There and Back Again: A Student Journey Into the Spirituality in Tolkein's Middle Earth
Led by Mr. Main and Mr. Watkins
Location: Camp Edenwood in Eden Prairie
Come explore the connections in Tolkein's works, Christianity, mythology, and ourselves. We will be reading, sharing, viewing, discussing, creating, and reflecting during the course of our day. We will have more fun than Hobbits at a buffet and dig deeper than the pits of Khaza-dum. Look for the day to be challenging and thrilling. While you do not need to be a Tolkein expert to join us, you should be at least familiar with the recent films. The more you have read, though, the more you will get out of the day.
Habitat for Humanity Service Retreat
Led by Mr. Gleich
Location: Various Habitat sites (Woodbury and Newport)
Number of students: 30 (who have not done a Habitat day this year)
This retreat will explore through conversation, reflection, prayer and action, our ability and responsibility to be "salt of the earth" and "a light set on a hill." Students and staff will help in some phase of the construction of a home, either building a new home, or the renovation of an existing house.
*Participants on this retreat will need to provide their own lunch. There is also an additional permission/health info form required for this retreat. Those who fail to complete the required paperwork by the due date will be replaced by an alternate.
Problem Solving Retreat
Led by Dr. Zimmerman and Br. Michael Lee Anderson
Location: Br. Michael's House
Number of students: 15
Do you wish your life was as together as Oprah, but somehow it feels more like Jerry Springer? Sometimes it feels like the problems in our lives have no solutions and are really dragging us down. Maybe your parents are fighting, splitting, or split. Perhaps someone in your life has a drinking/drug problem or is in an abusive relationship. Or maybe you have friends with serious problems expecting you to listen to them all the time. This retreat will help you work on a system for getting a grip on what you can change, what you cannot change, and how you can cope. You do not need to have a serious problem to attend, but this will be a great sharing and solution-oriented day.
Nature Retreat
Led by Mr. Teuber
Location: Lebanon Hills Discovery Center in Eagan
Number of students: 35
This retreat will be a day to reflect on Gods presence as you experience the beauty and design of creation. There will be quiet exercises to use your senses to listen, observe, and feel creation and reflect on what these say about the Creator and us. There will also be a chance to walk in the woods and play in the snow. If you like being outside in the winter, this retreat is for you. Bring your boots, gloves, and warm clothes for this one!
Babette's Feast Retreat
Led by Mr Ruhland
Location: Camp Sacajawea in Apple Valley.
Number of students: 30
A retreat about relationships, honor, thoughtfulness and generosity using the movie (Babette's Feast) as a lens to examine our own soul. The movie contains metaphors that help us to discover deeper realities of our connectedness to others and the sacrifices that relationships call for. We will do some writing (journaling) and will process the film though small group activities and large group discussion.
Tai Chi and Chai Tea Retreat
Led by Ms. Bohrer and Ms. Racine
Location: Carondelet Center
Number of students: 30
Com and experience a variety of ways to meditate. You will learn some of the 24 movements of Tai chi which is one of the ancient Chinese martial arts. In addition to Tai Chi, you will learn about the history and ritual of drinking tea from a local expert. Wear loose fitting clothing and bring an open heart. A surprise gift may be in store for you, too!
Intimacy: No One Night Stand
Led by Bob Bartlett
Location: Dakota Lodge at Thompson Park in West St. Paul
What is the difference between sex and intimacy? Our culture often uses these two words interchangeably but they are not the same. People can have sex and never be intimate. People can be intimate and never have sex. This retreat will explore what intimacy is and how it relates to the relationships and everyday lives of high school students.
Eucharist: God's Love In The Food
Led by Fr. Forliti and assisted by Ms. Boerschlein Tracy
Location: St. Andrew's Church in Como Park
Number of students: 30
This retreat will give you the opportunity to explore the theology of food while preparing a good Italian meal of homemade ravioli with our chaplain. It will help you understand how you "put the love in the food" and examine the relationship between a meal and the Eucharist. Plus, you will get to share the meal you prepare together!
Dry Inside: A Lenten Retreat
Led by Rick Craig, Youth Minister at Lumen Christi
Number of students: 50
This is a lenten-themed retreat which addresses the experience of feeling "spiritually dry" or distant from God. We explore the idea that the fact of our relationship with God is what determines the spiritually dry, what might be some of the causes, the relationship between faith and feelings, and some solutions/or actions we can take to move through our "dryness."
"Leap Forward For Children" Retreat
Led by Mr. Brennan and Mr. Steineman
Location: Wilder Child Development Center in Frogtown
Number of students: 15
If you enjoy working and playing with little kids this retreat is for you. Spend the day at the Wilder Foundation's Leap Forward For Children Program. Learn about the families served and the services provided there. Play with the toddlers and pre-schoolers at this center which specializes in integrating children with special behavioral or developmental needs into mainstream child care environments. If the snow stays, there may be sledding! Please bring a hat, mittens, and a winter jacket. Lunch will be provided.
