As a sophomore at Cardinal Gibbons, hearing the chatter through the halls of seniors boasting about their experience going on Kairos seems like they’re almost taunting me.
Kairos is only meant to be experienced by the graduating class, so every year when I hear the seniors boasting about it, I’m counting down the days until I can actually go to it. They (seniors) like to call it “Kai High,” which brings about the question amongst nearly every grade, “What’s the deal with Kairos?”
These two unforgettable nights of unforgettable memories are forever cherished in the senior class’ hearts, and it is a tradition and a Cardinal Gibbons custom for the senior class to spend three days and two nights at the Short Journey Retreat Center.
While most of the retreat is kept a secret, the Kairos retreat undoubtedly brings you closer to your faith, as well as your classmates. The retreat teaches the kids how to embrace the present and make the most out of their life. Kairos allows the students to strengthen their relationship with peers, teachers, and most importantly God.
“I felt like the people I really got close with were the teachers. At school you know your teacher but you don’t REALLY know them. On Kairos since we were there for three days, I really got to know the teachers, and know more about their life and who they are. Now that I’ve formed a more personal connection with some of the teachers, I see them in the hall and we share a moment which would’ve never happened before Kairos,” said senior Annabel Carlin.
“Kairos” translates to “the Lord’s time.”
Carlin added: “I also really got close with God. Sometimes as seniors we forget about Him because there’s so many other things going on at this time in our lives. Kairos regrounded me as a catholic and reminded me how important God is in my life.”
Kairos gives something for everyone to look forward to no matter your grade. It is a special part of who “Cardinal Gibbons High School” is and what they represent. After speaking with numerous people apart from Gibbons graduating class of 2024, all said the most memorable thing they did at Gibbons was going to Kairos as a senior.
In the midst of unbearing stress, college decisions, and senioritis, Kairos helps students handle the more difficult things in their lives.
“We’re all seniors. We’re all checked out. But we’ve forgotten to appreciate all the special moments that Gibbons has given to us. When I got back from the retreat I just felt super lucky to be surrounded by the people around me. It’s an amazing thing to experience first hand while you’re a senior because you start to feel like you’re going to miss it more,” said Carlin.
When underclassmen like me hear “Kai High” or a “Kai Crash,” we don’t understand the meaning of it all now, but soon enough the time will come.
