue to actively seek the Lord. Talks which draw from personal experiences of team members, and activities conducted during the weekend give participants a better understanding of the meaning and importance of prayer, liturgy, the sacraments, scripture, community and service. It is a powerful community building experience. Participants are also given guidance to help them in their faith journeys during and after the retreat. The weekend gives you the chance to spend quality time with God, focus on your faith, and cultivate friendships among members of our church family.

How much does the retreat cost?

The cost for each participant is $195.00. A $25.00 deposit is required to reserve your place. The remaining balance is due at the Thursday evening check-in. Cost should not keep you from attending a retreat; arrangements can be made to assist with the cost.

When are retreats? Annual retreats for men and women are offered by San Angelo ACTS and Small Town ACTS. St. Ambrose parishioners may participate in either of these retreats. In addition, there is a Teen ACTS Retreat each summer in July which St. Ambrose high-school-age teens may attend.

How do I register? Registration forms may be requested via email at: [email protected].

How to stay involved with your St. Ambrose ACTS Family ACTS is a welcoming family of loving service. Please join us. Following your retreat experience you may have the opportunity to serve on a retreat team, take part in the St. Ambrose ACTS Family monthly meetings and socials and take part in ACTS reunions. You may also participate in special team commissioning Masses or at each retreat send off, candlelight service and closing celebration Mass and the following pot luck dinner. Please join our family and experience the peace, joy and love of the Lord, Jesus Christ.