What is Campus Ministry? To sophomore Callie Stewart, a second year member, “Campus Ministry is getting together with people who share my common interests and faith, and strengthening our relationship with God!” This year, more than thirty girls got together at Monsignor O’Dwyer Retreat House. Not only was there prayer, but there were also meditation, discussion, and music, courtesy of the Calvert Hall Liturgy Band. Together with Mrs. Carlson, the Campus Ministry moderator, all members were able to successfully connect with God while planning for the school year.

This retreat began on Thursday, August 21 with some fun icebreakers. “They were a fun way to meet girls from other grades and bond with the friends I already had,” told Claire Fitzgerald, another sophomore member. After these warmers, Campus Ministers introduced themselves and began their retreat with a discussion about this year’s theme of “Embracing Umoja”. Umoja, in Swahili, translates to “unity”. “We definitely learned about unity at retreat, with everyone having a unique meaning of unity that was personal to them,” reported Erin Shoul, a junior who attended retreat.

The second day of retreat was as fun as the first, even though everyone was a little bit tired. After the day started off with a piercing ring from the Retreat House bell at 7:45 in the morning, girls headed downstairs for a delicious breakfast and some prayer. Later in the day, there was a liturgy, where both the Calvert Hall band and NDP Campus Ministers joined in their faith. The liturgy was fun and unique, and everybody got to learn a little bit more about Mass as the priest explained the symbols and traditions of the church. Once this shortened Mass had ended, everyone trekked up to the dining room for another meal and some more planning.

Overall, the Campus Ministry retreat was a complete success, with NDP students growing in their faith and planning for the new year. With some of the great ideas shared, this year is sure to be a success!