The mission of the Felician Sisters is “to cooperate with Christ for the spiritual renewal of the world". HNMCS’ retreat programme gives students an opportunity to be away from the hustle and bustle of school life to connect deeper with themselves, each other, and God. When each day comes with so many tasks and responsibilities, a retreat is a chance to slow down and reconnect with what matters most in life, it is a day for renewal and reorientation. This kind of formation is central to our identity as a Felician Catholic school, for it is only when we carve out specific time to be open to cooperating with the ways of Christ, that we will receive the grace to renew our families, our communities, and our world.

The Grade 12s gathered at Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre to look back, give thanks, and look forward. By taking time to search out their past, students became more conscious of the blessings they have received so far on their path. After giving thanks through letter-writing, we shifted to look forward to the future, with students sharing their hopes and dreams for a life well-lived after HNMCS.

The Grade 9s spent their retreat day reflecting on the images of God they carry with them. After exploring Jesus’ presentation in the Gospels as “Living Water” with a prayer service at the edge of the Credit River, students took time to artistically depict their vision of God and write a brief reflection on it. We had a rich time of sharing following this activity, as each girl showed us their unique sense of connection to the holy presence that guides our lives.

Our most recent retreat took the Grade 8s to Canadian Food for Children for the morning to pack a shipping container full of food and other useful items to Sierra Leone. Inspired by the work of Dr. Simone, our afternoon session at the Felician Sisters’ Convent involved studying how faith must involve three things: our heads - knowing, our hearts - feeling, and to highlight what we did in the morning, our hands - doing. When we follow Jesus with these three dimensions, much awaits.

- Mr. Matthew Snowdon, Associate Director of Mission Integration