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Chaplaincy » Retreats

Retreats

Retreats are an opportunity for students, staff, and chaplain to spend a day away from school in an unstructured setting. This is an opportunity to develop interpersonal and life skills. The atmosphere is inclusive; a shared meal with everyone participating (student dessert delivery too!)
 
Often, retreats include outdoor experiences either at St.Brigid's or at Crieff Hills. Being closer to a natural environment allows participants to deeply consider the awe and wonderment found in God's creation of the Earth around us and the amazing people that call it home.
 
Who am I?
Where do I fit in this huge world?
What were God's intentions with my creation?
 
Our questions lead to more questions but also discovery. Psalm 139 comforts us because it tells us that even before we asked the questions, God already had the answers. Before we were born, God had a plan for our lives. God knows our questions, our hopes, our thoughts, and our experiences more deeply than we know ourselves. We are exactly the person God intended us to be.
 
Our Grade 9 retreat addresses student questions and curiosities about their relationships with God, with others, and their understanding of themselves.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
~ Matthew 11:28-30
 
Our Grade 10 retreat focuses on Christ in Culture.
 
What are the actions we can take in our current world, to live out our call to be disciples?
As our world continues to change, how do we grow, adapt and move our faith forward to be dynamic in today's world?
 
This retreat includes guidance from Keith Hawkins of "Real Inspirations"
In previous years, our Grade 11 students have been invited on a Temple Tour. We are expecting, when possible, to resume this annual tradition.
 
In what ways does my faith support my developing worldview?
 
This year, Brian Carwana, the ReligionsGeek, from the Encounter World Religions Centre, has been invited to host a virtual session on a variety of religions. Students will reflect on their perspectives and worldview.
"...If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder,
if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world,
our atitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs.
By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then  ... care will well up spontaneously."
~Laudato Si
 
Our Grade 12 retreats encourage students to consider their learned Christian values and experiences in the context of their future beyond Bishop Mac. This refocusses their attention toward their faith and the positive friendships they have developed that will support them toward future goals and adventures. This retreat helps students to answer the new questions:
 
Dear God, what is next?
Where do I go from here?
 
Thank you for your interest. Please contact Deacon Klein, [email protected] with any questions, suggestions or concerns.