To The Heights
A Men's Retreat in the Pennsylvania Mountains
Fr. Ben and I have the honor of helping lead a men’s retreat in the mountains of Pennsylvania this summer.
The retreat will take place from June 19 to 21 (Thursday to Saturday).
It will consist of two nights of camping in the mountains of the Quehanna Wild Area and three days of hiking, covering a total of 20 miles.
We will celebrate Mass on the vistas, have adoration as the sun sets, and there will be opportunities for the sacrament of confession.
There will be spiritual talks, praying of the Liturgy of the Hours, and fellowship with Catholic and Christian men during the hikes and camping.
We anticipate that the stars at night will be spectacular, as there is limited light pollution.
The title of the retreat is To The Heights, which is from Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who loved hiking and the outdoors.
On a photo, Frassati wrote Verso l’alto, which means To The Heights. This phrase, in many ways, captures the motto of Frassati’s life both spiritually and in terms of hiking and climbing.
Therefore, inspired by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, the men’s retreat will have Frassati as its patron, and the title of the retreat is To the Heights.
The hiking will be demanding, as it involves hiking 20 miles in three days with some steep mountain climbs and descents.
This retreat is for men who are 18 years and older and have graduated from high school or equivalent.
For those interested in participating in the retreat, here is the retreat's Facebook page: To The Heights - Diocese of Erie. This Facebook page has more information about the retreat.
Also, our registration page can be found here: Register for To The Heights
*The registration deadline is Monday, June 9th.
There is a $50 registration fee, which helps cover meals, a retreat t-shirt, and a Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati medal for each participant.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati is to be canonized (made a saint) later this summer, just a few weeks following the men’s retreat To The Heights.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati…pray for us!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the accommodations?
A: Participants must bring their own sleeping bag, tent, or hammock (if desired).
Q: Where can I find the waiver form?
A: This will be received in a follow-up email after registration.
Q: How challenging is the hike?
A: The hike is 20 miles over three days. There are some steep hills, both uphill and downhill climbs. We recommend that you train for the 20-mile hike before attending.
Q: Can I keep my car in the same place during the hike?
A: Yes. Our hike begins and ends at the same location: Parker Dam State Park Office, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849
Q: What is the address of where we will meet on the first day?
A: Parker Dam State Park Office, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849
Q: What is the exact route of the 20-mile hike?
Q: How do I pay the $50.00 registration fee?
A: Check payable to “Holy Spirit Parish” with memo “To The Heights”
Mail to 118 South State Street, DuBois PA, 15801 (Please submit payment by June 9th)
Q: What do I need to bring to this retreat?
A: This will be received in a follow-up email after registration.
Q: What is the schedule?
A:
Day 1 (Thursday, June 19th) - 7 total miles
12:15 - 12:30 PM – Arrival, gear check, introductions, waiver forms
12:30 PM – Begin hiking
2:15 PM – Daytime Prayer
2:30 PM – Hiking
4:00 PM - Arrival at the campsite (Shaggers Inn)
4:45 PM - Evening Prayer
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Dinner
6:00-7:00 PM - 10-minute talk, Breakout session
7:00 PM - Mass
7:45 PM - Adoration/Confessions/Night Prayer/Blessing
Sunset: 8:50 PM
Campfire/Free time
Day (Friday, June 20th) - 8 total miles
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
7:00 AM – Breakfast/Clean up camp
8:00 AM - Morning Prayer
8:30 AM - Hiking
Daytime prayer - mid-morning
Trail Maintenance Project - late morning
4:00 PM - Arrival at the campsite (Saunders Road Camp)
4:45 PM - Evening Prayer
5:00 - 6:00 PM - Dinner
6:00-7:00 PM - 10-minute talk, Breakout session
7:00 PM - Mass
7:45 PM - Adoration/Confessions/Night Prayer/Blessing
Sunset: 8:50 PM
Campfire/Free time
Day 3 (Saturday, June 21st) - 5 total miles
Sunrise: 5:40 AM
7:00 AM – Breakfast/Clean up camp
8:00 AM - Morning Prayer
8:30 AM - Hiking
10 AM - Mass
1:00 PM - Finish line and Snacks
Group photo and departure
Q: What kind of food?
A: A fuller menu will be sent in a follow-up email after registration. However, tacos, fruit, eggs, bacon, cereal, subs/sandwiches, chicken, s’mores, and mountain pies are a quick run through.
Q: Do I have to carry all this food on my hike?
A: No. We have a team that will bring the food to specific places. However, we recommend that you bring snacks or a particular food you'd like to have with you.
Q: What if the weather looks bad?
A: Safety is our priority. You should pack, preparing for both hot weather and rain showers.
Q: Can I share this opportunity with friends?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Please share! Another link that’s easy to share is our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/To-The-Heights-Diocese-of-Erie/61573776601387/#
Fr. Luke Daghir
This is great! I've been looking for something like this. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it, but if you plan on doing this in future years, I would love to join in!