The Christian Awakening Retreat has long been a cornerstone of St. X. Students have been embarking on this retreat for decades and it continues to be one of the most influential experiences the school has to offer. Some may say: If you haven’t been on the Christian Awakening Retreat, then you haven’t fully experienced St. X.
While the retreat is composed of mainly juniors, senior Isaac Bean recently attended for the first time.
“Since most of the retreat consisted of juniors, I felt that I would be an outcast and would have a hard time connecting with the other guys,” Bean said. “However, every single guy was welcoming and caring of you being you. That feeling of care made every moment feel like a blessing.”
For other seniors or juniors who do not attend the Christian Awakening Retreat this year or are not planning on it, there is still plenty of time to change your mind.
“I would most definitely recommend this retreat to others,” Bean said. “The reason I would is because of the life changing experience it provides you. You are able to make a connection with guys you never knew before.”
Only those who have been on the Christian Awakening Retreat can truly know what that means. Without spoiling all that happens over the course of the four days, it is surely impactful.
“You can expect to bond deeply with the students around you and open up to others about your faith and personal life,” junior Stephen Wickson said. “This helps you learn to grow strong bonds with others and learn more about yourself. My experience has changed my perspective in life and helped me identify who I am and how God plays a role in my life.”
While the Christian Awakening Retreat is not mandatory, it is widely understood to be worth attending.
“I would 100% recommend retreat to anyone who can go, regardless of religion,” junior Walt Dyer said. “It is the greatest thing I have experienced at St. X. It will change anyone who goes for the better, and make you a better person… What you get from retreat is what you put into it.”
In reality, there is no great way to describe it, you just have to go and see for yourself. For more info on retreats, visit: https://www.saintx.com/campus-ministry/retreats
