Freshman Retreat, "Growing in Sisterhood," Immerses Students in Mission
Freshman retreat is a time for first-year students to gain familiarity with and explore the Mount mission. Centered around the mission, history, and traditions of the Mount, with its roots laid by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, freshman retreat aims to foster sisterhood and bonds among students. Built into the retreat was the concept of “serving the dear neighbor,” which echoes the theme of the school year.
On September 28 at the SSJ Motherhouse at Chestnut Hill College, a group of seniors led freshmen on this journey. Activities and team-building exercises focused on beginnings (of the SSJs in LePuy, the SSJs in the U.S., the Mount, and the students’ freshman year). Small group sessions included “(Her)story and Heritage,” “Unity and Reconciliation,” and “Mission in Action.” Students visited the SSJ Heritage Room, where Sr. Charlene brought the stories of the beginnings of the SSJs & the Mount to life, and the Motherhouse chapel, where Ms. Ochs (Theology teacher) guided a sharing on unity and reconciliation.
Freshmen participated in a Cross the Line activity which created a space for them to see more deeply and bring light to how people feel, what they need, and the importance of caring. This session focused on aspects of serving the dear neighbor.
Students also engaged in various community-building activities intended to emphasize elements of the MSJA mission. Students created sacred threads of connection, tossing a yarn ball and sharing to symbolize the lace making of the sisters. Each student then tied a lace bracelet on her neighbor as a reminder of their connections. They had a competition to learn and sing the alma mater, among other exercises.
Theology teacher and Department Chair Mrs. Robin Escobar shared that the end of the day, freshmen wrote in their journals 1-5 words to capture the day. They were invited to share out loud, if they wished.
"Some words shared were eye-opening, informative, fun, grateful, and appreciative," said Mrs. Escobar.