CCH Retreats
During the Fall 2022 semester, the students of CCH went off-campus to go rest with the Lord, to pray, and to enjoy one another’s company. In September, we had an awesome Fall Retreat at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore with 22 students. Then, in October, guys and the chaplains went camping in the Shenandoah. In early December, there was a Women’s Retreat at the Mother Seton House as well. Read below as two students reflect on their retreat experience and why retreats are so important for college students.
Karen's Reflections after the Fall Retreat
● Karen, what did you enjoy most about the CCH Fall Retreat?
The retreat was really instrumental and helpful in getting to know all the amazing people that make up the CCH. I loved having this special time at the retreat to be with God surrounded by likeminded people who were so genuinely cool and nice. Having no phones also helped us connect more with everyone since talking in person was our only way of communication! (And I really enjoyed that.)
● What would you tell other Hopkins students to get them to go on retreat?
The amount of peace that you can get from a retreat is unlike any other. There is never a perfect time to go on a retreat (you feel like you always have stuff to do) so take advantage of it always! It will give you a sharper perspective on your faith and give you a break from the noisy world. And when you come back to campus, you are more ready to take on the challenges life will throw at you.
● How did the retreat help you experience Jesus’ love for you?
Adoration, prayer, Bible study, and small group discussions made it clear to me how big and impactful Jesus’s love was for me. He was blessing me especially with such a supportive and open community.
Alex's Reflections about the Guys' Camping Retreat
● Alex, what did you enjoy most from the Guys’ Camping Retreat?
I enjoyed the retreat because it was a great way to explore my faith through unconventional means. The small group discussions, Mass held outside, and prayers around the campfire were a unique way to explore the Catholic faith.
● Why did you make time for retreat with such a busy academic schedule?
The one thing I’ve learned in my two years at Hopkins is that you simply don’t have time for things until you make time. Going on the retreat was a great way to decompress from my busy academic life, while also getting closer to God.
● Why do you think retreats are important for Hopkins students?
Retreats are important for us since the average Hopkins student is extremely busy. Making time for a retreat is difficult, but well worth it. Retreats are a great way to explore your faith while also relaxing from the normal stresses of being a student. This is also a positive way to socialize with friends.
● How do retreats help you experience Jesus’ love for you?
Retreats are a unique way to experience Jesus’s love through unique opportunities beyond Sunday Mass like small group talks and prayer sessions. These activities help broaden your scope as a disciple of Christ and in turn help you reflect and experience Jesus’s love in unique ways.
Your gift will help countless students in the coming years experience the love of Jesus through our expanding retreat ministry. Thank you!!