Twenty students from Bellarmine University's Class of 2022 will explore topics of faith this weekend during
Campus Ministry's inaugural retreat for first-year students.
Campus Ministry created this weekend’s retreat after hearing feedback from students who wished Bellarmine offered religious retreats like their high schools did.
Sophomore psychology major Colleen Begley said, “My first year here, there weren’t opportunities for retreats so I believe it will be a great time for the first-year students to have an open dialogue in a patient and humble environment.”
Campus Ministry's mission is to help students encounter their true self, God and each other. This retreat, which takes place at the Archdiocese of Louisville's Flaget Center, was designed to promote opportunities to experience all three components of that mission.
Laura Kline, director of Campus Ministry, said students attending the retreat can expect group discussions, activities and “spiritual practices like journaling, prayer and meditation.”
Six juniors and seniors are leading the retreat by facilitating group discussions throughout the weekend. Since the theme of the weekend is "Everyone Has a Story," one out of the five student-led discussions is a conversation about the supporting characters in ones’ story.
Campus Ministry is planning more retreats this semester, including:
In addition to retreats, Campus Ministry offers opportunities to attend or serve at Mass in Our Lady of the Woods Chapel, sign in the choir, attend service opportunities, join faith-based organizations and participate in special interest groups.
Article by Molly Jett, intern in Bellarmine's Office of Communications & Public Affairs; photo credit: Anderson Reeves.