Bishop Blanchet Highschool
Retreat Program
We invite students to step away from the routine of their lives and explore the power of their spirituality, the meaning of their lives and the joy of a heart formed in the image of Jesus.
The following retreat opportunities are offered:
Freshmen
Our annual freshman retreat is a three day experience for all ninth graders, run by junior and senior leaders who plan activities that both build community and allow for our freshmen to take steps toward deepening their faith. Freshmen students may also participate in the annual Hunger Retreat, which is open to all grade levels.
Sophomores
Sophomores are invited to sign up and attend various retreats offered to help them begin or deepen their relationship with God, grow as compassionate people of service, develop Christ-like relationships with their peers, and become more active in their faith community. The Brave Plunge is an intensive overnight experience meant to inspire deeper compassion for the poor and underprivileged. “Break Away” retreats, which are open only to sophomore and junior students are offered throughout the year. Retreat service opportunities include working as crew for our annual freshmen retreat.
Juniors
Junior year retreat offerings are similar to sophomore year with more leadership opportunities. A junior overnight offers students a chance to deepen their faith in community with their peers. Juniors also have their first opportunity to experience the Kairos retreat, which is open to both juniors and seniors in the spring. The Kairos retreat is a powerful three-night, four-day, peer-led experience that gently guides students toward a deeper understanding of themselves, their community and God. Day-long “Break Away” retreats occur throughout the year and are open to junior and sophomore students. Finally, juniors are welcome to sign up for retreat leadership opportunities, including freshmen retreat, Break Away retreats, and Brave Plunge.
Seniors
Our seniors can participate in the Kairos retreat during the fall, winter and/or spring as leaders or participants. The Kairos retreat is an experience that many of our students find to be one of the most meaningful moments of their time at Bishop Blanchet. Also, seniors can attend or lead the annual pilgrimage retreat, which is a one-day walking journey that includes prayer, faith sharing, scripture and singing. The pilgrimage is a meaningful opportunity to connect with peers and share faith. Finally, seniors take a meaningful role in leading a variety of underclass retreats, including the freshmen retreat, “Break Away” retreats, hunger retreat, and overnights.
Hunger Retreat
This retreat is open to all students and responds to the Lenten call of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Held at school during the season of Lent, the retreat consists of a 24 hour fast, community service, and education and advocacy for the poor and hungry. The retreat is peer-led, and is sponsored by the school's St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Kairos embodies the value of Christian faith as lived and experienced in community. Students are given the opportunity over a three-night/four-day retreat to step away from the hectic pace of everyday life to look within themselves and find true worth as people in relationship with God, family and friends. The Kairos retreat is offered to seniors during the fall and the winter; and to both seniors and juniors during the spring.
