Dozens of youth from across the Diocese of Dodge City met at St. Dominic Parish Center in Garden City for a retreat designed to lead them closer to Christ through the gift of each other.

Offered to freshmen and sophomores, the 24-hour retreat included games, small group sharing and other interactive activities, as well as plenty of time for becoming closer to God.

"Sometimes dreams come true when you walk away from something knowing that the Holy Spirit was present and that it was a powerful experience," said Director of Youth Ministry, Steven Polley. "This is how I feel regarding the last JOY (Jesus, Others, You) retreat experience. Thirty-five young people gathered from all areas of the diocese. Never have I seen a group of young people come together and become a group that worked together, and shared life experiences. I am confident that each young person heard God speaking to them and found themselves more fully engulfed in God’s infinite embrace"