Process of the Retreat

A retreat is very different from a camp. At the end of November, our Year 11 students will embark on their Year Level Retreat and return as the newly commissioned senior students at Damascus College. A retreat is part of each student’s personal spiritual development and constitutes a part of the broader Faith Development Program at Damascus College.

Students and staff are asked to involve themselves in whole group, small group, individual activities, reflection, and prayer.

At times they will be asked to observe stillness and quietness.

They will be given time to:

• think and reflect
• question
• talk and discuss
• have fun
• be alone
• be together as a Year Level

Encouraged and taught by Pope Francis, retreats and prayerful experiences help us to learn and then to teach others in our College community, ways of being in a Catholic school. This is practiced so that those in Christian faith can go deeper into their faith and those who are not in faith are recognised and welcomed to be present in ways that are respectful, and right for them, as we seek to construct meaning together.

Above all, it encourages and allows time for each individual to be open, receptive, respectful and joyful.

Retreats are an opportunity to experience God, at whatever point we may be in our spiritual journey, and gives us tools to a living spirituality.

All students are invited to participate in retreats and reflection days throughout the year. The aim being that all are enriched by sharing this time together in year levels and that they come to know that they are truly blessed.