Retreats & Mission Trips

Notre Dame Academy continued its tradition of holding a Freshman Retreat, although it was a bit different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The girls' retreat was on Feb. 10 and the boys' retreat was on Feb. 11 The retreats were held at school as opposed to an off-campus location.

The day consisted of small group discussions led by upperclassmen along with community-building activities. The retreats also featured the celebration of Mass, the Rosary and an opportunity to go to confession.

The goal of the retreat is to help the students recognize the sanctity of their life and by extension, the sanctity of the lives of all God's people.

"I am Sacred, We Are Sacred," was the mantra for this year.

The annual Sophomore Retreat for the 2020-21 academic year was held on Feb. 22-23.

The retreat was held at NDA this year and focused on three elements: Community, Character and Church.

The main objective was to have sophomores think deeper about the support systems they have, the choices they are making and the role faith has in their life. It also was an opportunity to have the sophomores connect with upperclassmen and grow in fellowship with their own class.

The first part of the retreat (Community) was to revisit and reemphasize many of the concepts from their Freshmen Retreat. This means community-building activities and group sharing in the first session (Community- I am sacred, we are sacred) of the retreat. In the second part of the retreat (Character) we explored the importance of individual integrity. This consisted of a talk/reflection and small group breakout discussion. Topics here touched on honesty, theology of the body and kindness. The final session (Church) emphasized that the Church is the ultimate sanctuary away from the evils/anxiety/stress/distractions of the world. This session will consist of a brief talk, open mic session (where students will get to address their class). We will closed the day with a Rosary.

"What will I take with me?"

Students took time to reflect on their past four years as well as reflecting on the future and some of the values NDA has instilled in each of them during the Senior Retreat April 21-22. The Class of 2021 also celebrated Mass and spent some time in Adoration for Praise and Worship. There was also an opportunity for seniors to go to Confession. Most importantly the seniors got to spend time with each other on a day that should be relaxing and reflective as they prepare for graduation.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, service trips for the 2020-21 school year have not been determined or scheduled at this time.

Notre Dame Academy's next Blood Drive is June 23 at the East Side YMCA.