Paschal Watch Retreat
This year, Campus Ministry invites you to enter more deeply into the Paschal Mystery and unpack Notre Dame’s Triduum liturgy with a community of fellow students. Paschal Watch is an on-campus retreat that takes place in two-three hour blocks each day beginning the evening of Holy Thursday and ending with a meal on Easter Monday.
This retreat not only invites you to take part in the liturgy, but to contextualize it within the real questions and concerns of your life and the lives of those in our community. In doing so, we will keep watch with Christ, while also providing plenty of space for your own prayer and rest throughout the weekend. Join us as we pray, eat, serve, and ultimately celebrate Christ’s Resurrection together this Easter.
Spring 2026 Details
When is the retreat?
Thursday, April 2, 2026
We will begin by attending the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 5:00 p.m. in the Basilica, followed by a simple meal, reflection, and time in community. The night will conclude with an optional walkover to the Tenebrae service.
Friday, April 3, 2026
We will gather at 10:15 a.m. on the morning of Good Friday for communal prayer, reflection, and a simple meal. We will end our day together with the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at the Basilica at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, 2026
Our focus on Holy Saturday will be encountering Jesus on the margins of our South Bend community through direct service. Timing will be dependent on the needs of local non-profits. We will meet again to celebrate the Easter Vigil together at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 5, 2026
We will have an optional Easter dinner at a member of the retreat team’s home to celebrate the start of the Easter season at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, April 6, 2025
Our retreat concludes with a shared meal and reflection on Easter Monday from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Who can attend?
This retreat is open to all Notre Dame, Holy Cross College, or Saint Mary’s students. Registration will be capped at 30 people.
Registration
The retreat fee is $15 (financial assistance is available).
Contact
Emma Marsden, Assistant Director of Faith and Formation, emarsden@nd.edu +1 574-631-5718