Fall Class Retreats
     Leadership has always been a quality for which most men strive. This past fall, all the young men here at Mount Michael have had the opportunity to learn more about what leadership truly means. Each class took a day off to go on retreat, either at Boys Town, for the seniors, or at Pro-Sanctity retreat center for the juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Each retreat was tailored to each grade and age level of the young men.

     The seniors spent the day with retreat leader Bob Solanyka moving through a “challenge course” to develop their “hands on” skills at leading and following. It was a time of solidifying themselves as a class and a brotherhood of young men working with one another towards a goal. The juniors, led by Fr. Mike Eckley, focused on teamwork and how leadership develops out of being a part of a team. They enjoyed games, talks and some time of “solitude, listening in the quiet. The sophomores, guided by Youth Leader Tom Murray, sought out the treasures our faith has for young men to become real leaders. Through a series of talks, activities, and free time the sophomores deepened their identity as a class and the part they play on their greater team – the Church. The freshmen began their retreat experience by pulling aside and taking a deeper look at themselves personally and collectively. It was a time to establish themselves as individuals coming together at Mount Michael to embark on a four-year journey together. Fr. Dan and Teresa Monaghen led these young men through talks, games, and activities that allowed them to explore themselves and see what it is that each of them has to offer their fellow class mates, school mates, and the greater community.

     Overall, the collective experience was a fun one that challenged and offered insight to themselves and to the young men they have come to know as brothers. The retreats have always been a time where each of our young men could “pull aside” and take an account of where they are in life and where they want to go.