On Friday, November 18, the sophomore class attended their first retreat of the year at Mary Help of Christians Church. The theme of the retreat was “Extending the power of your goodness,” and kicked off with snacks and group bonding.
Fr. Paul Chong led the retreat, helping sophomores to extend their inner goodness. The games began with balloon blowing and a showing of Path Adams. Team building exercises such as the Matrix, Skis, Island Jumping, and the Hoola Hoop/Marble. took place outside, bringing the girls closer together to solve the problem at hand. Whether it was island hopping or balancing on skis, AHN girls worked and bonded together.
The beautiful water and weather made it a perfect day to play with the animals. The girls instantly fell in love with the rabbits and had fun with the goats. Also, watching the horses gallop through the fields brought much amusement as well. Sophomores then got to see a piece of history as they went through relics in the chapel. The retreat came to an end with mass as Academy of the Holy Names students came together and prayed. The sophomore class is very thankful to Mary Help of Christians Church and all who organized it.
The tired but happy sophomores relaxed by the lake and took their much-deserved lunch break. Some students took this time to run around the shady campus of Mary Help. The lake provided an excellent backdrop for memorable photos.
“I liked how they gave us down time to slow down and take in the scenery,” said sophomore Jess Riddle.
The day concluded with Father Paul celebrating Mass in the Good Shepherd Chapel. Sophomores on the Worship Band led the group in song.
“The sophomores have beautiful voices and harmonize with each other. Even Father Paul we should have a CD made of their singing,” said sophomore English teacher Mrs. Linda Nutter.
Before heading to the bus the sophomores played with the horses and rabbits one last time. Sr. Mary Pactricia Plumb shepherded the girls to the bus so they would not be late. “This was hands down one of the best retreats I’ve been on,” said Sister Mary Patricia Plumb.
