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.