High school freshmen and sophomores in the Catholic Diocese of Wichita have the opportunity to participate in the Christ's Light in All Youth (CLAY) retreat on Saturday, March 9. The one-day retreat, held at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Garden Plain, aims to help young students mold themselves into disciples of Jesus.

Fr. H Setter, the organizer of the retreat, explains that CLAY is about allowing God to shape individuals into who He envisions them to be. He emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and spiritual growth, stating, "CLAY is all about allowing God to shape you the way God envisions us to be shaped and better ourselves."

The retreat centers around the 18th chapter of Jeremiah, which discusses a potter molding the people of Israel. To bring this concept to life, a potter is invited to demonstrate the process of shaping clay. Participants have the opportunity to witness the transformation firsthand and even create their own works of art. Additionally, the retreat includes discussions on spirituality, specifically targeting the unique challenges that freshmen and sophomore students face.

Fr. Setter emphasizes the significance of youth beginning to mold their lives according to God's plan. He believes that Lent, traditionally associated with older individuals, is equally important for young people, if not more so. He acknowledges the challenges faced by today's youth and encourages them to make adult decisions that align with their faith.

One major challenge for teenagers is the pervasive influence of social media. Fr. Setter cautions against allowing social media to consume their lives, stating, "It should not own us, it should not own any of us, in particular young people, because there's much more to offer in this world than social media." The CLAY retreat provides an opportunity for participants to gain perspective on the role of social media in their lives and to understand how it may contradict the teachings of the gospel.

David Walker, the coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Events, emphasizes that the CLAY retreat is designed to prompt young people to reflect on their relationship with God as they transition into adulthood. The retreat encourages participants to open themselves up to God's calling and to deepen their faith while also providing a fun and engaging experience.

The CLAY retreat offers high school students a unique opportunity for spiritual development and self-reflection. By engaging in discussions, witnessing the potter's craft, and reflecting on their relationship with God, young participants can find direction and guidance in their lives. With the challenges posed by social media and the pressures of adolescence, the retreat aims to provide a supportive environment where students can explore their faith and make decisions that align with their beliefs.