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Where faith deepens and sisterhood grows

Where faith deepens and sisterhood grows

by Shannon Dufresne
 

For generations, faith and spiritual development have shaped the Ursuline experience, guiding students as they come to know themselves, deepen their relationship with God, and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. Ursuline's retreat program creates intentional opportunities for students to step away from the pace of daily life and engage in focused reflection rooted in faith.

Planned and led by Campus Minister, Ms. Samantha Marrero, alongside trained junior and senior peer ministers, the program invites students to examine their personal relationship with God while gaining renewed perspective. Students in grades 6 through 11 participate in one-day retreats tailored to their stage of personal and spiritual development. Approximately 100 students participated in each grade-level retreat this year. Middle school retreats took place on campus at the Province Center, while retreats for grades 9 through 11 were held at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, New York. 

"Retreats give students permission to pause."
- Ms. Samantha Marrero, campus minister

"Retreats give students permission to pause," said Marrero. "They step out of their routines and into a space where they can reflect, listen, and recognize how God is present in their lives each day."

The Grade 9 Freshman Retreat, held on January 16, centered on the theme "Jesus is our friend." As an important milestone for the Class of 2029, the day encouraged students to grow closer to Jesus while building a sense of belonging within the Ursuline community. Through guided prayer and conversation, students reflected on their inherent worth and the responsibility they share in supporting one another as they begin high school.

Later in the month, sophomores gathered for their Grade 10 retreat, themed "Weathering the Storm." Using the image of Jesus as the captain of the ship, the retreat invited students to reflect on trust, resilience, and faith during a time of growing independence. Conversations focused on how faith can offer steadiness when circumstances feel uncertain.

"By sharing our own experiences, we help them see that faith can guide them through difficult moments."
- Kaitlin Horgan '26, peer minister

Peer Ministers, including Kaitlin Horgan '26, played a key role in facilitating small-group discussions. "Our goal is to help students feel supported and heard," Horgan said. "By sharing our own experiences, we help them see that faith can guide them through difficult moments."

The Grade 11 retreat, held on February 27, invited juniors to reflect on what anchors their lives as they prepare for greater responsibility and leadership. Centered on Jesus as their foundation, the day encouraged reflection on how faith shapes values, decisions, and purpose as senior year approaches. 

Together, these retreats demonstrate Ursuline’s deliberate approach to faith formation, one that recognizes spiritual growth as ongoing and deeply personal. By creating space for prayer and honest conversation at each stage of a student’s journey, the program brings the school’s Core Value of Faith & Spirituality to life in meaningful ways.

That spirit of reflection continues throughout the Lenten season. In addition to the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Wednesday, March 4, First Friday Adoration on Friday, March 6, and the weekly Liturgy of the Word each Thursday, students are invited to Morning Adoration and Quiet Prayer in the Chapel every Thursday in March from 7:30 to 8:25 a.m. The community will also gather for its all-school Holy Week Mass on Tuesday, March 31, offering another opportunity to pray together and prepare for Easter.

 

  • Faith & Spirituality

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