Each school year, students at our school begin preparing for one of the most meaningful traditions of their high school experience: the Emmaus retreat. As upperclassmen share stories and memories from past retreats, younger students become eager to learn more about the history and purpose behind the program.

Throughout the years, Emmaus has become one of the most memorable and impactful experiences for many students on our campus.

The Emmaus retreat first began as a way to strengthen the spiritual life of students while also encouraging deeper friendships within the community. Inspired by the biblical story of the Road to Emmaus, where two disciples encountered Jesus while traveling together, the retreat focuses on faith, reflection, and connection. Students leave behind the distractions of everyday school life and spend time building trust with one another through discussions, activities, and prayer.

Equally important, the retreat has developed into a tradition that many students look forward to throughout their high school years. Upperclassmen who have attended Emmaus often describe the experience as eye-opening and comforting.

Students from grades 10 through 12 especially speak about the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to meet classmates they may not usually talk to during the school day. Many students explain that the retreat allows them to feel more connected not only to their peers but also to themselves and their faith.

Additionally, student leaders play a major role in making the retreat meaningful. Leaders spend weeks preparing talks and activities that encourage honesty and reflection among participants. Their willingness to share personal experiences creates an environment where students feel safe opening up about their own challenges and successes.

Many students admire how the leaders balance fun activities with serious conversations, making the retreat both enjoyable and inspiring.

The retreat also includes memorable traditions that students often talk about after returning to campus. Group discussions, music, prayer services, and moments of quiet reflection all contribute to the experience. Students frequently mention that stepping away from technology and busy schedules helps them focus more on friendships and personal growth.

Even students who may not have expected much from the retreat often leave feeling surprised by how meaningful the experience became.

Finally, the history of Emmaus at Marist School continues to grow stronger with each new group of students who attend. The retreat has become more than a school event; it represents community, faith, and support among classmates.

While students return to campus with new memories and friendships, many already begin encouraging younger students to participate in the future. As the Marist community continues to grow, Emmaus remains one of the school’s most valued and lasting traditions.