The Class of 2027 at Cathedral Catholic High School took a break from the classroom to participate in their Live the Call retreat: a day for students to reflect on values and deepen their spiritual life. The retreat also called upon them to learn the value of helping others.

During the retreat, students learned the importance of helping others in their main activity of the day. Packing food bags for local families experiencing food insecurity. Group leader senior Sophia Johnson says, “I hope the sophomores will learn that food insecurity is real, and it’s important to appreciate the meals they get.” Working in groups, students gathered hundreds of meal kits packed with necessities and showed how impactful service can be, even through simple acts from the heart.

For many sophomores, the “Live the Call” motivates students to realize their responsibility as young people of faith and to respond to the needs of the world around them. In packaging food for struggling families, students were reminded that living the Gospel isn’t just about words, but it’s also about action.

The leaders learned that it’s okay to be open and speak in front of others, even when it feels uncomfortable. They realized that sharing their thoughts and being honest helps build trust within the group. Sr. Sophia Johnson (group leader)said, “When I allowed myself to be more open, other people started to feel comfortable doing the same.” By opening up, they created a space where others felt comfortable doing the same. Group leader Sr. Grace Sanchez said, “I realized that being honest and sharing my thoughts helps build trust and makes our activities easier for the sophomores to be open.” This showed them that leadership isn’t just about giving directions. It’s about encouraging a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and loved.

The retreat also included time for prayer, reflection, and discussions in small groups. Leader Grace Sanchez said, “Prayer during the retreat was calming because it gave everyone a quiet moment to slow down, breathe, and focus on what really matters.” Students talked about where they see God working in their lives, how they can grow spiritually, and what it means to be role models in their community. The students came away from the experience feeling more connected to their classmates and connected with their faith .

By the end of the day, Cathedral Catholic sophomores left with a new sense of purpose. The Live the Call retreat helped them to see that faith is lived out every day in acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. This year’s retreat reminded the sophomore class that now is the time to answer God’s call, and how even small actions can have a big impact in the community.