Walking in the light of Christ - Year 10 Retreat

Life goes in full circle. 18 years ago, I clearly remember walking through the long path towards the main hall, framed by large trees as I started my first day of high school at St Agnes.

As a former student, my memories of high school were shaped by the caring nature of staff with an unwavering commitment to bring out the best in us. I come back as the Religious Education Coordinator, with a grateful heart and a love for teaching and learning shown to me by my teachers I now acknowledge as my colleagues.

My welcome to the St Agnes community began last week at the Year 10 Retreat over 3 days at the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, with the theme Walking in the light of Christ. The retreat comprised of 5 sessions that focused on self, trust, family, love and friendship that connected to the concept of footprints; the mark we leave behind and the path we lead ahead.

Ms Raad led the students into a Trust Walk activity with one person blindfolded and the other the guide. Many students found this experience quite challenging, as there are many voices that tell us where to go and what to do in life, and it is having complete trust in the right voice to lead us to the right path.

This activity led into a meditation through the ‘Footprints in the Sand’ poem, asking the big question “How will you leave your imprint at St Agnes?”.

Our Principal, Mr Brogan and Mr Madigan shared stories of their families with the ups and downs, but affirmed us all that family is a place where you are supported, forgiven and loved.

You will always be a part of the St. Agnes family.

The evening session began with a liturgy on the Road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). From this story, I’d like to invite you to reflect on the following points: How do you recognise God in your life? Do you recognise him in conversations with others that are kind and uplifting? Do you recognise him when others help you or when you help others? Do you recognise him in the beauty of nature? Do you recognise him in the silence of your day, when he is telling you to just stop and take a breathe?

If you find it hard to recognise God just like these two men, what is making it hard for you to do so?

Miss Valleri led us into a session on Love and gently reminded us that the love of Christ, as authentic, giving and freeing is how we are called to love others.

Your light is the only light I need
as I travel through life's mystery.
Your word the only voice I hear,
that still small voice that leads me
to the place where I should be.
Your presence is the only company I need,
as I walk this narrow road.
Your fellowship the warmth I need
to help me on my way.

In Day 2, students made a commitment to stay connected, as a year group and as a community. We are all on this journey with Christ together. Students wrote affirmation letters for each other as a simple gesture of showing gratitude, a St. Agnes tradition that continues to shine since my time as a student.

This retreat was a great testament to the wonderful connection staff share with students and was enjoyable and spiritual day for all.

In my journeying with you,
may I never lose my sense of direction,
never lose sight of the goal
towards which I travel.
And should cloud or rain obscure my vision,
may I draw closer to you,
so that my feet may tread
in your footsteps,
your words be my encouragement,
and your love my protection.

Footprints in the sand

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.

Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realised that this was at the lowest
and saddest times of my life.

This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why,
when I need You most, You leave me."

He whispered,
"My precious child,
I love you and will never leave you,
never, ever, during your times of trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."