The theme of the retreat is "Friendship is being able to be yourself," and the motto of the weekend is that "My life is a gift from my family, my friends, and my God; upon this I shall build."
The retreat is led by a group of 135 Seniors who have been trained as retreat leaders. The Freshmen sleep over in the Jesuit gym.  This retreat occurs early in the school year because it is a significant opportunity for Freshmen to develop as a community of friends, to understand the traditions of Jesuit education, and to believe themselves to be a vital part of the Jesuit High School family.  Because the experience of the Freshmen Overnight Retreat is so important for new students, participation is MANDATORY for all Freshman.
Please arrive at the Jesuit gym between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. so you and your son may check-in prior to the opening assembly.  Upon arrival, members of our Junior Ground Crew will direct you and your son to the designated registration areas.

Parents, step-parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the opening assembly, Ignatius 101, and the Parent/Son Exchange activities of the retreat on Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Following the Parent/Son Exchange activities there will be an optional, complimentary, parent luncheon hosted by the Jesuit Booster Club in the Harris Center (12:30 pm). The Parent/Son activities incorporate parents and step-parents, Freshmen students and Senior leaders. The topics of discussion will vary, intending to explore expectations of the following: family relationships, the retreat, and student life. The purpose of the exercise is to, within a friendly atmosphere, allow both groups to speak with one another. For these reasons, the groups will be mixed so that parents and their son will not be in the same room. In the past, parents have greatly appreciated this opportunity.  Please make arrangements for younger siblings as space in the classrooms is limited and conversation will revolve around high school experiences.
Be sure to RSVP to the Parent/Son Exchange and lunch using this Google Form. Also, please contact any parent or step-parent who is not living at your address in order for him or her to receive this invitation to participate in the activities.

The retreat concludes on Sunday with Mass in the Jesuit HS gym beginning at 10 a.m.  Your ENTIRE
FAMILY is invited to attend and dress is casual.  After Mass your son will return home with you.  If you are unable to attend the Mass, please make arrangements to have your son picked up by 11:30 a.m.

In preparation for the retreat, each parent and/or step-parent is asked to write individual personal letters of love and support to their son (one from each parent and stepparent), telling him how important he is to you, listing some things about him that you are proud of, and speaking to how glad you are that he is your child.
The letter should be at least one full page in length.  These letters are addressed to your son (i.e. “Dear Tom”).  Place each letter in a separate envelope, seal it, and write on the outside of each envelope his first and last name, and who it is from (i.e. “From Mom,” “From Dad,”  “From Stepmom,”  “From Stepdad,” etc.).  Please bring all these envelopes inside a larger one to the Main Office by Friday, August 16, labeled Campus Ministry and your son's name.  Please DO NOT send these letters in with your son to take to the Main Office.  Remember, it's meant to be a surprise.  
 
Please contact any parent and/or step-parent who is not living at your address in order to have him or her write a letter to your son.  Your son, as a part of the retreat, will open and read his letters on Saturday evening.  This moment in the retreat weekend has always been a powerful and an important one for the Freshmen.  Remember: this is a surprise, so please keep it confidential.  

The things students must bring on retreat:
A full stomach from eating a hearty breakfast before the retreat.
Sleeping bag and pillow placed into a large plastic bag marked with student’s name
A bed roll or air mattress to sleep on (optional)
Toiletries, medication (to be given to Mrs. Barnes)
Swimsuit and towel
A refillable water bottle
A change of clothes for Sunday
Student body card
An open and generous heart!
A positive attitude!

Leave at home:
Books or homework.  The teachers will know that Freshmen are on retreat.
Electronic devices: iPods, iPads, electronic games, cell phones, etc. – if students are using them, they will be taken and held for them until the end of the retreat.  Exception-medical necessity such as Diabetes.
Food or drink.  We will provide meals and snacks, and accommodate special dietary needs based on the information provided at registration.

Paul LeBoeuf, Director of Campus Ministry, 916-480-2193 or by email at paul.leboeuf@jesuithighschool.org

Arrangements for student's health issues:  Kelly Barnes, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, 916-480-2194 or by email at kelly.barnes@jesuithighschool.org

We look forward to your son's participation and hope you, his parents, will be able to join the Saturday morning session, Saturday lunch, and Sunday Mass.

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