Freshmen Retreat

Community. Faith. Hope.

The first year of college presents the challenges and opportunities of transition. We leave the familiarity of our families, schools and communities and enter a world of new possibilities and choices. Often at the center of these transitions is a person’s faith. How can we sustain the faith we have come to embrace growing up? How might it be enriched? Who are the people around us asking the same questions?

The Notre Dame Freshmen Retreat is designed for all students, Catholic and non-Catholic, to share this journey of faith with their peers and benefit from the experience and wisdom of upperclassmen who have made this transition.

Through presentations and discussions, prayer and song, as well as some fun activities, the twenty-six hour Notre Dame Freshmen Retreat offers students a chance to address some important issues while making new friends. For 24 hours the retreat draws first-year men and women together to reflect upon what they have brought to Notre Dame and their hopes for their lives at Notre Dame and beyond.

The Freshmen Retreat is structured around three pillars:

• Community
  The retreat provides students with the opportunity to meet men and women from other dorms who are adjusting to life at Notre Dame. It encourages them to listen and speak with other students about what Notre Dame has been like so far.

• Faith
  The retreat encourages students to express and explore the importance of their faith. It also provides information abou t various opportunities within Campus Ministry where one might seek additional sustenance for personal and communal Christian enrichment.

• Hope
  Students will be invited to reflect on their hopes for their time at Notre Dame. The retreat will provide participants with a context to explore some of the ways in which their faith in God will enrich their time at Notre Dame as well as how it will contribute to the lives of others on, and beyond, campus.

Who can attend?

Any first-year student.

What will I be attending?

A 24-hour retreat where you will meet new people, reflect on what has brought you to Notre Dame, discuss your hopes about the future, and have fun!

When will the Freshmen Retreat take place?

2008 – 2009 Academic Year

• September 19-20, 2008
• November 7-8, 2008
• February 27-28, 2009
• April 3-4, 2009

Where will it take place?

The Sacred Heart Parish Center

Why should I go?

If you want to meet new people, discuss and reflect on your time here at Notre Dame, or just take a break from the normal routine!

How do I apply?

Download the application now, contact Mary Olen at 631-6633, or come to 103 Coleman-Morse.

For more information, please contact Fr. Pete McCormick,CSC at 631.4746 or pmccorm1@nd.edu