Eagle Eye Formation

For Young Catholic Men and Women ages 16-19
Offered by Priests, Brothers and Sisters of the Community of St. John

Our world is a complicated one; everyone searches for happiness and meaning, but so often they (we?) are left unfulfilled because they are looking where it cannot be found. There is a great need in our world, a thirst . . . everyone around us is searching, and we ourselves . . . but for what?

“What do you seek?” – why don’t we take the time to let Jesus ask us this question – and to let Him help us find the answer.

John Paul II has encouraged today’s young people to “be not afraid!” If there is one thing that I notice about the young people today, it is that they do not want to settle for mediocrity. With the priests, Brothers and Sisters of St. John, we want to offer you the opportunity to go further and higher: to the heights!

You are invited to the 2010 Eagle Eye Summer Institute, held in Fort Valley, Virginia. The 2010 Institute is for young Catholics, ages 16-19. The goal of the program is to engage young Catholics in intellectual discovery and prayer in order to help purify their intelligence and imagination in the quest to know and love the Eternal Wisdom and Truth of God, all the while having a great time and forming healthy, lasting friendships.

The daily rhythm during the session will be balanced between prayer (Liturgy of the Hours, Mass, Adoration, etc.), Philosophical and Theological studies geared toward young people and the reality of their lives, and Christian fellowship through a variety of recreational and entertaining activities, and of course, the unforgettable nightly bonfires. Part of the program includes a two-day hiking and camping trip in the Shenandoah Valley and at least a day on the Shenandoah River.

The Eagle Eye Summer Institute is a response to JPII’s call to “open wide the doors of Christ!” The name of Eagle Eye was chosen because Jesus is often symbolized by the Eagle since He raises our humanity to the highest level. Also John the Evangelist is depicted as the Eagle, for the Gospel of St. John dwells in particular on the Divinity of Christ, leading the reader into contemplation of higher truths. Thus the Eagle Eye Institute is designed to help young Catholics to soar to the heights of heaven through prayer and intellectual formation with the Brothers and Sisters of St. John. This is more than a camp, it is more than a retreat: It’s Eagle Eye! Not for the unadventurous!

We would love to have you join us! If you are interested, please contact me (Liz Hibl) at 540-631-5063, or email me at eahibl@gmail.com. I guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience; a grace-filled and joyous eight days. Invite your friends, classmates, youth group and relatives as well. Any young Catholic, interested in encountering Christ and in growing in the knowledge of the Faith is welcome to participate. Christ thirsts (Jn.19) . . . What about you?

Learn more about the Community of St. John at www.communityofstjohn.com and the Eagle Eye Institute at www.soaringforwisdom.com.