Xavier’s Annual Gift Retreat: An Exciting Spiritual Journey
Two weekends ago, 16 students took advantage of the opportunity to participate in the Xavier Gift Retreat. It was a wonderful weekend full of games, prayer and adventure. The gators stayed at the United Christian Youth Camp in Prescott, Arizona. The retreat began Friday evening, as the girls travelled to Prescott. Games, praise and worship, were some of the activities that these ladies participated in on the way up to camp.
The weekend theme, “The Woman at the Well,” was introduced early in the trip. The theme was inspired by the Bible passage John 4:1-26, “Jesus Talks with a Samaritan Woman.” In this story, Jesus meets a woman at a deserted well. He talks with her and asks her for water, which was a very odd thing to do at the time. He knows that this woman has five husbands and because she is ashamed of her sins, she avoids people by filling her water in the middle of the day. Jesus waits for her at the well and wants her to follow him. This passage teaches that even though humans have sins, we can never hide from Jesus; he truly loves us. During the retreat, this theme was deeply discussed and reflected upon.
Attendees celebrated Mass twice throughout the weekend and participated in Adoration. There were many adventures throughout the weekend, such as a hike and a giant swing. It was an amazing weekend. New friendships were made and many people came to experience God in a whole new way.
