Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry is a program within the Student Life office that stewards the spiritual needs of the Cristo Rey community. This includes the spiritual care and health of each individual’s journey to LOVE GOD, LOVE SELF, and LOVE OTHERS. Campus Ministry affirms and upholds the mission of Cristo Rey Philadelphia as a "Catholic school for students of all faiths," by providing holistic, intentional programming based on the pillars of prayer, community and formation. We steward and develop holistic transformation and a sense of purpose in students through inclusive prayer services, retreats, formation, WIN classes, Bible Study, and other programming that engages the culture of students, faculty and staff. Campus Ministry believes that when young people do not have a sense of their own identity and calling, if they don't have an idea of who they are and what they are here on Earth to do, the world will tell them who they are and what to do and this can leader to a misled lifestyle. Therefore, it is Campus Ministry's end goal within the mission to aid our students with gaining for themselves a sense of identity and calling, along with faith and a consideration of God. In this, young people can go on to live a life of purpose, on purpose, and for a purpose.

Sometimes we get so caught up in waiting for that 'thunderbolt from heaven' that we miss the simple results of God's friendship which are all around us.

Retreats

Retreats at Cristo Rey Philadelphia are an integral piece of the spiritual growth of our students.

Freshman ESCAPE

Mandatory
Entire Freshman class
One (1) Friday morning to afternoon (Fall Semester)

Freshman Escape Retreat allows freshman students to reassemble as one class after the first month of experiencing Cristo Rey. Together, they have the opportunity to check-in with each other, and themselves, as well as learn from upperclassmen retreat leaders. At Innabah Camp and Retreat Center, students will have the opportunity to participate in canoeing, archery, slingshot range, and more.

Freshman REVISION

Mandatory
25-30 freshmen students each
6 Revision retreats a year (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Each Revision retreat takes place from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon

Freshman Revision Retreat is a student’s first overnight retreat at Cristo Rey, leaving campus on a Thursday after school and returning Friday afternoon during school hours. Revision is centered on the theme of identity, gravitating around the question of “Who Am I?” It allows students to create new bonds in a space of trust and vulnerability.

Sophomore IGNITE

Mandatory
25-30 sophomore students each
Six (6) Ignite retreats a year (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Each Ignite retreat takes place on Fridays during the school day

Sophomore Ignite Retreat is a day-long retreat for sophomores to pause to consider and discover what their calling/vocation may be. This retreat is currently held at Cranaleith Spiritual Center. On this retreat students are guided through three themes: What Am I Good At? What Brings Me Joy/Fulfillment? What Does the World Need (from Me)?

Junior INSIGHT

Mandatory
25-30 junior students each
Six (6) Insight retreats a year (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Each Insight retreat takes place on Fridays during the school day

Junior Insight Retreat is primarily run by our long-time partners, Outward Bound, who live out the value of experiential learning and risk-taking. This retreat is currently held at the Outward Bound Discovery Center and/or Outward Bound’s Wigrad site. Students will have the opportunity to indoor rock climb or do an outdoor ropes course, as well as participate in physical, communication-based icebreakers and games. The purpose of this retreat is to allow students to discover their limits and experience what faith feels like.

KAIROS

Mandatory
25-30 senior students each
Four (4) KAIROS retreats a year (Fall and Spring Semesters)
Each KAIROS retreat takes place from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon

Kairos is the longest overnight retreat experience students attend. This retreat is currently held at Pendle Hill Retreat Center. Kairos is the Greek word for “God’s Time” and is an experience available at Catholic high schools and universities across the country. As the pinnacle of Campus Ministry retreats, it combines the themes of all retreats from freshman, sophomore, and junior year: building relationships with self, God, and others.

Senior Retreat

Mandatory
Entire Senior class
One (1) Senior retreat a year (Spring Semester)
Senior retreat takes place on a Friday during the school day

Senior Retreat is a day-long experience for seniors that takes place a few weeks before graduation. This retreat is currently held at Immaculata University. The day allows for reflection over the past four years, quality time with peers and adult leaders, as well as space to look toward what may come after Cristo Rey.

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