A Sacred Pause: Advent Retreat Day at St. Catherine of Siena Academy

In the midst of a busy school year—and a season that can quickly become loud and crowded—our students were given a meaningful gift last week: time.

Time to pause.
Time to reflect.
Time to pray.
Time to listen for God.

As we enter the Third Week of Advent and students begin finals this week, the retreat provided a rare opportunity to step back from academic demands and focus on faith, reflection, and spiritual growth.

At St. Catherine of Siena Academy, we believe education is more than academics alone. As an all-girls Catholic high school, we are committed to forming young women intellectually and spiritually, while giving them opportunities to grow in confidence, faith, and purpose. The Advent Retreat Day is one of the ways we live out that mission.

The day began with a panel discussion on the vocation of women, rooted in the understanding of the Feminine Genius as articulated by St. John Paul II. Students heard from women living different vocations, including religious life, marriage, and engagement. Each panelist shared her personal experience of listening for God’s call and trusting His plan.

Students responded positively to the panel, appreciating the honesty and joy of the speakers. Many reflected on the idea that discernment is different for everyone, that prayer is central in every vocation, and that it is okay not to have everything figured out. The panel reinforced that a personal relationship with Christ is at the heart of understanding who we are and who we are called to be.

Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of faculty-led retreat sessions focused on the Advent themes of hope, joy, peace, and love. These included Eucharistic Adoration, the opportunity for Reconciliation, class service projects, and creative and reflective activities.

The sessions offered multiple ways for students to engage, whether through quiet reflection or collaboration and creativity. Many students enjoyed the balance of prayer, conversation, and hands-on activities, finding ways to experience Advent in a personal way.

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Thank you to our faculty, whose dedication, planning, and leadership made the Advent Retreat Day possible. We are blessed to have you and are grateful for how you reflect the mission of St. Catherine of Siena Academy and your commitment to the spiritual formation of our students.

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