On Wednesday February 11, the Class of 2029 partook in their Freshman Retreat at Mary Help of Christians Center. The day-long retreat gave freshmen the opportunity to take time with themselves, their faith, and their meaningful relationships where they found themselves understanding the true lens of Esse Quam Videri.
The retreat consisted of fun, engaging, and interactive activities where there was an emphasis on the freshman discovering who they are supposed to be throughout high school. Specifically, the freshmen were dared to “bloom where they are planted” while they are at Academy – through faith, academics, friendships, and their sense of self.
Olivia Elliott (’29), “I thought it was a really good time to spend time with friends but also learn how to grow in my faith during the school year. I liked hearing the perspectives of seniors and their experiences on how they were able to grow spiritually with all the stress of the school year.”
Although some retreatants have embarked on retreats with their middle school or for confirmation preparation, this was the first time the girls were able to engage in small group conversations with their classmates and peer ministry leaders. This is a great introduction to the more in-depth retreats, such as the three-day Kairos Retreat and the overnight Senior Retreat.
There were 29 senior ministers that have dedicated themselves to planning retreats, growing in their own faith, and facilitating weekly small groups. All together these upperclassmen work diligently all year to provide underclassmen with plentiful opportunities to grow in their faith, find friends also rooted in Christian living, and ask questions about faith on a regular basis. This was really special for the freshman, as the seniors got to be their “big sisters” for the day and to continue this mentorship and support system for the rest of the year.
On this retreat, seniors Abby Doyle and Addison Sheets served as Masters of Coordinators (MCs) who led discussions, transitions, and break time. While they didn’t have their own small groups, they got to see the freshman come out of their comfort zones throughout the duration of the retreat. Additionally, other peer minister leadings connected with the class as a whole through witness talks, where experiences resonate with students through faithful testimonies.
Senior Addison Sheets said, “It was great getting the opportunity to be the MC and talk to all the freshmen. I loved my freshman retreat and looked up to the seniors like my big sisters, so I really enjoyed getting to know them and talking them through any worries or concerns that they had for the rest of the high school years.”
Many girls on the retreat got insight on faith life, balancing all the responsibilities of academics, and finding their own “talent sprinkles” from the peer ministry group. Outside of time with peer ministers, the retreatants gained experience with scripture, finding God in nature, and appreciating all the little moments while in school.
The retreat, complete with journaling and mass, allowed students to pause from their daily obligations and busy schedules, allowing them to reflect on their changing environments and evolving relationships with God and themselves, something that truly takes time and courage to tackle and grow.
Senior Abby Doyle said, “I really loved being MC because it was a new change from having a small group, I loved talking to everyone. However, I would’ve loved connecting with the freshman on a more personal level. Overall, being an MC helped my leadership skills and brought people together.”
