On Feb 24, a group of less than 20 juniors and seniors ventured out to the Mission of San Luis del Rey in Oceanside, California for Kairos #94. The retreatants signed up for a few reasons: to re-align their priorities, strengthen their relationship with God, or simply to get out of school for a few days. It ended up being an experience that each of the students will never forget.
One of the most recognizable aspects of Bishop Gorman High School is the opportunity for students to take advantage of the Catholic retreats. This time away from the classroom is something so much deeper than just a vacation, which was a universal realization for each of the retreatants.
“Kairos, is I believe, one of the main reasons that Bishop Gorman is set apart from other high schools. It was, in my opinion, the greatest way to connect with my peers, my teachers, and God,” said Sawyer Dachelet ‘26.
To kick off the retreat, Campus Ministry took each of the retreatant’s phones. Not being able to live on our internal clocks or chat with people back in Las Vegas caused upfront anxiety for the students, but quickly developed into a blessing in disguise.
“It was a great experience being able to disconnect from the outside world even for a short time. It gives you time to reconnect with yourself and build your relationship with God,” said Drew Rice ‘25.
This disconnect between our online lives and living in the present showed us how addicted we are to our screens; and how none of this technology truly matters. It was a breath of fresh air to be screen-less and have a few days free of distractions.
“Regardless if you wanna go it’s for social, religious or self contained reasons, it’s great to take a breather from it all and come back rejuvenated or better than you started,” said Rice ‘25.
Throughout the four days, the students not only learned more about bettering themselves, but also those around them. Without the urge to check social media or to respond to texts, the retreatants were able to make deeper connections with their peers.
“My favorite moment on Kairos was spending quality time with my friends with no interruptions from the outside world,” said Catherine Luther ‘26.
There’s something about being dropped off to a location with strangers for an extended period of time, that brings everyone closer together. This shared experience, along with thoughtful discussions, forms meaningful relationships with people who you’d least expect to bond with.
“Throughout the course of the four days that I spent on Kairos, I had a blast with new friends; but more importantly, I was able to connect to God in a way that I never have before,” said Dachelet ‘26.
Forming that deep connection with others, including God, was something that each retreatant experienced. The moments and aspects that the individuals faced are inexplicable. Student leader Brian Kano ‘25 called his time “simply beautiful.”
“Of course, it is difficult to compare the experience to any other metaphor or even fit it within words for that matter, although there is some intentionality behind that,” said Kano ‘25.
Kano was one of the leaders and keynote speakers on this four day adventure, after he attended a Kairos earlier in the school year. Even though he was aware of the retreat’s contents, being a student leader is a completely different role.
“Leading Kairos presented me with so many additional surprises that enhanced the retreat’s meaning. Taking others along for the journey does not mean you have seemingly “mastered” Kairos — but it is another step back,” said Kano ‘25.
As nice as a Kairos retreat sounds, many high schoolers are overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with makeup work. Missing tests and making up homework isn’t fun, but the benefits of taking a mental break and reconnecting with God makes it all worth it.
“I was unsure if missing that much school was worth it but I can assure anyone that missing school is worth it as this experience is like no other,” said Luther ‘26.
Kano also urges fellow classmates to take a risk and accept God’s invitation.
“If someone is naturally reluctant towards the details of life on retreat, I encourage them to lean into the wonderfully natural tendency to take a step back. Step back, look at life from a new perspective, and embrace the journey back inwards,” said Kano ‘25.
Looking back, Kano wishes he was aware of the true meaning of living on God’s time.
“If I could have known anything before I went, it was that the decision to attend is really God’s. If you are there, it is because you are there for a reason. Take that as you will,” said Kano ‘25.
As much as the retreatants want to share their unique encounters and journeys, there is a certain aspect of these Kairos retreats that makes it special for years to come. In order for it to keep having the same meaningful effect, we were all told to keep certain parts of it to ourselves. You truly have to go through the journey yourself in order to understand what we are saying.
“The best way to go into Kairos is undoubtedly completely blind, and it means something different to everyone that goes, so go experience it for yourself,” said Dachelet ‘26.
