Retreat

As a Lasallian Catholic school, the retreat program holds an important place in the development of the spiritual life of our students at Saint Mary’s. Being on retreat offers the individual student a chance to reflect on the role of God, relationships, community, service, and spirituality in their everyday lives. 

Retreat has been an integral part of the Lasallian tradition since the founding of the Brothers in 1680 by Saint John Baptist de La Salle.  The Brothers gathered yearly for an eight-day retreat structured around a series of meditations written by De La Salle.  Central to these traditions was the belief that a person could not spiritually give of themselves if they had not taken the time to develop the inner spirit of faith by reflecting  not only upon the experiences of life, but also how God’s loving guidance has been present in those events and experiences. 

The retreat program has a full scope and sequence that builds upon itself, and also is designed to be developmentally appropriate for students at each of the four years in high school as they develop their spirit of faith along with their skills of reasoning.

FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORE DAYS OF REFLECTION

Students will participate in a day of reflection during one of their Lasallian Days in their first two years at Saint Mary’s. The Freshmen Community Day is held each spring at Mont La Salle, in Napa, which is the administrative seat of the District of San Francisco New Orleans. The Sophomore Day of Reflection is held at Saint Mary’s College, in Moraga, the only Lasallian Catholic university in the SFNO District.

JUNIOR CHOICES RETREAT

Juniors have the opportunity to attend a one-night, two-day retreat during the fall, winter, and spring set of Lasallian Days. Students will hear testimonies, build fellowship with their classmates, and have opportunities to reflect on the important decisions they have made, and will make in their own lives, with an emphasis on keeping prayer and discernment at the center of their decision-making process.

SENIOR JOURNEY RETREAT

Seniors have the opportunity to attend a two-night, three-day retreat during the fall, winter, and spring set of Lasallian Days. Students will hear testimonies, build fellowship with their classmates, and have opportunities to reflect on their journeys up this point, and where it goes from here.