Inside the Enlightening Experience of the 2025 Kairos Retreat
I recently had the privilege of attending the senior Kairos retreat at San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey. From Wednesday afternoon to Friday noon, 71 seniors gathered in one place to reflect, connect, and grow as individuals and as a class. It was a truly memorable experience, one that allowed us to take a step back from our busy lives, reconnect with ourselves, and deepen our understanding of faith and community.
The retreat began on Wednesday afternoon when we all arrived at the retreat house, where we would spend the next few days in reflection and fellowship. We were welcomed with warmth and camaraderie, all ready to spend time away from school and social media. The first thing that set the tone for the retreat was the sense of togetherness. As a class, we shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, creating a shared sense of community.
Throughout our time there, we had the opportunity to attend several Masses, which were powerful and reflective. These Masses brought us closer to our faith and provided moments of prayer and reflection that we could take with us into the rest of the retreat. In between Masses, we listened to presentations from teachers and staff members who shared their personal faith journeys with us. These stories were deeply moving, providing us with insights into their lives, struggles, and triumphs along their spiritual paths. Each presentation offered something unique and meaningful that resonated with different members of our class.
After each presentation, we broke off into small groups of about ten students with a teacher facilitating discussion. These breakout groups were an opportunity to open up and connect with one another on a deeper level. It was a safe space for sharing our thoughts, asking questions, and reflecting on the themes presented. The conversations were rich and thought-provoking, and they helped strengthen the bonds between classmates who might not have otherwise had the chance to connect personally.
In addition to the structured activities, we also had blocks of free time to unwind. We spent time outdoors, playing games, listening to music, and enjoying each other’s company. This time of relaxation allowed us to step away from our usual distractions and simply enjoy the present moment. It was during these moments of fun and laughter that we truly felt the spirit of unity as a class.
A particularly meaningful part of the retreat was the opportunity for confession. As a class, we participated in this sacrament together, offering us a moment of personal reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. It was a powerful experience, one that left many of us feeling lighter and more at peace.
By the time we left the retreat on Friday afternoon, I felt a sense of peace and clarity. The time away from phones and social media allowed me to be fully present, and I returned home with a new perspective. The lessons I learned from my teachers, peers, and the retreat experience itself are things I will carry with me into the next chapter of my life. I left the retreat feeling renewed, ready to take on the world, and deeply grateful for the connections I made and the growth I experienced.
It brought us closer as a class, strengthened our faith, and provided us with the tools we need to carry forward the lessons we learned. I’m so grateful for the experience, and I look forward to using what I learned in the real world as I take the next steps into the future.
