Peer Ministers lead retreat at John Cardinal O’Connor School 

On February 5, 2026, students from The Ursuline School visited John Cardinal O'Connor School (JCOS) to lead “Shelter in His Wings,” a retreat created for JCOS students. JCOS serves children with learning differences and is dedicated to helping students grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially within a supportive Catholic school community.

Led by members of Ursuline's Peer Ministry team, the retreat offered a welcoming, faith-centered experience shaped by reflection, creativity, and prayer. The afternoon began with an icebreaker to ease students into the day, followed by a small-group discussion led by the Peer Ministers.

Students then took part in a hands-on art activity, building paper bird nests and painting wooden birdhouses, symbols of peace. Each student wrote a private prayer or intention inside their birdhouse, creating a quiet moment for personal reflection.

As the artwork dried, Ursuline students stayed with their groups, guiding relaxed conversation and informal activities. The retreat concluded with prayer and a closing blessing.

Throughout the afternoon, Ursuline Peer Ministers remained closely engaged, supporting activities, answering questions, and spending time with JCOS students. Their presence helped create a positive experience rooted in faith and service, while modeling leadership for younger students.

For many Peer Ministers, the experience was just as meaningful as it was for the younger students. Lilly Gayer '27, one of five juniors and seniors who led the retreat, reflected on the impact of the day:

"I was so grateful to step away from the stresses of day-to-day life and see the light of Christ in each student. Their joy came from interacting with us and talking about their trust in God, reminding me that faith is taught through Christ-like kindness, compassion, and service.”

"I was so grateful to step away from the stresses of day-to-day life and see the light of Christ in each student."
- Lilly Gayer '27, peer minister

The retreat was supported by Ursuline's Campus Ministry and Service teams, with guidance from Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator, and Samantha Marrero, campus minister, who worked closely with the Peer Ministers in advance of the visit.

For JCOS students, the retreat provided time to reflect, create, and pray alongside older students who modeled service-driven leadership—values shared by both school communities and central to Ursuline's mission of Serviam.