Junior retreat celebrates God and end of year

The Class of 2022 came together for the first time since the last ring Mass to celebrate their accomplishment of almost finishing the year and to serve God. The junior retreat, held on May 18, was organized and run by Father Mark with the help of selected seniors and teachers. 

The day started with the class attending Mass after being separated into four groups. This allowed students to interact with their friends but also with classmates they don’t normally interact with. 

Father Mark then gave the juniors a presentation about his childhood and how his calling to be a priest was not his first choice. This reassured students that there are many roads to take in life and although they may believe they are on the right path, God may have something else in mind.

After that, the groups rotated through four stations: chapel, kickball, lunch, and service project.

In the chapel, seniors talked about their experiences on  Kairos, a four-day, three-night retreat available in June to rising seniors and during the next year to seniors.

Nikki Cashin told the juniors she go more out of Kairos than she had expected.     

“I came in with a closed mindset but the experience I had changed my opinion about the retreat,” Cashin said. “Come in with an open mind and you will leave with a great experience.” 

The groups later split into two teams and played kickball in the gym.

“Kickball was one of my favorite activities because it seemed like it picked our energy up,” said Nia Dantzler. 

“Playing with my group was so fun because everyone came together as a team and it reminded me of when we would always be together,” said Anyae Hall. 

For its service project, The Class of 2022 was able to make more than 175 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. To go along with the sandwiches, students made handwritten cards. These sandwiches and cards were donated to the Blessed Dorothy Day Ministry Center in West Chester.