Retreats are a vital part of the Patriot experience.  Each year, students participate in unique trips designed to educate and facilitate each individual’s faith journey.

While retreats were never a burden to me, they were also never something I was super excited about. Of course, I loved getting out of school for a day and spending time with my peers; however, I was always skeptical of them until I became a peer minister.

My freshman retreat to the Baltimore Basilica was canceled due to COVID. Thankfully, I was able to go as a leader the next year. This trip opened my eyes to the beauty of the church and was the first time I truly felt Patriot Pride.

As a sophomore, I spent a day at Mt. Zion working with adults with developmental disabilities. I will be the first to admit that it was a new experience for me, and I was nervous going into it. However, by the end of the day, I was so moved by the compassion and love that had surrounded me.

            I visited Mt. Zion for the second time as a peer minister. I was looking forward to spending another day with the friends I had made the year prior. However, I was shocked by how much I got out of that trip. Watching a group of my peers spread so much kindness inspired me to be more like them.

Afterward, I gave myself a challenge that I want to extend to all: complete one act of kindness a day. Give someone a compliment; hold the door open for the person behind you, or simply smile at a stranger.

Another special opportunity I had was to attend the sophomore vocational trip. When I was a sophomore, the trip did not exist. However, as a junior and senior, I attended as a photographer for The Patriot staff. This unique experience was enlightening as I learned about the life of religious women and the history of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. Spending two days reconnecting with my faith in the gorgeous cathedral is something I will never forget.

My junior retreat was also incredibly special. It truly was a time to “come apart and rest awhile” as the Msgr. O’Dwyer Retreat House says.

I have never felt so united with my class as a whole, and it allowed me to appreciate the friendships and bonds I have created with both my classmates and my teachers.

However, leading a junior retreat as a senior was the most powerful moment in my faith journey thus far. My first time experiencing Eucharistic Adoration changed the way I viewed my relationship with God and my relationship with my community. I highly recommend going to Adoration at least once in your four years at John Carroll.

This final retreat marked the beginning of the end of my last year at JC. While bittersweet, I would not have traded this experience for the world. Having one more opportunity to connect with my friends and teachers in our faith allowed me to truly appreciate the family I have made in the past four years.

Last, but certainly not least, I attended senior retreat last week. I have heard lots of stories about this retreat. Fun will be had; tears will be shed, and memories will be made.

My expectations never could have prepared me for the overwhelming love and support that I felt at Sandy Cove. I can confidently say that JC retreats have had a profound impact on me. I now see my faith, my friends, my community, and the beautiful world around me in a new light.

While attending retreats is a graduation requirement, do not simply check the box. Embrace the opportunity and live in the moment.