RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Retreats

Retreats

In the last eleven years we estimate that we have provided over 11000 day retreats at St Peter’s grange, Prinknash. The programme has evolved into a highly successful experience with over two thirds of the student population benefiting from it each year. Since the early days the department has be extremely fortunate to have the expertise to create and lead retreat programmes that are specifically designed to reach pupils at a level that is simply not possible in a classroom context. The response from students is always positive (especially the sixth form) and the quality of student involvement is often outstanding.

The rationale is very simple in that we try to create a space away from the security of the routine of school, where a student feels welcomed. Hospitality is without doubt the most essential component of any retreat experience. This is rooted in the Old Testament and the spirituality of St John Baptist De La Salle (Patron saint of teachers). With the security of established friends we challenge them to move beyond the familiar and discover the richness to be found in ‘new’ friends. Each year group has its own particular theme which directly relates to the ethos of the school and the world in which we live. The process remains the same and was used very successfully for the whole staff INSET of 2002. The challenge is to take a risk to journey beyond ourselves and to reflect on the shared lived experience of the group present. Meditation has become one of the most popular aspects of the days which is an invaluable lesson on the importance of being able to reflect and become aware of self and God in the present context.

Each retreat finishes with a service to celebrate the day and the lives of the ‘pilgrims’ present. This has in the last year become an opportunity for the celebration of ‘Form Masses’ for years 7 & 9. The benefit of this is that it allows the tutors & their tutees to work together to prepare their own celebration of the Eucharist.

In July 2005 we had to relocate the year twelve retreat and the Diocese of Gloucester was delighted to be able to accommodate us at the Cathedral Educational Centre. The venture was a huge success with over 240 students passing through the centre over four days. The feedback from students and staff was extremely positive and we have been invited back next year. The programme itself became an intricate part of the UCAS week allowing the students a chance to experience a retreat which helped them to discover more about themselves and the world we live in as they prepare to write their all important ‘personal statements’. The candles they lit in the Cathedral for their futures burned symbolically throughout the week.

In previous years we were taking over ninety students per year to St Cassian’s Centre for residential retreats which have always been a source of real life & strength for our students. It is hoped to re-establish this kind of experience as soon as possible.