![]() Students who started the day walking in as members of the junior class now stand tall, and feel empowered, walking away as seniors ready to lead. On days like these, we realize that something truly exceptional has happened to us. At moments like these, Christ’s love is indeed palpable. This glorious day can only conclude one way… with a celebration! Praising God is what we do best! We have a beautiful liturgical mountainside celebration under the stars the picturesque San Gabriel Valley lights serve as candles at our open-air cathedral. With renewed and strengthened bonds, participants are prepared to lead their school community. It also offers times to deepen existing friendships, establish new friendships and mend damaged relationships. In addition to preparing students to lead their school, this retreat provides students with an opportunity for spiritual growth, which can deepen their faith life. Many teachers, though they may not be giving a talk, make it a priority to join the retreat as a sign of love and support. Senior students, who have led the year’s powerful Kairos retreats, also facilitate this retreat. Members of the junior classes are swept away from the hustle-and-bustle of day-to-day academic life and brought to the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in the Sierra Madre foothills.ĭuring this intense spiritual retreat, students experience meaningful talks given by student leaders and several teachers, inspirational prayer, personal and group reflections, fun activities, and great food (their favorite Lino’s Tacos). It prepares the members of the junior class to transition into their leadership role as seniors. Taking place in May, this retreat has become a vital component in building the Valiant Spirit. “I can tell you that the memories you will make on the trip will last forever, and the experience will definitely be one to remember.” She added, “The connections you make with people over telling stories and asking questions are connections you wouldn’t normally get to make on a daily basis.The administration, faculty and staff view our senior class as partners in the overall leadership of St. Though most is kept secret, Reynolds was able to share that she made some very special memories. ![]() I think Kairos benefitted me in many ways, and it was so nice to have the time off to put school aside and focus on yourself.” She continued, “I loved being a part of the kairos experience so much as a junior, that it also made me want to lead as a senior too!.” Reynolds said, “For me, Kairos was one of the most amazing and purposeful experiences I’ve ever gotten to be a part of. She made memories that she will cherish for a long time and encouraged others to go on the next Kairos experience. NDB junior Caitlynn Renolds shared her positive Kairos experience. The purpose of Kairos is to relax and have a breather, and many students also use it as a way to grow their faith. A majority of Kairos is supposed to be kept secret, which helps to keep the memories made at the retreat more private and special as well as making it mysterious and exciting for those who will participate in future years. Kairos is a three-night spiritual retreat held exclusively for juniors and seniors. On Friday November 5, juniors and seniors came back from the Kairos retreat in Santa Cruz for the first time in two years and shared some of the exciting memories they made. ![]() Staff and faculty gather around the iconic “Kairos Steps” for a final photo before departing
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