Spirits were high going into this year’s senior retreat. With exams over, the seniors were able to go into the week with stress free open minds, ready to engage fully in our time together. Every senior turned in their phone in order to be wholeheartedly present during the retreat. The three days were packed with loads of games and activities, including trivia, freetime basketball, and even Texas Hold’em’ and Blackjack. NO MONEY WAS GAMBLED! (I won $44). Aside from games, the seniors also participated in the usual spiritual aspects of retreat: Mass on Thursday and Friday, opportunities for confession and time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, Lectio Divina, and the divine office (Lauds, Sext, Vespers, etc.). Additionally, it was extremely exciting to read the letters we wrote to ourselves during our freshman retreat. The entire retreat was a freeing experience and was easily the best retreat we went on during our years at Priory. The retreat was also very emotional. The seniors learned things about each other that we never knew before and at many points during the retreat we were met with pleasant surprises that shocked our class and made us appreciate each other more than ever before. Needless to say our class was able to deepen our brotherly bond with each other and become even better friends and brothers to each other. The seniors heard a variety of talks from teachers, including Mr. Nickolai, Mr. Mitchom, Mr. Mohrmann, Fr. Aiden, and a surprise guest speaker, about various different topics ranging from handling failure to showing gratitude in order to better prepare us for our time outside of Priory. We also were also presented with the opportunity to talk to some familiar faces that we had not seen for a while. All in all, the retreat was a massive success and every senior enjoyed it. I for one felt invigorated after the retreat. It made me realize that even though there is only about one more month left in the school year for us seniors, I should make the most of the time we have left together. To those of you who are skeptical about retreats and think they are a waste of time, this retreat is one you will not want to miss. The memories you will make on the retreat, as well as the ones you talk about from all your other years at priory will be memories you will cherish and remember for the rest of your lives.
