ALGOMA CHALLENGE WEEKEND

If you are interested in attending, please talk to your incumbent and notify Program and Youth Consultant at the Synod Office or by calling (705) 256-5061 or here.
What is Challenge?

Challenge is an opportunity for young persons between the ages of 16 and 23 to experience the love and fellowship of a supportive and nurturing Christian community.

Challenge is designed to be more than a weekend experience; it provides ongoing support to those trying to live out their Christian lives each day.

Algoma Challenge Weekend is an opportunity to meet new friends, to grow in one’s spiritual journey, to share one’s gifts, and to spend time away as part of a larger Christian community.

The two-fold purpose of Algoma Challenge is "To awaken individuals to God’s call to growth in relationship with God, self and others" and "to teach and support those who are trying to live that call each day."

Algoma Challenge (Who is it For?)

Any person between the ages of 16 and 23.

Any person who has questions about their faith.

Any person who wants to grow in their spiritual journey.

Any person who wants to discover their spiritual gifts.

Any person who wants to experience the love and friendship of a Christian community.

History of Challenge

Challenge is the youth branch of the Cursillo Movement which began in the Roman Catholic Church. The first Cursillo was held in Majorca, Spain, in the 1940's. The first English Cursillo was held in 1961.

The full title for Cursillo is "Cursillo en Christianidad" which is Spanish for "short course in Christianity".

In the 1970's weekends for Christian teenagers were developed in the Roman Catholic Church in North America using various adaptations of the Cursillo method. These programmes are known as Challenge, Search, COR and TEC.

Algoma Challenge is adapted from teachings and customs used in the Diocese of Ottawa’s Anglican Challenge.
THE CHALLENGE WEEKEND (WHAT TO EXPECT)

The weekend is centred around a series of talks given by your peers and adults. The talks are progressive in nature - each one builds upon the theme of the previous one. They cover such subjects as looking at your ideals, psychological development, who is Jesus Christ?, prayer, sacraments, the Church, the lay apostolate, piety and living the Christian ideal.

Music, worship and dialogue form an essential part of the Weekend. It is important that you come with an open mind, ready to share and to listen.

After the Weekend, which is only the beginning, you may find a way of life that can provide answers to your concerns and questions. There will be reunions after the Weekend; gatherings of Challengers who wish to gain strength in their spiritual journey through sharing, learning, and worship. These are opportunities to continue the process of spiritual growth which enables each of us to be more effective Christians.

Š2004 Diocese of Algoma