Retreats

Mark 6:31 – “Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.’”

Life can be very busy, and it’s easy to lose perspective. It can also be difficult — things don’t always go our way, and we may experience hurt, rejection, or moments of desolation. Jesus understood this, which is why He said in Mark 6:31, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Stepping back allows us to regain perspective and be reminded that Jesus is with us, continually reaching out with His love and guidance. For this reason, our students participate in a retreat experience each year. Through class retreats, students are given the opportunity to step back from daily life and (re)connect with God, while also building meaningful relationships with their classmates. These shared experiences remind students that they are not alone and that others face similar challenges. We also believe that God often reaches out to us through our friends, family, and classmates, offering support, love, and encouragement.

Campus Ministry Retreat Program

All students are required to participate in an annual retreat.
 
FRESHMEN attend a one-day, all-class retreat titled “What It Means to Belong to the SMCC Catholic Community.” The retreat focuses on building class unity and fostering a strong sense of community. Approximately 30 seniors serve as small-group facilitators and share witness talks. Seniors also perform skits and lead discussions on topics such as gossip, cliques, rumors, and bullying, emphasizing that these behaviors have no place in a Catholic community.

SOPHOMORES participate in a one-day, all-class retreat called “Mass Impact.” This retreat helps students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Catholic Christians consider the highest form of prayer and worship: the Mass. Through interactive games, testimonies, a clergy panel, and other engaging activities, students explore the meaning of the Mass and the importance of participation. The retreat concludes with the Sacrament of Penance and the celebration of the Mass and is led by the theology department along with a small group of seniors.

JUNIORS participate in one of two overnight retreat options held at the DeSales Center in Brooklyn, Michigan. The theme of the retreat is “The Healing Power of God’s Hand.” During the retreat, students reflect on their own need for healing from the Lord and explore how they can become sources of healing for others. By living in a Christian community for 48 hours, students are challenged to become Christ’s hands, feet, and living presence in the world.

SENIORS attend a three-day, all-class Kairos retreat held in January at Colombiere Retreat Center in Clarkston. This retreat invites students to reflect on who God created them to be, how their life experiences have shaped them, and who they are called to become. Through prayer, reflection, community, and the sacraments, students experience God’s friendship through one another and are challenged to “Live the Fourth Day” by putting that love into action each day. The retreat encourages students to set aside distractions, be authentic, and allow the Lord to become a deeper part of their lives. The retreat is led by a team of adults and seniors who have previously participated in a Kairos retreat.