“Brotherhood” is only one word, but it means so much to the Jesuit High School community.

Jesuit’s 27th Annual Freshmen Overnight Retreat will take place this weekend.  A new group of freshmen will finally make Jesuit their home and connect with their family of Marauders.

“[The retreat is] the beginning of the brotherhood…it’s about friendship.  [Jesuit’s faculty] wants guys to start developing friendships that are ‘different.’” said Mr. Paul LeBoeuf, Director of Campus Ministry.

The leaders of the event, including the Big Brothers and the Junior Ground Crew, will also work tirelessly to ensure the comfort of the attendees.  The entire retreat staff is dedicated to ensuring the weekend and the year benefits the class of 2019.

The team at Campus Ministry promises to immerse freshmen in an environment of love and acceptance where they will be able to make lasting connections with their class.  

“God loves you for who He created you to be. He doesn’t love you for someone that you’re not.” Mr. LeBoeuf said, reflecting on the culture of “openness” promoted during the event.

Mrs. Kelly Barnes, Director of Christian Service, shared that the retreat is taking place a couple of weeks earlier than it normally does, to better kick-start the year.

All the efforts of upperclassmen and faculty cannot guarantee a retreat’s success. Freshmen also need to embrace the activities of the retreat, even if those activities might be surprising or unexpected.

“Be open.  Have a great time.  If [you] come  and [you]’re open to wanting to have a good time, [you] will.” Mr. LeBouef said, addressing the retreatants role that is  at the heart of any retreat.

As the class of 2019 enters the gym Saturday morning, they should be prepared for a weekend of bonding and enjoyment.