Juli-Anne Sarji '24
The senior class embarked on their retreat at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2023. They traveled on two coach buses to San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch, New Jersey.
As soon as the seniors arrived, they took in the scenery and the lovely ocean, beach, and cross that were on the property. The cool breeze surrounded them as they unpacked their luggage from the coach buses and entered the retreat house to get their room assignments. There were two options for rooms: a room with two beds and a shared bathroom, and connected rooms each with a bed and a shared bathroom. There were only two students allowed in each room.
When entering the rooms, students began to unpack their belongings, take in the scenery outside their rooms, and explore places like the chapel, the Heritage Room, and the Conference Room. Not long after, the seniors began doing their spiritual activities and watched the sunrise and sunset together during their three days of retreat. In the middle of San Alfonso’s property, overlooking the ocean, was a big cross and a boardwalk.
Nadia Sousou ‘24 spoke of how meaningful the retreat was for her when she stated, “I honestly thought the senior retreat was very funny since we all got closer as a grade. I learned a lot more about my classmates, and it made me sad that this is my last year at Fontbonne. I just wish we had a few more interactive activities, but other than that, everything was great."
Truly, spending two nights together as a whole year was fun for the seniors, and they were able to learn more about each other on a more personal level. They were able to have a deeper look into each other's lives and what may not have been revealed about them in a school environment. Hearing the stories of others was very touching. The smiles and laughs that filled the faces of the seniors on the retreat revealed how much they enjoyed it and connected more with each other.
Anna Mancino ‘24 spoke about how the retreat helped her experience dorming and bonding with her friends when she exclaimed, “The senior retreat was absolutely an amazing experience! It was a great time to connect with friends and grow closer to God! Also, I really want to dorm away to college, and it gave me a little glimpse of dorming!”
Although they were hanging out with their closest friends during group activities, the seniors were able to work with some people they don’t usually talk to on a daily basis or have too many classes with. After doing all the activities planned for the day, students were able to go to their rooms to start their nightly routines, talk to their families, bond with their roommates, and reflect on all that occurred.
Ava Powell ‘24, the senior president, talked about how she had no part in planning the retreat when she stated, “I didn't have any part in planning it, but I thought it was so much fun and a great way for our grade to further connect in the little time we have left."
Victoria Verrecchio ‘24, the senior representative, explained how she also had no part in planning the retreat when she said, “I had no part in planning, Ava and I had no idea what we were doing either; it was a secret to all of us.”
The seniors were not told ahead of time what they would be doing each day; they were just told to report to certain rooms at specific times and wait for the exciting activities to begin. The senior president and representative had no part in planning the retreat, so it was even a surprise to them what would be taking place. The only people who knew of the plans were Ms. Nicoll and Ms. Sosa, the year coordinators of the senior class; Ms. McAuliffe, the director of guidance, who was a chaperone; Father Chris; Sister Mary Ann Cashin; and Sister Karen Cavanaugh.
Ms. Nicoll, one of the senior year coordinators, expressed her involvement in planning the retreat and her thoughts on how it unfolded when she stated, “Ms. Sosa, Mr. O’Connor, and I worked really hard to plan the retreat and make it the best possible. When he left, we continued to work hard on it, and Sister Maria helped out. Father Chris was already coming, and that was the highlight of the retreat for me. Sister Maria helped us have Sister Mary Ann Cashin and Sister Karen Cavanaugh join us on the retreat, and I think they added so much to it. During the retreat, we had to change some things as things went on, but we continued to enjoy the experience. Some girls enjoyed the retreat more than others, but we worked really hard to make it the best retreat they could possibly have. Overall, I hope it was a great experience for everyone.”
The seniors returned to Fontbonne Hall Academy on November 16, 2023, with smiles on their faces from all the memories they made together on the retreat and wishing it never ended.
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