“Kairos taught me to lean on my peers and let them lean on me.” – Matias Beariault ’25

At Georgetown Prep, the Kairos retreat offers an experience that many students describe as transformative—deepening their faith, strengthening their relationships, and inspiring personal growth. For juniors, Kairos provides a rare opportunity to step away from daily life, reflect on their journeys, and form profound connections with classmates. Seniors who return as retreat leaders often say the experience continues to shape them, helping them discover new leadership skills and a deeper sense of service. Their reflections reveal how Kairos has become a cornerstone of the Prep experience: fostering a community rooted in faith, compassion, and brotherhood.

Growing in Faith

Colin Willard, ‘25 shared “My experience on Kairos during junior year was truly life-changing. It came at a time when I really needed it, and it helped me grow in ways I never expected; not just in my faith, but as a person. The connections I made with my classmates during that retreat were so genuine and meaningful, and it gave me a sense of belonging that I’ll always carry with me. Coming back as a senior to lead Kairos was just as powerful, but in a different way. Being able to walk with the juniors through their own retreat journey, and help them experience the same kind of growth and connection that meant so much to me, was incredibly rewarding. It’s been an amazing feeling to be a part of something bigger than myself, and I’m so grateful to be part of the Kairos retreat program at Prep. It’s something that has truly shaped my time here and will stay with me long after graduation.”

For many students like Colin, the Kairos retreat becomes a defining moment of their time at Prep.

Building Brotherhood and Trust

Kairos also fosters a sense of trust and solidarity among classmates. Matias Beariault, ‘25 reflected “I usually kept my thoughts and feelings to myself. Kairos taught me to lean on my peers and let them lean on me. In a sacred space where time slowed down, I learned the value of trusting others – to form deeper bonds with my Prep brothers, I had to share my whole self. This year, as Assistant Rector, I not only witnessed the Junior class grow closer together, but also grow as leaders, men of faith, and men of compassion. Kairos shows us that we are all fighting battles, but as a community, we have the power to transform pain into solidarity. Kairos may not change our lives, but it will remain a powerful memory of the strength of this community and all communities.”

Opening Your Heart

Malachi Streeter, ‘25 said “My experience on Kairos as a junior was truly unforgettable. What made it so meaningful was how much I invested in it—listening to my fellow retreatants with an open heart and a receptive mind. I had never felt so connected to my classmates or my faith. However, leading the retreat brought a whole new perspective. I felt called to extend the same love and support I received during my own Kairos. I encouraged the retreatants to fully immerse themselves—mind and body—in the experience, just as I had. As my time at Georgetown Prep comes to a close, I firmly believe that the retreat program, led by the campus ministry office and supported by faithful, committed young men, is a cornerstone of what makes Prep such a special place.”

For seniors who lead the junior year Kairos, this is a chance to give back the same support they once received.

Leadership Lessons That Last

Timmy Overcash ‘25 shared “Going on Kairos as a Junior, I did not know what to expect, but those three days strengthened my relationships with my family and friends and most importantly God in ways I could never have imagined. This in part led me to join Love In Action as a Senior. I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen not only as a leader but as a Rector. This time I knew what was coming; however, watching the Juniors experience Kairos was just as fulfilling as experiencing it myself. The leadership skills I gained from this experience have helped me in other areas as well, especially speaking in front of my peers in a leadership role, something which proved invaluable to me this year as the Captain of the hockey team. Again, I am so grateful for the opportunities that Kairos presented to me, both as a retreatant and as Rector. Live the Fourth!” 

Andy Kim ‘25 shared "When I first went on Kairos as a participant, I didn’t fully buy into the experience at the start—I was skeptical—distant—unsure if any of it would really matter. But something shifted on the second day; the talks, the conversations, and the quiet moments of reflection finally broke through my doubt, and I began to fully open up, embracing the experience with my whole heart. That transformation had made a lasting impact on me, and when I returned as a Kairos leader the next year, I carried that memory with me. I was determined to create an environment where my group members didn’t have to go through the same resistance I did. As a leader, I made it my mission to build trust early, to listen intentionally, and to make sure everyone felt safe and seen. The difference between being a member and a leader was striking—while my first Kairos was about personal change, my second was about guiding others to their own breakthroughs. It wasn’t just about reliving my experience; it was about using it to shape someone else’s."

The lessons learned during Kairos, about leadership, faith, and community, extend far beyond the retreat itself.

The Magic of Kairos

Finally, Seth Absalon, ‘25 shared “I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to lead the juniors on Kairos. Throughout those three days, my relationships with my fellow students and faculty were strengthened, and I built strong bonds with juniors that I didn’t know beforehand! I feel so proud that my classmates were given the platform to share their accomplishments and obstacles in their lives, discuss their growing relationship with God, and provide advice to the next leaders of Georgetown Prep. Leading Kairos is not much different from experiencing it for the first time. Even though I knew what activities our groups would be doing every day, the magic of Kairos does not change! Kairos is an unforgettable experience. Getting to hear from my teachers about their lives and watching the juniors feel the unconditional love from their families and from God is so special. I am so proud that I got to be a part of Kairos 97 and be a part in forming Men for Others.”

As these reflections show, the Kairos retreat program at Georgetown Prep is a transformative experience that shapes young men outside the classroom, deepening their faith, building lasting friendships, strengthening their leadership, and inspiring a lifelong commitment to service and brotherhood.
 

Matias Beariault, Seth Absalon, Malachi Streeter, Mrs. Mary Kate Cervin, Colin Willard, Andy Kim, Timmy Overcash