Senior Retreat

The Senior Retreat program at Mount Carmel, has a long and proud history of providing students with dedicated time in their senior year to have an encounter with God. Over time, the program has adapted to the ever-changing world but its significance to the students faith and life journey can not be underestimated, so the College dedicates a significant amount of time to this opportunity. And so, it is a continuity for all seniors at the College.

At the core of the Senior Retreat program is theology and anthropology, that is, the opportunity to understand God and understand the story of the human person.

The College’s Senior Retreat program is centred around two Bible quotes;

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1

Jacob went to his father and said, “My father”; and he said. “Here I am; who are you, my son?

both focus on the notion of “who are you?”

As these young people enter their final year of secondary education, it is an ideal time to reflect on “who they are”. The current Retreat program is entitled  “What’s in a Name?”It involves a series of structured opportunities and experiences of prayer, reflection and large and small group sessions where they and their peers have a real encounter of God. Elements of the program include

• Discover the meaning of their name,
• Reflect on who they are,
• To walk in truth, our College motto,
• Acknowledge the events and people who have shaped their lives,
• Affirm their friends and peers,
• Recognise that they have a team of people to support and encourage them,
• Be open to the Spirit,
• Experience reconciliation,
• Celebrate the Eucharist,
• Have time for play, and
• Have some quiet reflection time.

The structure of the retreat is to be away from the normal routine of home and school. The students are away for 3 days and  2 nights, and they travel to sites such as La Rosey, Mittagong; KCC, Katoomba; and Santa Sabina Site at Tallong. The program is facilitated by the College staff.

Spirituality Days - Encounter days

The College engages the different year group in Reflection and Encounter Days.These days are opportunities for students to have an encounter with God.

• Year 7, 8, and 9 – 1 Encounter day per year
• Year 11 Senior Retreat – 3 day experience
• Year 12 Retreat Reconnector - 1 day

Years 7, 8, and 9 have formation days that are facilitated by the Diocean NET Teams. The theme is based on the cohort's yearly liturgical focus or needs at the time.

These days are uniquely Catholic, and focuses on the Emmaus paradigm of “meeting the students where they are at” and “taking them to somewhere new.” It is  accepting of where the students are at with their faith,  and aims to assist students in exploring their own faith with the emphasis that Jesus is at the heart of everything.

Encounter days are a catalyst for growth. With many students going further and exploring other faith initiatives offered through the  Diocesean Youth Ministry LIVE events or wanting to  become a Youth Ministry Leader at the College. 

At a more personal level, many of the students leave an Encounter day knowing that God is more present in their lives. This is a reality that goes far beyond “good feelings” and is often evident in a change of attitude and life practices which show the individual is living more fully.

Encounter days present a range of games, personal experiences, drama, all with the aim of the student being presented with the question of: “What is God’s role in my life and how do I choose to live this life I have been given?”, in the hope that they will come to a greater acceptance of their God given goodness.