Retreat
Program
The
Retreat Program is another powerful way for students to experience their
faith.
Middle School Retreats, which are single day retreats directed
by the Religion Department faculty, are mandatory for the seventh and eighth
graders. These days of reflection (one for each grade level) focus on community
building and personal growth, include peer leaders (juniors or seniors),
and always close with the sacrifice of the Mass. In the ninth grade, each
student attends (with half of his class) an overnight
Freshmen Retreat
at La Sallette Shrine, directed by the youth ministry staff of the Shrine
and chaperoned by St. Sebastian's faculty. Here, students encounter a variety
of prayer styles, share their thoughts on relevant topics, and develop a
closer relationship with one another and with God. In the junior and senior
years, optional retreats are offered, held at Craigsville Conference Center
on the Cape and directed by the Religion Department faculty. The
Junior
Retreat (one night, two days) in the spring and the
Senior Retreat
(two nights, three days) in the fall are powerful experiences for those
students truly interested in deepening their own faith. Each of the 20 to
25 students who attends is challenged to share freely and fully of himself
as he moves through the different dynamics of the retreat, dynamics that
include personal and group reflection, extended silent time, various forms
of prayer, and celebrating the Mass.
