Retreats

Retreats are an essential component of each student’s holistic formation at Carmel Catholic High School. The comprehensive 4-year program brings to life our school motto: "Belong. Believe. Become." through student-led and adult-directed retreats.

Freshman Retreat
The Freshman Retreat is an opportunity for students to get to know each other and the school as they begin their time at CCHS. We examine the theme of belonging both in the school community and through their identity as beloved children of God.  This retreat is led by seniors who prepare talks, lead small group reflection, and facilitate discussions. The Freshman Retreat culminates in a Mass where students receive the Carmelite Scapular. 

Sophomore Retreat
The Sophomore Retreat, “Believe," is an overnight immersive retreat that takes place off campus and allows students to step aside from daily routines to deeply examine the gift of faith in their lives. Students examine their own authenticity, their friendships, relationships, and who they are meant to be centered in Christ through a series of workshops led by student and adult leaders.    

Junior Retreat
The Junior Retreat, "Become," is a day set aside in the second semester of Junior year to reflect on the person that God has called each of us to be. Students are led through guided meditations and reflections to examine how the Spirit is moving in their lives and how they are called to respond. This day culminates with a special Junior Class Mass at the historic Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary. 

Pope Francis coined the term "Saint Next Door" as a way to describe our Universal Call to Holiness. The Saint Next Door Retreat is an optional retreat that allows Juniors to more deeply explore where God is calling them, through a 24-hour retreat featuring a series of talks, reflections, prayer, and an experience of service.

Senior Retreat
Carmel Catholic retreats culminate in the capstone experience of the Kairos Retreat. This is a four-day retreat experience in which the student examines relationships with God, self, and others. During the retreat, students hear talks, discuss them in small groups, participate in prayer, have an opportunity for Sacramental Reconciliation, and celebrate the Eucharist together. Carmel Catholic requires every senior to engage in a retreat experience during the senior year; the Kairos Retreat is encouraged.