Members of the 2009 senior class attened an overnight retreat from March 19th through the 20th. Following the Thursday after the final exam, the students loaded two buses and were on their way to Camp Living Waters in Loranger, Louisiana.

When walking into the main building, the students saw that the stage was lined with named bags filled with letters from friends and family. After unloading all their bags into their rooms, the group started with the opening prayer led by Ms. Gabb. During opening prayer Ms. Gabb also introduced the theme of the retreat, "Faith Like a Child." After breaking for lunch, the students were able to read their letters if they chose to do so. Once asked about the theme of the retreat, Joanna Casadaban stated "I think the theme is very unique and creative. Ms. Gabb did a good job."

As lunch ended, the students were separated into small groups by the sticker on the front of their letter bag.The stickers represented the class's top favorite tv shows that they watched when they were little. In their small groups the students had discussions of their favorite memories and played many inside and outside games. The games were also used to remind the students of their childhood and to let them feel little again. "My favorite part about the retreat was how we all got to be kids again for one day by playing board games and playing outside." said Brittany McMurry.

After hearing a testimony from one of the speakers, Lindsey Hymel, the students were then able to eat dinner. The leaders and students renacted the last supper in what they called an Agape Meal. Before dinner was served the team leaders went around and washed the feet of all the students. As night apporached, the students attended a girl and boy session and later uniting for mass. The students then joined outside for smores at the bonfire.

When asked what she thought about the retreat so far, Jessica Estornio said "Senior retreat is a great way for us all to let go and have fun with each other. Not only are we growing closer to God, we are also growing closer as a class." At the conclussion of the bonfire all the seniors came together around the prayer chair. At this part of the retreat students were able to sit in the chair to tell of their hurts, worries, or stories. The students were then able to hammer a nail (their worries) into a cross laid out on the floor after they were done talking. "My favorite part of retreat is seeing the students excited and going deeper into their faith life. This retreat is what I love about my job- being with my seniors sharing about Christ and His love with them." said retreat leader, Elena Gabb.

When breakfast ended the next morning the students heard a testimony from their next speaker, Fred Zoeller. After sharing a very insirational testimony the group went straight into adoration. During adoration the students were able to go over to pray with the prayer teams made of the speakers and leaders. Once adoration was over another testimony was given and lunch was served. The group then loaded onto the two buses and returned home to SCC. While leaving school, Reyna Lubin shared her thoughts on the trip "It was a very uplifting, fun experience. I am really excited I got to enjoy a great time with my fellow classmates."

Senior Retreat Photo Gallery