Reflections on the February 2020 Kairos Retreat, by Jordan Smith
Our Chaplain, Fr Eric Silva, was able to celebrate Mass twice and offer Reconciliation once during the course of the weekend. In addition, we incorporated a Eucharistic Holy Hour on the first night of retreat, in conjunction with Katie Keogler from St Rose of Lima in Newtown, CT. These spiritual elements helped retreatants understand the scriptural foundation upon which the Kairos Retreat is built in the context of the stories and personal testimonies shared by their peers.
The role of faculty chaperones was to help facilitate small group sessions of approximately 8-10, yet defer to the leadership of the appointed Student Leader. Student Leaders gave the majority of retreat “talks” and met with myself often in the months leading up to the retreat. Their training involved a comprehensive overview of the entire program including policies for reporting students of concern. With their good leadership, five students were identified and referred to the Counseling Department upon our return for necessary evaluation and support.
My sincere thanks to all who have supported this new initiative and care deeply about the future of Campus Ministry through programs like Kairos. I anticipate great growth in Campus Ministry with your support.
Student Reflections
"I feel now that something is different - something definitely has changed for me. I’m not as tired in the mornings anymore and I feel a lot happier throughout the day. I feel a lot closer to my friends and to God”.
“Kairos is verbally indescribable, a truly life changing and faith deepening experience. It is something that will remain with me throughout my life.”
“Kairos was one of the best weekends of my life. I think it was so special because although I have been on retreats before this one focused on strengthening your relationship with yourself and finding comfort in the family you create while at St Joes. Kairos created a support system of people I now consider family, because we all opened up to each other and took down our barriers. In less than a week my outlook on life and attitude towards the world has changed and I believe it’s from getting the chance to take a step back and evaluate what's going on in my life. Being on Kairos allowed me to confide in a group of friends and teachers who I got the chance to know on a deeper and more personal level. The talks and interactions between each person on the retreat pushed me further to give up my burdens to God and let go. Each step forward I took, there was a constant flow of love and encouragement that created a deep trust in others.”
"I truly hope that Kairos goes on for many more years at St Joes because if it weren’t for Kairos, I wouldn’t be at such peace with myself as I am right now. I want others to, as we say, leave Kairos “better then when they came.”
Parent Reflections
"I personally would like to say thank you because my son came back with so much positivity. He absolutely loves these kinds of events and when he was telling me all about it, he was glowing!”
“Thank you for organizing such amazing events to help kids like my son to find each other when they are going through difficult times.”
“It was an amazing experience for my son. He shared his letters last night and was very moved by the whole weekend - it was nice to see his vulnerable side for a change. He had a wonderful time (his words) - one I know he will never forget! Thank you for making him feel so accepted at St Joes!”
“Kairos was truly an experience my daughter will never forget. As she tries to keep the tranquility of the retreat with her daily, the stresses of life barge their way in uninvited.” “Kairos was something my daughter did not go into without some anxiety. But what an incredible transformation! The daughter who returned from that weekend we have not seen in many years - I thank all of you who were a part of this amazing weekend for her.”
Faculty Reflections
“The day-to-day routine of high school runs the risk of a sort of malaise, wherein which days start to blend together, classes start to blend together, and even experiences and moments seem to be the same. Kairos was that opportunity to step out of the ordinary routine of high school to encounter each other and God in a way unlike any other; I met and really experienced for the first time, so many others who I would not have had the opportunity to really see without this retreat.”
“It is good to see our faith lived out in the community we have at St Joes. Rarely have I witnessed the great empathy our students shared with each other on Kairos. I am hopeful that this program will continue to bring our students into a relationship with God that leads them to support each other in good and bad times. Incredible experience!”
