A Christ-centered community where young adults encounter Jesus, deepen their faith, and become joyful disciples who evangelize, serve the Church, and inspire others through love, friendship, and authentic Christian witness. Effeta is more than a retreat—it is an invitation to open your heart to the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the Gospel account of Ephphatha ("Be opened" – Mark 7:34), this international Catholic ministry helps young adults step away from the noise of everyday life and experience a personal encounter with the Lord that renews their faith and gives new purpose to their lives. Through a powerful weekend of prayer, heartfelt testimonies, the Sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, worship, reflection, and authentic Christian friendship, participants discover that Christ knows them personally, loves them deeply, and continually calls them to holiness. Created in 2013 in Bogotá, Colombia, Effeta has become a worldwide movement, touching thousands of lives across Latin America, Spain, the United States, and many other countries. At Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish in Weston, young adults ages 18 to 30 continue this beautiful mission by welcoming, accompanying, and serving other young people with joyful hearts, creating a community where everyone feels seen, loved, and embraced as part of God's family. The retreat is led by young adults for young adults, making every testimony, every prayer, and every moment of fellowship a genuine witness to God's living presence. Beyond the retreat weekend, Effeta becomes a lifelong journey of discipleship, encouraging participants to remain rooted in the Sacraments, actively involved in parish life, and committed to sharing Christ's love through service, evangelization, and authentic friendships. Every retreat plants seeds of hope, healing, conversion, and missionary discipleship, empowering a new generation to courageously answer God's call and become living witnesses of the Gospel wherever He sends them. "Be opened." — Mark 7:34 100% of your gift supports Effeta at Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Parish · Weston, FL.
Through ParishMart, Effeta can share its mission, promote ministry merchandise and guide supporters to the official giving experience.
