Senior Retreat: Saying Goodbye with Faith and Friendship

Image courtesy of CUA Campus Ministry

By Francesca Jonica

This is an independently submitted op-ed and does not reflect the views of The Tower.

How do you envision spending your last few weeks of senior year? Are you eager to create lasting memories with friends, or are you buried in the books one final time? For twenty-four seniors at the Catholic University of America, the answer involved stepping back from the hustle of college life to attend the annual Senior Day Retreat, sponsored by Catholic University’s Campus Ministry.

The seniors traveled together to Sacred Heart Church in Bowie, Maryland, stepping away from their busy campus lives to enjoy a day of reflection, prayer, and community. They all agreed that the retreat provided a much-needed break, allowing them to reconnect with friends one last time before graduation, while also spending intentional time in prayer and contemplation.

The morning began with an inspiring talk from Anthony and Sarah Grieco, who shared their personal experiences about the transition from college life to the wider world. The Griecos emphasized how important it is to actively seek and build community within the Church, reminding seniors that these relationships are invaluable during times of major change.

After enjoying lunch together and spending reflective time in Eucharistic adoration, seniors gathered again for an insightful talk by President Kilpatrick. His message focused on the theme of “leading with light,” reminding students that their mission to positively impact others should extend far beyond their time at Catholic University.

Senior Trinity Ruiz, a Philosophy major, shared how meaningful it was to have one final experience with friends before graduation. 

“My biggest takeaway from the retreat was that remaining active in the Church after graduation can be done if you seek community out,” Ruiz explained. She also encouraged underclassmen to cherish and nurture their friendships, as those bonds will last far beyond graduation day.

Politics major Dylan Brett attended the retreat specifically for the opportunity to pause, reflect, and spiritually prepare himself for the “crazy changes” ahead. “Say yes!” Brett advised underclassmen. “So many doors are opened just by saying yes or asking a question. Take courage in Jesus Christ, and He will take you where you are meant to be.”

As these seniors approach graduation, they leave equipped not only with cherished friendships but also with renewed faith and purpose, ready to step forward into the future with confidence and grace. The retreat reminded them that graduation is not an end, but rather the beginning of a new journey filled with opportunities to bring their Catholic University experiences into the broader world.

Looking ahead, these seniors understand that they carry the light they cultivated here at Catholic University into the next chapter of their lives. They depart knowing they have not only learned academically but grown spiritually and personally, ready to meet new challenges and positively impact their future communities. With heartfelt memories and lessons learned from their final retreat, these graduating seniors embrace the future, excited to discover how they will continue to serve, love, and lead beyond the comforting walls of their campus home.