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Retreats

Spirituality isn’t just
something taught in
the classroom—it is
woven into daily life. It
is an active journey of
faith that shapes our
students’ experiences,
creating opportunities
for them to truly live
their faith, not just learn
about it.” –Marie Rodnick,
Campus Ministry Director

Senior Fall Retreat 2025–"Written On Our Hearts"

Three young men, one wearing a hoodie and the other two wearing casual clothing, are interacting and smiling in a wooded outdoor setting with trees and foliage in the background.
A group of people, mostly young, are seated in a cozy indoor space with a wooden ceiling and colorful artwork on the walls.
A group of people, some seated and others standing, in a room with a wooden ceiling and windows, suggesting a community or gathering space.
Four people wearing harnesses and helmets are suspended in the air, appearing to be engaged in some kind of aerial activity or adventure sport. The background suggests an indoor or controlled environment, possibly a training facility or attraction.
A group of people, both adults and children, gathered in a forested area, posing for a photograph together.
Two young individuals, one with curly hair and the other wearing a headband, are standing in a forested area with lush greenery in the background.
Two young men wearing orange safety helmets are standing in the foreground, with a wooden structure visible in the background surrounded by a wooded area.
Two people are sitting on a fallen tree trunk in a forested area, surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation.
A person in casual clothing stands next to a wooden barrel in a forested area with tall trees surrounding the scene.
A group of people, including two individuals in the foreground making funny faces, are gathered in a forested area with tall trees and autumn foliage in the background.
A group of people walking on a path through a lush, forested area with tall trees and a reddish-brown ground cover.
A group of people, including a man seated in the foreground and several younger individuals standing behind him, are gathered in a forested outdoor setting with lush greenery and fallen leaves visible in the background.
A group of young people, wearing casual clothing and safety gear, stand together in a wooded outdoor setting with trees and greenery in the background.
A large group of people, both adults and children, gathered in a forested area with fallen leaves on the ground.
A group of people, mostly young men, are gathered together outdoors at night, standing in front of a large tree with string lights illuminating the scene.
Two people wearing safety gear, including helmets, stand on a path surrounded by lush, green trees in an outdoor setting.
A group of people sitting in a cozy, well-lit indoor space with wooden beams and decorative lighting overhead.
Two people wearing safety gear and harnesses stand in a wooded area with trees and grass in the background.
Three people wearing safety harnesses and helmets stand in a wooded area with a zip line or ropes course visible in the background.

Cardinal Newman seniors recently returned from their Fall retreat, themed “Written on Our Hearts.” Over three meaningful days, they stepped away from daily routines to reflect on who they are and the experiences that have shaped them. Through outdoor adventures, journaling, prayer, and heartfelt conversations, students explored the “rocks” in their lives—the people and memories that ground them—as they prepare to move beyond high school. Evenings of Vespers, campfire laughter, and time in nature made this retreat a powerful reminder of the faith, love, and gratitude already written on their hearts.

Junior Fall Retreat 2025 — A Journey of Identity

A group of people, mostly young males, sitting on outdoor steps surrounded by a lush, forested environment.
A large indoor venue with rows of chairs and people seated, surrounded by wooden walls and a high ceiling with hanging lights.
A group of young people, both male and female, standing together outdoors in a wooded area with a brick walkway visible in the foreground.
Two people sitting on wooden benches in a lush, forested area with a large, overhanging tree providing shade.
A group of young people, mostly boys, sitting on outdoor steps surrounded by a lush, forested environment.
A group of people gathered around a fire pit in a wooded area, with a large structure or building visible in the background, illuminated by a bright light source.
The image shows a grassy field with several inflatable structures, including a large blue and yellow cone-shaped object, as well as people interacting with the structures and playing on the field.
A grassy field with various inflatable structures and people engaged in outdoor activities, surrounded by a wooded area.
A large group of people, mostly young adults, are seated on a wooden deck in a forested area with tall trees and a wooden structure in the background.
A group of people sitting on a wooden bench in a lush, forested outdoor setting with tall trees and greenery surrounding them.
A group of people gathered in an outdoor area surrounded by wooden structures and lush greenery.
A large indoor space with wooden walls and ceiling, filled with people seated at tables and chairs, engaged in various activities.

This fall, the Junior Class gathered for a retreat centered on the theme of “Identity” — an opportunity to reflect on who they are as individuals and as a class community. Through prayer, small group discussions, Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, students deepened their faith and strengthened their relationships with one another and with God.

Afternoon activities like hiking, wall climbing, and the large swing offered exciting ways to explore teamwork and self-discovery, while quiet moments encouraged introspection and spiritual growth.

The retreat was a meaningful blend of reflection, adventure, and connection — a memorable step in each student’s journey of faith and identity.

Senior Spring Retreat 2025

The Senior Spring Retreat, held at the serene Mount Gilead, was a powerful and transformative experience for the Class of 2025. Centered around the theme “Our God is Here,” the retreat invited students to recognize God’s presence not only in the peaceful setting around them, but also in their relationships, their personal stories, and their shared moments of reflection. Through prayer, discussions, and heartfelt testimonies, students were encouraged to reflect on their high school journey, to seek and offer forgiveness, and to let go of past burdens. It was a time of healing, connection, and renewal—a reminder that no matter where they are in life, God walks with them. As they look ahead to the future, the seniors left the retreat with a renewed sense of peace and purpose, ready to begin the next chapter of their journey

Junior Retreat 2025: Identity

The 2025 Junior Retreat provided students with a meaningful opportunity to explore the theme of "Identity"—both as individuals and as a class community. Throughout the retreat, juniors reflected on their morals, relationships, and the example of Christ, deepening their personal growth and strengthening their connections with classmates and God.

The retreat balanced self-reflective and interactive experiences. Afternoon activities encouraged outward exploration through hiking, wall climbing, and a large swing ride, while moments of prayer and small group discussions fostered inward reflection. Students also participated in Mass and had the option to attend a Reconciliation service.

This transformative experience allowed students to engage with the concept of identity in diverse and meaningful ways, leaving them with lasting insights and stronger bonds with their peers.

Class retreats are a special time for Cardinal Newman students to build community and reflect on their faith. Retreats are often cited by graduates as some of their favorite memories and most cherished experiences during their high school years. All CNHS students are encouraged and supported to attend their class retreat.