Grade-Level Retreats: A Pacelli High School Tradition

By Caroline Jackson, Class of 2027
Photos by Grace Diaz, Class of 2026

A defining part of the St. Anne-Pacelli High School experience is the annual class retreat, an event every student participates in once each year throughout all four years of high school. These retreats offer students a rare and meaningful opportunity: a full day set aside for prayer, reflection, community-building, and a much-needed break from the pace of academics, technology, and everyday stress.

To better understand how these retreats impact the student body, a survey was shared with each grade level in collaboration with the religion department. Students were invited to respond anonymously or include their names if they wished to be quoted. Their insights speak directly to the value of this longstanding Pacelli tradition.

Before reviewing student responses, it is helpful to picture what a typical retreat day looks like. Long before students arrive, Pacelli’s religion teachers - along with a committed team of high school Peer Ministers - carefully plan each component of the day. While each retreat varies slightly from year to year based on the Peer Ministry Team leading it, the overall purpose remains the same: to help students grow closer to God and to one another.

On retreat morning, students turn in their phones, board the bus, and travel to Christ the King Church in Pine Mountain. Once there, the day begins with an abridged morning Mass celebrated by St. Anne Catholic Church Parochial Vicar Fr. Kevin Braski. Students then take part in a series of activities designed to build teamwork, trust, and joy - from competitive group games, to guided small-group discussions. Peer Ministers share personal reflections and testimonies throughout the day, offering heartfelt reminders of how faith can shape and strengthen daily life. And, of course, one of the most appreciated parts of any retreat is the time spent outdoors, as many students jokingly note that high schoolers still secretly miss recess.

Each retreat concludes with a reverent period of Adoration, giving students space for quiet prayer before returning to campus. So far this school year, the sophomore, junior, and senior retreats have followed this general rhythm, each with its own unique theme and personality.

With a clearer picture of the retreat experience, attention can now turn to the students’ responses and what they reveal about how these days away truly shape the Pacelli community. The final question on the survey asked students: “On a scale of 1–3, how much of a role does the retreat play in your decision to attend St. Anne-Pacelli?” Approximately 80% of respondents indicated that the retreat had at least a moderate impact. 

The first question on the survey asked, “Do you feel that the retreat brought you closer to Christ? Your classmates?” One thoughtful response came from sophomore Charlie Floyd, who reflected, “I would say yes. I think there was a lot of love, which is what Christ teaches us to do.”

The second prompt invited students to share some of their favorite aspects of the retreat. Their answers were simple, sweet, and often humorous. Senior Avril Hopson noted her appreciation for outdoor break times, explaining that “it was nice just to have some outside time with my peers.” Other memorable responses included: “hanging out with people I don’t usually talk to,” “the seniors’ talks about sophomore year,” “singing songs and worshiping God,” “eating and football,” and “getting to color.” Each comment highlighted the small but meaningful moments that make class retreats special.

Another question - “Were there any shared moments that you look back on fondly (comical or sentimental)?”- produced some of the most insightful reflections. One notable response came from sophomore Graham Saunders, who shared, “Yes, I look back to when we had to get our team over the line, and it brings me joy and hope for our futures as we were a good team together.” His observation that a simple team challenge brought “joy and hope” speaks directly to the purpose of these retreats: cultivating unity, collaboration, and shared growth.

The St. Anne-Pacelli community is rooted in four core values: faith, honesty, loyalty, and respect. Grade-level retreats serve as a clear reflection of these values in action, offering students opportunities to grow in ways that extend beyond traditional academic learning. This intentional focus on spiritual, emotional, and communal development is one of the many qualities that makes the Pacelli experience uniquely meaningful for its students.