Cathedral Community | Freshman Retreat: I Have Called You by Name

The Freshman Retreat at the NYU Catholic center was filled with moments of laughter and conversation, moments of song and silence in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and an overall atmosphere of excitement and authenticity. 

Our first year students are beginning their four years of high school with a deepened sense of their identity as fundamentally relational human persons: daughters, sisters, friends, and ultimately, daughters of God. Through activities like “Speed Connections” and other icebreakers, many students met their classmates for the first time and solidified the foundations for friendships that four years will build upon; through moments of song, prayer, and silence, they had the opportunities to ask questions like Who am I for God? and Who is God for me? 

We find our meaning when we give ourselves to others. Our students reflected on how Christ died on the Cross, and would have died just for each one of them, and how He was thinking about each one of them while on the Cross. 

One freshman generously shared her reflection after the event:

“My favorite part of the retreat was definitely the icebreaker activities, even though I’m usually not a big fan of them. This time, however, I felt so comfortable because it was a judgment-free zone where everyone was just being themselves. The activities were well-organized and fun, helping us to break down barriers and get to know each other better. Another highlight was the chapel prayer. It was a deeply moving experience where I could let go of everything that was hurting me. The serene atmosphere and the beautiful prayers allowed me to find inner peace. Seeing my fellow Cathedral freshmen united in Christ, singing His words together, made me incredibly proud and connected to our community. It was a moment of pure unity and spiritual upliftment that I will cherish forever.

At the retreat, one concrete belief that was strengthened for me was the importance of community and genuine connection. I realized how powerful it is to share openly and support each other. The deep conversations and emotional moments showed me how much we all benefit from being vulnerable and authentic with one another. Another piece of self-knowledge that deepened was understanding my own capacity for empathy and listening. I found that being present for others and really hearing their stories made a significant impact on both them and me. It reinforced my belief in the value of active listening and being there for others in meaningful ways. Additionally, my goal to be more reflective and mindful in my daily life was strengthened. The serene moments in the chapel and the reflective sessions made me appreciate the importance of taking time to connect with my inner thoughts and beliefs. This has motivated me to incorporate more mindfulness practices into my routine.

Before the retreat, I thought it would just be us praying for the whole day and sitting in silence. I expected it to be a pretty chill experience, maybe connecting with a few people. But what really surprised me was how deep and meaningful the conversations were! The sense of community and connection was much stronger than I anticipated. The chapel sessions were incredibly reflective and moving, much more than just quiet moments. And the lunch pizza was amazing, bringing everyone together in a fun and casual way. Ms. Hughes did an awesome job organizing everything, making sure everyone felt included and valued. Her energy and dedication really made the retreat special and memorable.”

Thank you, Ms. Castello, Ms. Garcia, Ms. Wise, Ms. Meravy, Mr. Sentamanet, Mr. Tsouristakis, and especially Ms. Hughes for dedicating your time to and wisdom with our newest Cathedralites!