Retreat Program
	Campus Ministry conducts the retreat cycle in conjunction with the Religious Studies Department with Campus Ministry administering all retreats. The Retreat Cycle follows the process model of curriculum theory and practice, which develops conversations between, and with people, out of which may come thinking and action. The cycle creates a context in which the students may become open to their own desires to foster their spirituality. During the retreat cycle students leave the classroom setting to participate in a different kind of learning that we value at Georgetown Prep. Developed from The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the retreats provide tools for spiritual discernment. Through repetition and progression students are first led and then come to discern for themselves the movements of the spirit. The Retreat Cycle is integral to both the school's mission and that of the Society of Jesus. A Brief History The Retreat Program at Georgetown Prep has been a part of school requirements since the 1960s. Jesuits led the first retreats at Prep but during the 1970s the program shifted to peer-led retreats. Retreats are co-curricular in support of both the Religious Studies Department and the Christian Service rogram. In 2004, Campus Ministry developed a retreat cycle that provides a process through which students progressively take responsibility of their own spiritual development as well as that of their classmates.

	Retreat Cycle Outline
	Students gather around a campfire during one night of the Kairos retreat. Freshman Year: "Finding God in All Things" Students experience liturgy celebrated away from campus on a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Through this liturgical procession, students are called to examine the ways in which they have found God in the world around them during their first year at Prep. One-day retreat Divided into three groups with one participating each day, Freshman are led by their Big Brothers as well as faculty chaperones on a day of reflection. Freshman English and Religion classes prepare journal reflections following the retreat. Sophomore Year: "The Challenge of Love in Action" The goal of this retreat is to lead the sophomores to reflect upon their upcoming role as upperclassmen. This role is examined within the context of their relationships with family, friends, and God. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the role of freedom in these relationships. Students also examine what a Christian community is as well as the challenge of fostering such a community at home. This retreat should prepare them for the supportive role they will play for each other during their Junior retreat. One overnight retreat Students examine Christian leadership and community through a night of peer led activities and talks followed by a day at a ropes challenge course. Junior Year: "Putting Love into Action" The Junior retreat, Kairos, asks the student to examine his life through the relationships he has experienced. The retreat challenges the student to deeper self examination than previous retreats. Based on "The Contemplatio" of St. Ignatius, "Love in Action" calls the student to recognize God's love growing within him and drawing him to offer himself in service to others. Four-day retreat A four day/three night peer and faculty led retreat consisting of both small and large group as well as silent reflection. Senior and faculty leaders lead small groups as well as prepare a talk. Students experience community living for a more extended period than previous retreats. Senior Year: "Discernment for A.M.D.G." Through the Senior retreat and Ignatian seminar the senior will learn to discern the action of the Spirit in his life guiding him toward vocation. A focus on Ignatian discernment should lead them to make decisions toward the Magis - the greater glory of God. Three-day retreat Seniors reflect in pilgrimage with one another to over two nights and three days. Seniors practice personal discernment and self-led discovery. One on one spiritual direction is available throughout the retreat. Ignatian Seminar For seniors who exhibit interest and facility with discernment, an advanced course in Ignatian Spirituality is available. Over a semester, students work closely with a spiritual director in performing part of the 19th annotation of The Spiritual Exercises. The extent to which the retreat is finished depends upon the individual student's openness to the work of the Spirit.