On Wednesday, fifth graders enjoyed a spiritual retreat led by Ms. Kathol. After a hearty breakfast (thank you, parents!), they settled in for a morning of prayer, reflection, and discussion. There was inward reflection, a collective sharing of personal moments with God, mindfulness activities focused around breathing centered in God, and station work.
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| Fueling up for the day at breakfast. |
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| Welcoming the fifth grade and going over expectations for the day. |
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Ms. Kathol begins the retreat with an opening prayer by St. Therese of Lisieux (below). Students pass the candle around to share their hope(s) for the day.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Amen. |
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| The class participates in a breathing exercise. |
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| One of the many thoughtfully-chosen passages incorporated into the day's retreat. |
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| Students illustrate the burning bush in their life that is a living example of God's presence. |
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| Students illustrate the burning bush in their life that is a living example of God's presence. |
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| Class "burning bushes" |
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| Later, the students participated in several stations: God in Nature, God in Others, God in the Struggle, God in Laughter, and God in Music and Silence. |
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| At God in Others, students wrote personal letters to the people in their lives who have shaped them spiritually. |
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| At God in the Struggle, students colored beautiful artwork passages from Scripture and offered intentions. |
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| At God in Laughter, partners found humor in comic scenes depicting moments with God. |
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| Listening to music grounded in faith. Then later, spending several silent minutes in prayer and reflection. |
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| Izzy, finding examples of God in Nature. |
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| Fifth Grade Spiritual Retreat 2020! |
