Women's Apostolate to Youth

The Women’s Apostolate to Youth has been offering retreats for men for over 20 years.  This apostolate began in 1998 when WAY Members decided that the spiritual formation our Chaplain, Rev. Paul Scalia, had to offer us was so good we wanted to find a way to share it with our husbands.  Before long we realized that we needed to expand this apostolate and reach many more men who would benefit from this kind of spiritual support.

 

We recognized then and are even more firmly convinced now that anything we do to strengthen the faith of all men, but especially husbands and fathers, will directly benefit children and youth.  Recent research has indeed confirmed that when the father of a family practices his faith, the children are far more likely to remain in the faith themselves—even when they may have a very devout mother.  So there really is a kind of spiritual leadership that only fathers of families are meant to exercise, and now, when the family is under demonic assault, it is more vital than ever that they do so. As the assault has intensified, it seems especially appropriate to offer these retreats in recognition of the Kingship of Christ and to pray for His ultimate victory over the forces of darkness that are attempting to destroy the integrity of marriage and the family.

 

Over the years interest in this annual event has grown and we are greatly indebted to Fr. Scalia for his continued commitment to this apostolate to men, despite his increasing responsibilities in the Diocese of Arlington and as a pastor.  It is open to all Catholic men, married and single (including college students).  It always occurs on a Saturday morning, ending in the early afternoon and includes inspiring Talks, Confession, Adoration, Rosary, Lunch, Benediction, and Holy Mass.

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