Fall in Love with Jesus at YOUTH 2000

by Diocese of Des Moines | January 11, 2026

What could possibly be a better way to spend Valentine’s Day weekend than growing deeper in love with Jesus?

Teenagers from across the Diocese will gather Feb. 13-15 for the YOUTH 2000 retreat at St. Pius X Parish in Urbandale.

The retreat had been in the Des Moines Diocese a few years ago, then went dormant. Last year, it made a strong return when Deacon Kelly and Maureen Stone, Deacon Eric and Monica Pugh, and John and Jane Gaffney realized teenagers might not have that wonderful, faith-filled experience of a retreat focused on Jesus in the Eucharist.

“I think the most important motivation for the people on the organizing team is the impact it’s had on their own life,” said Maureen, of St. John the Apostle Parish in Norwalk.

There were 350 students who attended last year and organizers are already hearing that students who were juniors in high school last year want to come back to this year’s retreat.

YOUTH 2000 is focused on the Eucharist. It includes Mass each day, a Eucharistic procession, and reconciliation – and Jesus is exposed in the monstrance at all times (except during Mass). Inspiration for bringing it back to Des Moines was the 2024 Eucharistic Revival gathering in Indianapolis.

“We wanted to bring that experience in a smaller way to the Des Moines area and share it with the youth,” said Deacon Stone.  “YOUTH 2000 encourages the youth to open themselves up to Jesus in the Eucharist.”

The retreat, for those ages 13 to 18, qualifies as a Confirmation retreat.  Last year, many attendees were preparing to receive the sacrament.

Keeping the retreat going on an annual basis helps feed those young Catholics who hunger for Jesus and plays a significant role in the Diocese’s effort to build a retreat culture.

Franciscan Friars of Renewal will be the keynote speakers, just as last year. In addition, Bishop William Joensen will celebrate Mass with the youth.

Cost is $60 per person, which includes lunch and dinner on Saturday. Donors have created a scholarship fund for youth who want to attend but cannot afford the fee. To make a donation or to register a teen for the retreat, go to dmdiocese.org/youth2000.

Organizing the retreat is a lot of work but completely worth it, said Deacon Stone.

“If one person has a conversion to a closer walk with Christ, it’s worth it,” he said.