Retreats

Retreats are part of our MHCA Salesian Culture. At retreats students are able to live into the Salesian Oratory Model by building a culture of Faith (Church that evangelizes), Family ( Home that welcomes, Friendship ( playground where friends meet), and Formation ( a school that prepares for life). Throughout the year MHCA Campus Ministry hosts multiple retreats. Our Pastoral Team oversees the Class Retreats throughout the year.

Class Retreats 2024-2025

Freshman Retreat

This is a one-day mandatory retreat held at MHCA during a school day. The purpose of the retreat is to introduce the freshmen class to the Campus Ministry Program and the tradition of MHCA's Salesian spiritual life, such as family, prayer, recreation, and formation. It also serves as an introduction to the Salesian Charism and the culture on MHCA's Campus. Peer Ministry's Pastoral Team and animates, organizes, facilitates small groups.

Date: September 10, 2024

Sophomore Retreat

Junior Retreat

This is a one-day mandatory retreat held OFF of MHCA's Campus. Typically at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY OR Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ

The purpose of the retreat is to strengthen the courage and confidence of our Junior class as they continue to face the change, school work, and transition. There will be moments of games, reflection, and prayer.

ITINERARY

Arrival and dismissal 7:10-7:25 AM - DEPART 7:30 AM ----3:00 PM

Arrival at MHCA: 7:10-7:25 AM

OR

Arrival at Camp Auxilium: 8:20 AM

Lunch- Will be Provided (unless you have personal food restrictions)

Location: Camp Auxilium, Newton NJ

Dress Code: Students may dress down, using the handbook guidelines.

*****Please leave books and Ipads at home. Students will not need anything but themselves and lunch.

****TRANSPORTATION:

Juniors may transport themselves to and from the Retreat Venue OR be a passenger in a MHCA vehicle. SEE PERMISSION SLIP for details.

*** If you will transport yourself to Campus Auxilium . Email me by 12/16/24 the following:

1) Name

2) Driving OR drop-off/ pick-up

Date: December 19, 2024

PERMISSION SLIP

Senior Retreat

Salesian Retreats- Programing by Office of Youth Ministry

Salesian Leadership Retreat

These retreats are available to Juniors through Campus Ministry is the chance to attend "Salesian Leadership Retreats" in October and March, which allow them to join participants from eight other Salesian schools as they explore and develop their leadership skills and spirituality. The participants of these retreats form friendships that last a lifetime.

October 2024

March 2025

Valdocco Retreat

The Valdocco Retreat provides high school-aged youth with the opportunity to encounter Jesus while introducing them to a deeper understanding of Salesian spirituality in an overnight retreat setting. There are moments for prayer (including Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration), community building, sharing, witness talks, formation, and recreation with peers from across the province. As long as there is an openness, this retreat is perfect for youth of all levels of involvement to grow in relationship with the person of Jesus and to feel a deeper connection to the Salesian Family.

Students are chosen via Application Process. Only 7 students can be selected.

The Campus Minister will announce when applications are open.

Applications Open: December 16, 2024- January 17, 2025

Student selection/ announcement: January 31, 2025

When: Valdocco Retreat - February 14-16^th, 2025.

Where: Marian Shrine Retreat Center

Time: Beginning at 6pm on Friday – Ending 6:30pm on Sunday

Cost: $250

Summer Peer Ministry Retreat

This is a MANDATORY retreat for all selected Peer Ministers held during the last weekend of August.

Optional Retreat for Junior Peer Minister

REGISTER HERE