ECHO (an acronym which stands for Encountering CHrist in Others) has been active on Cape Cod and the Islands for more than 50 years as a Christian weekend retreat program. Under the auspices of the Fall River Diocese, the program has enabled more than 12,000 high school and college-aged young adults to deepen their faith and their relationships with God by experiencing an ECHO weekend. Having been touched by the Lord in a special way during the retreat, young people acquire the desire and means to bring Christ to others. The ECHO experience, centered on the message of the Paschal Mystery, provides young people with the faith they need to live in a world sometimes hostile to Christian values. While based in Catholic teachings, the program  welcomes participants from all faith backgrounds, as well as those who don’t currently belong to any church community. 

In addition to the retreat experience, the ECHO program has historically included vibrant community offerings such as weekly reunion groups and other fellowship and service opportunities. In its 50th year, following a period of prayer and discernment, the ECHO program expanded to officially include service, worship, and fellowship experiences as entry points into the program.  While the retreat remains central to ECHO, there are now other opportunities for involvement aside from a retreat experience. We welcome all who wish to deepen their relationship with Christ through these encounters to join us in our community of love.