Year 7 pupils from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School in Wythenshawe recently visited the Marist Centre in Manchester where they spent a full day on retreat. Here they were able to take time out from their busy lives to reflect upon themselves, their hopes and dreams and their relationships with those around them.
The retreat gave the pupils the time to develop their relationships with one another, focus on prayer and reflection and it also allowed them to work as a team during various games, activities and role plays so supporting the pupils on both their physical and spiritual journeys throughout Saint Paul’s.
The retreat provides a break from the routine of everyday school activities, where the young people are given the opportunity to look deeply at their own lives and the nature of their own belief. This is done through games, discussion, craft-activities, prayer and liturgy.
“The pupils spent time reflecting on their time at Saint Paul’s so far, focusing on the friendships they had formed, the difficulties they have faced and the strengths and talents they have celebrated,” explained Ms Kathryn Meehan, RE Teacher at Saint Paul’s. “We were able to give the pupils a positive faith experience in an atmosphere of welcome, friendship and respect, in the hope that each individual will be able to focus on God and their potential for spiritual growth.”
Head of Year 7, Mrs Diane Keary added: “It was fantastic to see how much the pupils enjoyed the experience of being at the Marist Centre; we could see that their confidence grew considerably throughout the day.”
“The pupils had a very enriching time, giving them the opportunity to evaluate what is important to them and to reflect on their roles in the school community and society,” said Head Teacher, Mr Wiktor Daron. “They were able to enhance their appreciation of spiritual values and consider the role that Christ does and can play in their lives.”