YOUTH 2000

“Through the power of the Holy Spirit, YOUTH 2000 seeks to raise up a new generation of saints to evangelize the nations.”

The YOUTH 2000 retreat is a joyful weekend experience that includes the celebration of the Mass, Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, talks from Franciscan Friars, music, workshops, and fellowship.

YOUTH 2000 is an international spiritual initiative established to draw young people to a deep and lasting union with Jesus Christ, placing the Eucharist “the source and summit of the Christian life” at the center of its mission. It was founded in 1990, by a young English man named Ernest Williams who was inspired by John Paul II’s call to young people at World Youth Day in 1989 at Santiago de Compostela. 

This retreat is open to all youth aged 13-18. While adults cannot attend as participants, there will be a need for a variety of adult volunteers. If you are interested in being a chaperone or volunteering, please contact Mary Settle at marysettle1555@gmail.com.

**All participants & chaperones must complete a Liability Release Form. If participant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign.**

Frequently Asked Questions

See below for frequently asked questions about the upcoming YOUTH 2000 retreat. See below for frequently asked questions about the upcoming YOUTH 2000 retreat. If you have further questions or need additional information you can contact Mary Settle at (515) 865-5791 or Maureen Stone at (515) 537-3710.

What is the registration deadline?

We are asking people to register by February 1st to ensure there is enough food at lunch & dinner for all participants & chaperones.

Does my child need a chaperone?

While you do not need to attend YOUTH 2000 with your child, the Diocese of Des Moines has a policy regarding the ratio of particpants to adult chaperones that we must follow. The role of the chaperone is to ensure the general safety and wellbeing of all participants, regardless of if they are affiliated with a specific participant or parish group.

• If you are attending with a parish group, please ensure that you have 1 chaperone for every 7 youth that you register. Chaperones are expected to be at the entire weekend-long event.
• If your child is attending outside of a parish group a chaperone will be assigned to them at check-in unless you indicate a chaperone on their liability form.

Can my child leave early/show up late?

• Initial registration/check-in will only occur on Friday, February 13th starting at 6:30 PM. This is when participants and chaperones will receive their name badges & wristbands. If you do not have a name badge & wristband you will not be admitted to the retreat on Saturday or Sunday.
• Participants must have written permission signed by a parent or legal guardian in order to leave the YOUTH 2000 retreat during the retreat hours. Written permission from a chaperone or youth minister who is not the parent/legal guardian is NOT sufficient.
• Leaving the retreat for lunch or dinner on Saturday is not an option.

Is overnight housing being provided?

This retreat is not an overnight retreat and participants are responsible for their accommodations.