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Mike, with the tree that was planted and dedicated to him at Camp Ihduhapi. | Retreats
| Activity: |
Student Retreats |
| Adviser: |
Mike Jeremiah |
For over thirty years, we have provided spiritual retreat opportunities for our students here at BSM. The retreats are done by class and are conducted at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Lake Independence in Loretto, Minnesota. Mike Jeremiah, BSM’s Campus Minister, is the retreat director. The retreat staff includes other adults from the BSM faculty and staff, Shared Ministers from St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict, seniors who are involved in the Peer Ministry program, and BSM alums who have continued to work on the program.
The freshman class attends an all-day Saturday retreat, and the sophomore, junior and senior classes have an overnight: Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. Seniors have the opportunity of attending two retreats – one in the winter and one in the spring prior to graduation. These retreats are very different in theme and purpose, so seniors may choose to attend both if they wish. All of our retreats are optional, and it is up to you and your son/daughter to decide whether or not to take advantage of these experiences.
One of our objectives is to build community within the class and to show the true importance of being part of a community of faith, bringing students to a personal understanding of their own faith and its importance in their lives. We consider these times to be truly sacred, providing students with the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God, others, and themselves.
Peer Ministry Workshop: October 4, 2009
Senior Class Retreat I: November 21 & 22, 2009
Freshman Class Retreat: January 16, 2010
Sophomore Class Retreat: February 27 & 28, 2010
Read a Reflection on this Weekend, Written by Mike Jeremiah
Junior Class Retreat: March 20 & 21, 2010
Senior Class Retreat II: April 17 & 18, 2010
"This weekend showed me that the time I have to spend with God is always there; it's just my job to find that time and use it wisely. All the stories I heard impacted me in some way or another. They create a different look on life for me to see since my stories are not as scary. This weekend made me realize how truly blessed I am with the life God has given me. He has put many wonderful people in my life who have lead me down that path of Jesus Christ, whom I believe in with my whole heart. This weekend also made me realize that not everyone has a life like mine, and that they are in need of help, which from me will most likely be prayer." ~Peggy Renier
"I feel like this retreat really did make me closer with God. What affected me most was when the people on the panels would talk." ~Jake Horton
"I got a sense of what others thought. I have a strong faith life now and for it to grow something amazing has to come to me. For my faith or relationship with God I like prayer and individual thought time. My retreat encouraged me to have a strong relationship with God." ~Karen Valde
"I felt like I strengthened my relationship with God and with my friends and maybe some seniors or others in my grade that I didn’t know before. I felt really connected to my faith and realized how much I believe." ~Lizzy Wolfe
"It was one of the best weekends of my life. It was great. I couldn't have asked for a better cabin group of guys and seniors (peer ministers). It was amazingly fun." ~Anonymous
"It made me reflect and realize how there are other people who are struggling in life just like me, and from the outside everyone seems like a "normal" happy person but deep down they could be hurting. Sometimes all it takes is one person to ask how they are feeling." ~Anonymous
"Well, I have always believed in God, and hearing some of the panels really helped me be more thankful and live every day more fully." ~Anonymous |
