In just three days the Kairos retreat creates everlasting memories, giving seniors the time they need to quiet their minds and reflect. Throughout their time spent in the mountains of Palomar, they not only deepen their relationship with God, but also strengthen their connections with peers and find meaning through prayer.

Why is this retreat only for seniors?

Our school community prayer isn’t just something we recite in the mornings; it’s words that explain how each of us is called to live. Every grade level has a different retreat experience, reflecting the lines in our prayer.

The freshman retreat is a one-day on-campus event that includes activities to help them understand the importance of “let my gifts change the world.” The sophomore retreat is spent serving others, embodying the line “help us live the call”. The juniors’ overnight retreat dives deeper into the faith and prioritizes “building the kingdom”. Finally, the seniors attend an overnight Kairos retreat which allows them to explore their faith further and follow the last line of the prayer, “Veni sancte spiritus” which means “Come Holy Spirit”.

Experience:

Students spend their time attending mass, participating in talks, and doing various faith-building activities. Meaghan O’ Malley, a senior who attended the retreat, shares, “Everyone is on their own faith journey, and you can help them simply by being with them. Kairos helps you develop friendships with people you wouldn’t usually talk to.”

Ysabel Brenner, a junior attending Kairos next year states, “I am looking forward to seeing another side of my friends and classmates through a Christ-centered lens. I think it will be transformative to connect with my peers through faith, rather than the usual kind of conversations.” This puts into perspective that Kairos is more than just a religious retreat, it’s an experience built on connection and community. The participants are able to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ, alongside friends.

Seniors are encouraged to only share small major parts about their time at the retreat, so that underclassmen preparing for it can experience it themselves. Mr. Gramme, Director of Retreats explains, “Just come as you are, wherever you’re at in life is where God has you and there is nothing wrong with that.” Kairos allows people to understand that God is always with them, even during their low points. He also shares, “I hope everyone gains a better perspective on the fact that faith is an important aspect as we move on with our lives.”

The Kairos retreat is an important moment during senior year that serves as an escape, a time to pause and take time to see God in their everyday lives. It is a reminder that faith is a journey meant to be shared, and it prepares seniors to enter the next chapter of their lives with confidence, trusting that God will guide them.