retreats

Every grade level at St. Francis DeSales is given a day to separate themselves from the rest of the school community and take time to reflect on their individuality, get to know their classmates on a deeper level, and have the time to explore their spirituality while receiving constant support and guidance. Days of Reflection are led by the Office of Campus Ministry  and student leaders.  

 

Freshmen Retreat

Freshman year is a time of transition and adjustment. St. Francis DeSales prides itself on the pillars of Faith, Family and Tradition. This day of reflection will happen in the first full month of the school year and serves as a way to join together as a class and begin to gain a deeper understanding of what our school is all about. This retreat will be lead by the Director of Campus Ministry, various freshmen teachers, guidance counselors, support staff and members of the senior class.

SOPHOMORE Retreat

Sophomore year, our focus will be geared toward celebrating our uniqueness and the gifts and talents that God has given to us to share with one another. This day of reflection will concentrate on who we are as individuals and how we should live our lives in a way that reflects respect for ourselves and all those we meet along our journey through life. This retreat will be off campus and lead by the Director of Campus Ministry, various sophomore teachers, guidance counselors, support staff and members of both the junior and senior class.

JUNIOR Retreat

Junior year, our focus will be on our own responsibility as Christians to help out those who are less fortunate. The juniors will take on a “Mini-Urban Plunge” experience in which the Diocesan Office of Social Concerns, in collaboration with the Office of Campus Ministry, offers a unique opportunity for the students to immerse themselves in serving those in need in the greater Columbus area. Past Urban Plunges have sent students to St. Stephens Community Center, Community Kitchen at Holy Rosary/St. John, Divine Mercy and Meals on Wheels.

Senior Retreat Opportunities

Sophomore year, our focus will be geared toward celebrating our uniqueness and the gifts and talents that God has given to us to share with one another. This day of reflection will concentrate on who we are as individuals and how we should live our lives in a way that reflects respect for ourselves and all those we meet along our journey through life. This retreat will be off campus and lead by the Director of Campus Ministry, various sophomore teachers, guidance counselors, support staff and members of both the junior and senior class.

Senior Kairos Retreat

This program was brought here in 2000 and has become a rich tradition at St. Francis DeSales. The Kairos Retreat is spread over four days in which the seniors travel to St. Peter and Paul Retreat Center in Newark, Ohio, where they truly “spend time with God.” This retreat is lead by a team of students and adults. The students are selected by the office of Campus Ministry as well as faculty and staff. Both the student and adult team receive extensive training prior to the retreat. Because of the tremendous response from both students and faculty, the Kairos Retreat is offered three times a year.

Senior Leadership Retreat

This day of reflection is a less intense, but still very valuable experience in which seniors will go out into the wilderness and experience God's creation while learning know they can be effective Christian leaders in the world. This is a day-long retreat in the spring lead by the Director of Campus Ministry as well as senior teachers and a leadership team at the retreat center.