retreats
Every grade level at St. Francis DeSales has a day set aside, where they can slow down and take time to reflect and grow in their relationship with Jesus and with each other. Our student leadership retreat teams are equipped and empowered by the Office of Campus Ministry to lead their peers to an encounter with Christ through the sacraments, keynote speakers, hands on activities, and fellowship.
Rooted - Freshmen Retreat
Guided by our patron Saints inspiring words, "Be who you're meant to be and be that perfectly well in order to give honor to the Master Craftsmen who's handiwork you are," this retreat is designed to teach freshmen the importance of being rooted in our identity as children of God. Following this theme, the freshmen spend the day off campus where they are given the opportunity to deepen their faith through the sacraments, high-adventure activities, and empowering keynote speakers. This retreat is led by SFD.
SOPHOMORE Retreat
St. Francis DeSales writes, “What we need is a cup of understanding, a barrel of love, and an ocean of patience”. The Sophomore retreat helps students see how to live service everyday. Students participate in a nationally recognized poverty simulation called COPE.
Rise - Junior Retreat
Inspired by our patron’s Saint’s call to live the devout life, “Rise” boldly invites our Juniors to rise to the challenge of Sainthood by living countercultural lives of virtue. Following this theme, the Juniors spend the day off campus where they are given the opportunity to enliven their faith through the sacraments, high adventure activities, and empowering keynote speakers.
Kairos
Kairos is a nationally recognized retreat that has been positively impacting the lives of our Seniors here at DeSales since 2001. In recent years, the Office of Campus Ministry has thoughtfully adapted the retreat to meet the ever-changing spiritual needs of our young people. This 3 day 2 night retreat is a capstone moment in our retreat program - giving seniors a final opportunity to reflect on their faith journey at SFD before stepping into the world empowered to live the faith.
Our highly selective Kairos student leaders go through extensive training to provide the best possible retreat for their final year here at DeSales. Teachers and staff also play an active role in the retreat, strengthening the sense of community and deepening the SFD family bond. Seniors who are unable to attend this retreat will attend our similar but more intimate one day retreat.
Salesian Leadership Retreat
The Salesian Leadership Retreat is a weeklong experience at the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Stonypoint, NY. This retreat offers exceptional Junior student leaders a once in a lifetime opportunity to gather with young people from 10 Salesian Schools from across the country. Students leave empowered and equipped to enrich the Catholic Culture at SFD inspired by the spirit and example of our beloved Salesian Sisters.