TAMPA: THE FRESHMAN RETREAT

(Tampa – October 17) – Patrick Lambert, teacher and coordinator of youth ministry at Cristo Rey Tampa High School at Mary Help of Christians Center, planned and led the freshman retreat that took place on Friday, October 12.  The day began with a piece of art by Henri Matisse (Plate 8 from Jazz, 1947) which depicts Icarus against a royal blue nighttime sky filled with stars.  Next, the students were given materials and asked to decorate the walls of the room with countless stars.

Why stars?  Well, the retreat activities, talks and reflections connected the theme of the retreat – “My Home Is among the Stars” – to the students’ lives.  From activities that involved building cardboard forts, to talks/movie clips about what they desire in life, to moments of prayer (Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, silent time), the retreat not only engaged the ninth graders but also helped them recognize that they have similar fears, desires, and experiences; that none of the desires of this world free them and fill the real desires of their hearts; and that they are created for more.

You and I, we are all created for more.  We desire more.  Our calling is more.  Our home truly is among the stars.

“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee.” – St. Augustine