Student Retreats
Student retreats, with active student participation at all grade levels, are the heart of S.I.'s Campus Ministry program. The Frosh and Sophomores, participation is mandatory, while Juniors and Seniors are given strong encouragement to attend through exemptions from classes and teacher cooperation on missed assignments. Because the school believes so strongly in the value of these retreats, there is no additional cost to the students or their parents. We believe this is one of the things that makes S.I. unique, as it helps build a strong sense of community.
Frosh Day of Recollection
At S.I. we challenge our students to grow in personal and spiritual leadership which requires the development of a strong interior life -- an honest, open approach to self examination and the sharing of one's values and feelings with others. The Frosh Day of Recollection is held on campus and consists of a full day of spiritual, group sharing and community building activities, led by senior peer ministers, faculty and Campus Ministry Staff.
Sophomore Retreat - St. Anthony Service Plunge
Our sophomore students are given the opportunity for two days to reflect on how they are "with" others. This Thursday-Friday experience begins with a day of service at the St. Anthony Foundation. The days involve service, self examination, group discussion, and sharing of their own experiences. The retreat is lead by our Senior leadership team along with our faculty. Thursday begins at 8:00 in front of our school, and ends by 8:00 PM. Parents are expected to join us for dinner at 6:30 PM. The retreat continues on Friday at FML at 8:00 AM and concludes by 2 PM. This retreat is mandatory. Students are excused from classes and activities, but must complete any assignments by arrangement with instructors. Sophomores are assigned to a retreat by their Sophomore Religious Studies Class.
- Sophomore Retreat Medical & Permission Form (Adobe PDF)
Junior Retreat - FULLY ALIVE
In Junior year, the S.I. student is given the opportunity to expand their awareness of their world through an intense community experience in an overnight retreat held at El Retiro Retreat Center in Los Altos. The retreat begins with self examination, then transitions into a look at our community, ending with a look at each students commitment to building the Kingdom of God. It is when we are Fully Alive that we then can begin to build the Kingdom of God. The day involves self examination, group discussion, and sharing of their own experiences.
The retreat is lead by our Senior leadership team along with our faculty. The day begins at 8:15 a.m. in front of our school and continues to the next day, returning to school by 4:30 p.m. Students are excused from classes and activities, but must complete any assignments by arrangement with instructors. Juniors have an opportunity to select a retreat date during orientation week.
Senior Retreat - KAIROS
The Kairos Retreat Program has been in existence since 1965. It was originally adapted from the Christian Awakening Program designed by a team of priests, religious, and lay people. They planned and worked on the program for one year under the direction of Rev. Douglas L. Brown of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y.. Kairos was modeled after the Cursillo retreat but adapted for teenagers. In 1968, it was been adopted by St. Xavier High School in Louisville through the ministry of Brother Bill Riegel (who worked with the Brooklyn Program), Brother Martin Moran of the Diocese of Richmond, and from Brothers Gerard Boylan, Richard Angarola and Edward Driscoll.
Since the Cursillo movement has roots in Ignatian spirituality, many Jesuits schools eventually incoporated the program into their retreat programs. From St. Xavier in Louisville the program was adapted for Jesuit high schools by faculty from St. Ignatius High School in Chicago, IL including our own Rita Dollard- O'Malley, SI's Director of Adult Spirituality. Several modifications particular to SI's program have been made over the years. It is the opinion of the facilitators of the Kairos program at SI that these changes promote the faith and life of the students at our school and have emerged from the experience of implementing this program. Moreover, more specific Ignatian language and themes have been highlighted in the SI program. Furthermore, student leadership and training has developed extensively since an adaptation of the program was first attempted at SI.
Please pray by name for our students who will enter the Kairos retreat program this year!
- Upcoming Kairos List
- Future Kairos Retreat Rosters for the Class of 2010
- Medical Release Form for Kairos Retreats at the Vallombrosa Retreat Center
Ignatian Guild Day Retreat
Each year the Ignatian Guild sponsors a Day of Recollection on a Sunday for all current and life members of the Ignatian Guild, as well as members of the Loyola Guild. This miniretreat begins with reflections by one of the Jesuits, several prayer and discussion sessions, followed by liturgy and a luncheon reception. Invitations are sent home during the second semester.