Cardinal Gibbons provides retreats for every grade level, however, none are as prominent as Kairos. This senior retreat takes place at the Gibbons’ Retreat Center, Short Journey, and though Seniors have highly sought after it during its decade-long history. No one person who signs up is allowed to know specifically what they will be participating in on this retreat. Why does a retreat with immense popularity remain so closed-mouthed? 

The extent of what is known about Kairos is detailed on the Cardinal Gibbons website. It lasts 3 days and two nights in which a multitude of activities takes place. “Kairos is an Ignatian-style retreat that focuses on one’s relationships with God, others, and themself. A mix of talks, small group discussions, and powerful activities inspire the seniors to reflect on their past and prepare for their future.” The website states. No additional information on scheduling and events is given.  The word Kairos, in relation to theology, means a time in which God becomes involved in the affairs of humans. Currently, seniors are in the peak of application season, and stress and anxiety are running rampant as a result. Kairos retreats allow students to step away from the chaos of their life and focus on bettering themselves and those around them. In times of immense stress, lessons learned from Kairos can help students to handle conflicts within their lives and for those who are yet to go, it can provide a source of decompression and healing following a period of struggle. One of the main reasons Kairos is so secretive is due to the immense emotions and truth that is brought to the service as seniors look inside themselves.

Grace Kelly was one of the first people in the class of 2023 to go on Kairos she was in the first group that went during the first weekend of Summer break. She stresses that the opportunity to go on Kairos is one that should not be missed. She stated, “I remember getting my phone back and just wanting to tell every other senior to sign up. I also was much more open with myself and my relationships with others. I also sent an immediate thank you to so many people in my life. I think the first one was Mrs. Anders though. I sent her an email just to thank her for the experience.” Grayson Lee-Minor shared similar sentiments.“Every senior should go on this retreat because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The group you go with- you most likely will not have a chance to all be together and bond the way you did again. There are so many people you’ve seen at school that you never personally will get to know without it.” Grayson got the opportunity to lead a later Kairos and shared the unique experience of being a leader. “Experiencing it was amazing, but watching the impact it has on people especially those that were hesitant to go on the retreat initially was an amazing experience. I gained even greater new perspectives and spiritually felt an increase in my connection to God. I love helping others so it really moved me knowing that I helped people want to be better leaving than when they walked in.”