Retreats
Faith
Retreats are an important element of Marist’s spirituality.
They offer students time for prayer, reflection, & community. The following are brief descriptions of those offered at Marist.
Kairos Retreat
The Kairos retreat program is a retreat program in many Catholic high schools throughout the country. Kairos is offered to seniors only. This three and a half day overnight retreat format consists of adult and student talks, small and large group discussions, daily prayer and reflection, confession, and Mass. The goal of the retreat experience is for students to develop greater trust in themselves and others and to build a stronger relationship with God.
Marist offers five Kairos retreats for our female students and four Kairos retreats for our male students. All Kairos retreats begin on Tuesday at 4pm (after school) and end Friday at 6:30pm. Students will be transported via bus to and from retreat houses located in the south suburbs. We currently offer the Kairos retreat at two different locations – one in Frankfort and one in Lemont. Meals are provided and can be modified for specific dietary restrictions. Retreat participants will not have access to cell phones or other electronic devices during the retreat.
Registration for the Kairos retreats is first-come first-served and takes place in the Student Life office. The cost of the Kairos retreat is $250.00; financial assistance is available if required. The Kairos retreat is not required, but all seniors are encouraged to attend.
Freshmen Retreat
Freshmen will attend a one-day retreat experience held in the Marist SportsPlex in Palos Heights. The retreat is led by current juniors and seniors who have been trained through the Marist Brothers retreat training program. The purpose of the freshmen retreat is to introduce students to the tenants of a Marist education and their role in the Marist community locally and globally. This retreat is required of all freshmen and takes place on a school day. Freshmen attend with their freshmen Religion class and instructor.
Sophomore Retreat
For several years, Marist partnered with Cathlolic Charities, packing meals for women, children, and the elderly. In the 2019-2020 school year, the program was revamped into a sophomore retreat week with all members of the class participating in the same week. They will work as stewards of the earth, helping clean up local parks.
Junior Retreat
The junior retreat program offers two days away from school for reflection, prayer, and companionship during a very busy year for high school students. Students and their leaders share their experiences with decision-making, overcoming workload-induced stress, as well as finding support from family, friends, and God, and being supportive to others.
