6th Year Retreat - Kairos

©Abbey Grammar School, Newry

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On Wednesday 21st November twelve lower sixth students went on the Kairos Retreat which lasted three days. They were given no information about the Retreat beforehand. The following contains the words and thoughts of some of those twelve.

When I went on the Kairos Retreat I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I had gone on the basis of what other people in seventh year had told me and the fact that I would get three days out of school wasn’t so bad either. Looking back on the Retreat, not knowing fully what I was going to be doing only added to the enjoyment whenever the retreat took place. The only adults when we arrived were the School Chaplain and Fr Brendan Kearns. Someone had mentioned that we’d be on a ration of dry toast and water for the three days.

But that was the first surprise. We were staying in an old Victorian House with lots of ground and fantastic rooms. The food was excellent and there was plenty of it. The retreat started as soon as we arrived. Personally I got a lot out of the retreat. The activities which we did led to an eye-opening experience in which I learnt a lot about myself and my life.

I learned about what kind of person I am and the way I treat others. Also I learnt about how important my family are to me and God’s role in my life. It was strange to discover that if we look at the ordinary things of life that’s where we find God. I have a new found respect for boys I didn’t really know or liked and strengthened a bond with my friends. The activities which helped me discover these things were coupled with going to the local swimming pool where great craic was had. The whole experience was nothing that I thought it was going to be and caught me completely off guard.

It’s hard to explain Kairos to those who were not there because by its nature it demands confidentiality. It’s difficult to describe in words what effect Kairos has on a person but the retreat is an unforgettable experience and will be one of the best things I have done in the Abbey and quite possibly in the rest of my life. I would strongly recommend for others to go on this retreat as they will gain so much from it.

Thanks to the twelve students who took part in the retreat and for their contributions to this article.

© Abbey Grammar School