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Senior retreat invites reflection and renewal

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Senior retreat invites reflection and renewal

Seniors gathered March 10–11 at the Saint John Paul II Retreat Center in Kearny, New Jersey, for Ursuline's annual Senior Retreat, a tradition that invites students to pause, reflect on their years at the school, and consider their path forward after graduation.

Planned by Campus Minister Samantha Marrero, this year's retreat centered on the theme "Becoming: The Woman I Choose to Be." The program invited seniors to reflect on a guiding question: Who am I becoming as I leave Ursuline, and what kind of woman will I choose to be in the world?

Grounded in the scripture passage Proverbs 31:25 — "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future" — the retreat invited students to reflect on how their faith has developed during their time at Ursuline and how those experiences will guide them in the years ahead.

The first day focused on honoring each student's personal journey while beginning to claim the woman she is becoming. Seniors reflected on the stories of women in the Bible, including Mary, Esther, Ruth, Deborah, and Mary Magdalene, considering how these figures demonstrate faith, courage, and resilience. Through discussion and personal reflection, each student identified a biblical archetype whose story resonated with her own experience. 

Seniors also began writing personal mission statements, reflecting on the values that will guide their lives beyond Ursuline. The activity encouraged students to consider their identity as children of God and how their gifts might shape their future.

The class also created a Prayer Legacy chain, symbolizing the shared faith that connects the graduating class to one another and to the broader Ursuline community.

"They loved it," shared Mrs. Patty Joyce, English teacher and senior class adviser. “Working together on the prayer chain was a meaningful moment for the girls."

A witness talk by Ms. Victoria Messana '11, the school's librarian, offered thoughtful insights into faith, discernment, and life after Ursuline.

The evening concluded with lighter moments of celebration, including a lively lip-sync contest. Dr. Oxana Litvine, science teacher, added to the fun as the final act, singing and dancing with students. Later, Mr. Chris Woodside, social studies teacher, led a fireside faith talk followed by s'mores around the campfire.

The second day emphasized sisterhood as seniors made T-shirts and attended mass, celebrated by Fr. Tom Byrnes, during which students placed prayer intentions for their class in a basket at the center altar. 

Seniors also participated in a praise and worship session, which included joyful communal singing, creating a celebratory tone as students responded together, "Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord."

Following the prayer service, Dr. David Gelpi, director of mission and formation, spoke with seniors about faith and the presence of God in their lives.

"The Bible is God’s love letter to us," Gelpi said. "Jesus tells us that love is real. No matter how far we may feel we have strayed, the Creator who loves you so much walks with you. God is with you in the silence."

The retreat concluded with the distribution of letters, offering seniors a final moment of reflection as they prepare for the months ahead.

The spiritual experience gave the Class of 2026 space and time to reflect on their Ursuline journey while looking ahead with renewed faith and purpose.

 

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