Preparations are underway for the February Kairos, which will be K109, or the 109th Kairos retreat offered by Archbishop Carroll. Carroll teachers who serve as adult leaders and chaperones as well as seniors who serve as student leaders have met to organize what will be the third opportunity for members of the class of 2023 to take part in this experience.

The religious retreat, which will happen from Feb. 14 through Feb. 17 at the Malvern Retreat House, offers students the chance to strengthen their relationship with God and other students. Kairos is an ancient Greek word and is defined as the right critical or opportune moment.

While attending Kairos, the use of technology is strictly prohibited. This cut-off from the outside world allows students to improve their spiritual and social relationships, as they are allotted time to spend with God, their classmates, and their teachers.

Carroll teachers and students who have previously attended Kairos work as the orchestrators for the next retreat. Leonardo Moreno, who attended K107 and was a student leader on K108, was chosen to be the rector of K109. The rector is the student director of the event.

“The challenge I face is having an environment that all retreatants can remember fondly with their peers and being able to forge new long-lasting friendships,” Moreno said. “Another one is having moments in which retreatants can reflect and be able to have a truly meaningful Kairos experience.”

Catie Manzo, who attended K108 in October, is now preparing to be a K109 student leader.

“From my personal experience, attending Kairos for the first time changed my perspective on a bunch of different aspects of my life,” Manzo said. “I was able to grow a lot more as a person and I still learn more every day. I’m so excited to attend Kairos as a leader. I hope others have an even better experience than I did.”

Many students get overwhelmed with many different emotions when first heading into Kairos. The teachers do their best to make it a friendly environment.

“I would say the best way to arrive at Kairos is with an open mind and an open heart willing to give this experience a chance,” said Carroll engineering teacher Mr. Ronald Cummings, who serves as an adult leader on virtually all Kairos retreats. “A lot of students have anxieties based on the opinions of other students, which is only going to dampen their own personal experiences. Each and every Kairos is different, depending on the individual students who attend the retreat and their participation. So, my advice is simple, let Kairos happen, and you may be amazed.”

Senior AJ Dilks shared his feelings as he prepares to go on Kairos for the first time.

“I have been very excited; however, I’m trusting the Kairos leaders and the organizers to make this Kairos great while I just mentally prepare myself,” Dilks said. He also stated: “I will try to listen to others and listen to God as I’m on the retreat rather than getting caught up in life. I’m hoping to leave more spiritually connected than I have ever been.”