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A day of reflection is sometimes the best way
to clear a clouded mind. That is the idea behind the whole concept
of retreat, to bring the students closer to God or just help them
focus their energies on what’s really important in life. The
junior class recently went on a retreat to the Pro Sanctity Center,
which is close to Mount Michael. They left as the other students in
the school were just beginning their classes. At 7:55 they piled onto
the bus and drove off to the Center.
Upon arriving, the students walked out
into the cold morning and into the Pro Sanctity Center. The priest
had not arrived yet, so there was time for some recreation before
the retreat really got underway. The moms were already there, and
had been for quite awhile. The moms had already prepared breakfast,
but to the disappointment of the Juniors, they would have to wait.
After a few games of ping-pong, Fr. Ralph O’Donnell had made
his appearance. He is a priest in charge of vocation for the diocese.He started off by asking the Juniors what their gifts were, he wanted to know what the Juniors felt God had gifted them with. He wrote down each of these gifts that the Juniors mentioned. Those gifts ranged from such simple needs as food and shelter to talents like musical ability. After asking about gifts, Fr. O’Donnell asked about the challenges facing students in every day life. Many challenges were mentioned, from the temptations of cheating to the difficulty of being honest on a daily basis. These challenges were also written on another sheet of paper. Fr. O’Donnell then split the Juniors up into groups of three and sent them  each
walking, alone and separate, to go talk about these gifts and challenges.
20 minutes later the Juniors were called back in. These challenges
were something that each person would have to face, and Father O’Donnell
stressed that each person should realize that everyone will have these
challenges, and not refuse help to overcome them. He told a story
about how he had had a particularly bad challenge with a college Algebra
class, and that one brilliant student helped him every day to pass
the class. The students listened with attention, at least until lunch
was served.After the official retreat portion of the day, and some recreation like football and tetherball, Mass was held for the students. Fr. O’Donnell presided over Mass, and when it was over the Juniors filed into the bus to return to Mount Michael. Each Junior will remember this retreat as a day of relaxation and fun, but most of all, each Junior will remember the great food that the moms made. As Tim Huss said, “I give it two thumbs up!” Photos and Article by Mason Tye |
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