Retreats
All pupils have the opportunity once a year for a one or two-day retreat. This is a time set aside from normal lessons and activities for quiet prayer and reflection. Retreats will be conducted by an experienced retreat director and may take place in the School or at an external centre. Each year group retreat is scheduled in the School diary in advance and takes precedence over all other activities. Retreats in the School culminate in a Mass arranged by the pupils themselves.
Year 7
The retreat for pupils in year 7 is entitled ‘Me, Myself and I’ and is a reflection on the first year at St Mary’s. It is held at school and is led by Mrs West.
Year 8
In Year 8 the retreat is entitled ‘Christ has no body’ and is a reflection on the prayers of St Teresa of Avila run with Mrs Helena West at the SPEC Centre.
Year 9
Pupils in year 9 undertake their retreat at Douai Abbey with Fr Tony Rogers. It is called ‘Do not be afraid’ and is a reflection on the need for faith in this time of change
Retreats for Years 10 to Upper Sixth take place at St Mary’s Ascot
Year 10
Fr Tony Rogers works with pupils in year 10 on their retreat. The topic is ‘Come Holy Spirit’ and is a time of reflection based around the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Year 11
Mgr Vladimir Felzmann leads the retreat for pupils in year 11. The topic is ‘Life to the Full’ and it is a reflection on making the most of life knowing that God is walking with you.
Lower Sixth
Mgr Vladimir Felzmann leads the lower sixth retreat on ‘Questions, Questions’. It is a reflection on why some times we might feel alone and the need for prayer in our lives.
Upper Sixth
The upper sixth retreat is led by Fr Kevin Dring and entitled ‘My future’ a reflection on a future where God is at the heart of our daily lives.
We feel that it is essential for each girl to be given time to step out of everyday school life, and reflect on their faith, relationships with others and where they are on their spiritual journey.
We believe that a genuine Christian commitment cannot simply be taught but must be encouraged by example and nurtured through instruction, support and discussion.