About the Retreat

One of the highlights of your student’s Freshman year will be his Freshman Retreat, on August 20, 2022, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Because the experience of the Freshman Retreat is so important for new students, participation in the entire retreat is MANDATORY for all Freshmen.

The retreat is led by a group of 100 Seniors who have been trained as retreat leaders. This retreat occurs early in the school year because it is a significant opportunity for Freshmen to develop as a community of friends, to understand the traditions of Jesuit education, and to believe themselves to be a vital part of the Jesuit High School family. Parents and Guardians also have an orientation and lunch on Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and are encouraged to then join us at 5:00 pm for the Freshman Family Mass. Special additional details for parents and guardians are included in the RSVP confirmation email.  

Retreat Agenda

9:00 am: Student Check-in Outside the Barry Gym / Parent Check-in and Coffee in the Senior Quad

9:30 am – 12:15 pm: Parent/Son Program

12:15 pm: Lunch

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Student Program Continues

5:00 pm: Family Mass in the Barry Gym (Casual Attire)

6:00 pm:  Pick-up

Parents, step-parents, and guardians are encouraged to participate in the Opening Assembly and the Parent/Son Exchange activities of the retreat. The Exchange activities topics of discussion will vary, intending to explore expectations of the following: family relationships, the retreat, and student life. The purpose of the exercise is to, within a friendly atmosphere, allow both groups to speak with one another. For these reasons, the groups will be mixed so that parents/guardians and their students will not be in the same room. In the past, adults have greatly appreciated this opportunity. Please make arrangements for younger siblings as space in the classrooms is limited and conversation will revolve around high school experiences. Following the Parent/Son Exchange there is an optional, complementary, parent/guardian luncheon in the Harris Center.

The retreat concludes with Mass in the Barry gym beginning at 5 p.m. Your entire family is invited to attend and dress is casual. After Mass, your student will return home with you. If you are unable to attend the Mass, please make arrangements to have your student picked up by 6:00 pm.

What to bring and what to leave at home

Be sure to RSVP to the Parent/Son Exchange and the lunch. Also, please contact any additional parent figures who are not living at your address in order for him or her to review this invitation to participate in the activities.

What to bring and what to leave at home

What to bring

• Full stomach from eating a hearty breakfast before the retreat.
• Student body card.
• Refillable water bottle.
• Open and generous heart!
• Positive attitude!

Leave at home

• Books or homework. The teachers will know that Freshmen are on retreat.
• Electronic devices: iPods, iPads, electronic games, cell phones, etc. – They will be taken away.
• Food or drink. We will provide lunch and a snack.

Please use the parent RSVP link to let us know you will be attending. The parent RSVP confirmation email has additional details, including a surprise for your son. Reviewing the confirmation email is important.

Questions

Arrangements for student’s dietary and health issues

Jessica Fuentes, Campus Ministry Admin. Assistant, 916 480-6060 ext 277 or by email at jessica.fuentes@jesuithighschool.org 

All other questions

Paul LeBoeuf, Director of Campus Ministry, 916 480-2193 or by email at paul.leboeuf@jesuithighschool.org