Senior Retreats Touch a Meaningful Chord

Two sections of the senior class have experienced their retreat so far this year.  With two more sections left, the central theme of the retreat, “The Growth of the Male into Christian Manhood,” seems ever more relevant today.  The buses arrive at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center in Robert, Louisiana at about 1PM on a Sunday afternoon.  The retreat center is nestled in a pine forest and offers a serene escape from the clutter and noise of city living.  The students move immediately to the lodge for a brief introduction, an opening prayer, and after a light lunch the talks begin.  The topics zero in on the core of adult male development and discuss the necessary steps toward manhood.  The framework of the retreat is based on concepts from Father Richard Rohr and his book, Adam’s Return.  The students have the opportunity to process these rather heavy topics in small groups which are directed by adult leaders.  The small group discussion sessions give the students an opportunity to relate the topic to their own personal experiences.  An evening liturgy that has four movements closes the Sunday activities.  On Monday, the students have an opportunity to experience the spiritual presence of the Divine in nature.  Through prayerful reflection, the students observe a brief period of silence and deep contemplation.  Then a closing talk finalizes the retreat.  Of course, I have not disclosed everything, but I guarantee the retreat will be an experience that might change your life.

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