Embracing God's Time: Reflections From The Mount’s 11th Annual Kairos

What happens when high school students step away from the noise of everyday life and spend three days exploring the timeless question, 'Where is God in my life?' During the 11th Annual Kairos Retreat, which took place at the Liebenzell Retreat Center in Schooley’s Mountain, NJ, 59 juniors and seniors from the Mount, guided by eight faculty members and eight student leaders, immersed themselves in a time of reflection. The retreat, centered around the concept of "God's Time" (Kairos), encouraged participants to delve into their inner selves and contemplate the presence of God in their daily lives.

A Kairos retreat is a transformative Christian retreat program designed for high school students to deepen their faith, strengthen relationships, and connect more profoundly with God. Rooted in the Greek word "Kairos," which means "the appointed time in the purpose of God," the retreat encourages participants to embrace this special moment of spiritual growth. Through activities like sharing personal stories, listening to peers, and engaging in meaningful spiritual conversations, students are invited to open their hearts to God's love and recognize His presence in their lives. Many describe the Kairos retreat as a life-changing experience, sisterhood, fostering stronger bonds with both God and their community.

Freed from the distractions of technology, the attendees broke away from their usual routines, gaining a heightened awareness of the love they receive from both God and others. They participated in reflection groups with one another, prayed together, and had a wonderful evening mass. Mrs. Pauline Condon, Director of School and College Counseling, who was one of the facilitators, expressed, “We were reminded of the beauty and magic that unfolds when we embrace slowness, make room for quiet introspection, and authentically connect with one another.”

Director of Performing Arts, Mrs. Michelle Posner, also a facilitator, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the formation of a sisterhood and the exploration of faith during the retreat. She led an activity using creative form of expression where students put themselves in another person’s shoes.

Mrs. Christine Victori, OPA, Campus Minister, Director of the L.E.O. Program and Chair of the Theology Department, who planned this and prior Kairos retreats said, “This was one of the best Kairos retreats we've ever had and I am so happy to have been a part of it,” adding that it was “an opportune moment for introspection and recognizing the omnipresent love of God in their surroundings.”

Working closely with Mount Principal Dr. Karen D’Avino to make this retreat happen, Mrs. Victori shared, “Kairos is a beautiful opportunity for faculty and students to connect on a higher level, in understanding each other, loving each other and being compassionate toward one another, and it is a great opportunity our students have.”

As the retreat concluded, students returned home with renewed spirits and a sense of belonging, carrying with them not only cherished memories but also a greater awareness of God’s love in their lives. The retreat exemplified the four Dominican pillars—Prayer, Study, Community, and Mission—that serve as the foundation of Mount St. Dominic Academy, guiding students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and in service to others. This year’s Kairos Retreat served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in faith, community, sisterhood, and the importance of taking the time to reflect. Summing it up perfectly, senior Ava Larkin, one of the student leaders, reflected on her Kairos experience by saying, “Kairos is realizing the people around you are there for you to lean on, not to compare yourself to.”

At the Mount, the four Dominican pillars serve as the bedrock of a transformative educational journey. These pillars guide students, faculty, and staff in fostering a deep spiritual connection, nurturing intellectual curiosity, and embracing a mission-driven approach to service. This commitment empowers students to become socially responsible leaders, poised to make a meaningful impact. Nowhere is this more evident than during the cherished Kairos retreat experience.

NOTE: Mount St. Dominic Academy seniors Anna Cecala and Katya Ellenis are members of the Mount’s Journalism class. As part of their coursework, some of the articles written in that class are being published in the media, showcasing the students’ journalistic skills and providing real-world writing experience.