SALESIAN LEADERSHIP
Three day retreat offers students the opportunity to grow in faith with others
by Mr. Alex Cormier
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Students are always excited to go on a school-sanctioned trip. However, the annual Salesian Leadership Retreat comes with a catch: students don't really know what to expect.
Fr. John Langan, the Youth Minister of Archbishop Shaw, explains that while the annual retreat is focused on building faith students aren't told what exactly will happen. Even before you set foot on the plane, some faith and trust is required.
"It's an opportunity for them to step away from their daily lives to recognize God's presence," says Fr. John.
Three Juniors and five Seniors were nominated by Shaw Faculty members and selected by Youth Ministry to travel to Immaculata-La Salle High School in Miami, Florida November 11-14. "There's opportunities for prayer, for sharing, and for team building built into every moment of those days," remarks Fr. John.
Father says that the students were excited but nervous. For some, it was the first time they participated in a three-day anything with youth from across the country.
(Top; top row from left to right) Br. Tom Junis, Jude Monaco, (unknown), Dylan Vo, Jene Baquet, Garrett Alello.
(Bottom row from left to right) Peter Nguyen, Brock Dupre, Dominic Allelo, Jason Brown.
However, speak to any of the participants and that nervousness quickly turned into a life-changing experience, one that many of them hope to replicate here at Archbishop Shaw.
Father is tight-lipped about what exactly sparked that shift within the students, but he did offer up this: "the moment they showed up on campus, they were welcomed with thunderous applause. The assimilation was instantaneous".
"Perhaps I've already said too much".
Attending the Salesian Leadership Retreat is a privilege that only those students who are determined enough get to experience. However, it is absolutely clear that it is an experience every student who participates would never want to miss.
If there's one message Fr. John wants all students and their parents to know, it is the life-changing fruit that comes from intentionally building up the faith of young people with others just like them.
"I hope parents encourage their kids to strive throughout their career here at Shaw to become a part of this. Opportunities like this can really affect a young person's life."
While the Salesian Leadership Retreat is not the only opportunity for faith-formation available to Shaw students, all of them require dedication and commitment on the part of the student.
"Young students should get involved as much as they can. It's important for them to make the most of their time: five years at Shaw go by quick".
Dominic Allelo (Class of '23) is a distinguished student of Archbishop Shaw High School.
Dominic Allelo, Class of '23
Dominic Allelo, Class of '23
The Salesian Leadership Retreat was an eye-opening experience. I met people who have affected my life so much and I hope I can meet them again.
I learned about how strengthening my relationship with God can help me become a better leader for my peers. Through the religious talks, Eucharistic adoration, and Masses, I got to figure out where I was lacking in my faith so that I could focus on it. I never truly realized how I affect those around me and how many people see me as a leader.
The experience has motivated me to become a better leader and a positive beacon of light in my school. I learned that my faith is essential to being a good leader as without God I wouldn’t have been on that retreat in the first place.
I learned that surrounding yourself with people who have the same faith or leadership priorities amplifies your want to be better. You can learn from those who are older and know more and then implement it into how you lead.
Br. Tom Junis grew up as the third of three children in Bloomington, Illinois. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Illinois State University. He has been with the Salesians for six years and this is his second year at Archbishop Shaw.
Br. Tom Junis, SDB
Br. Tom Junis, SDB
The Salesian Leadership was a beautiful experience. As a Theology teacher and religious brother, one of my greatest desires is for my students to experience the love that God has for them and to know Jesus as alive and present in their life. I thank God I was able to witness the working of his grace in so many of the students who went on the retreat. It gives me a lot of hope to see students on fire for their faith and desiring to live it out even when it is difficult.
It is important to note that opportunities like this are financially supported by the Salesians of Saint John Bosco, our own faculty and staff, our Shaw families and the wider community. Without their support, this experience would not have been possible. Thank you.
If you are interested in ensuring that future generations of students have the same opportunities to grow in faith and to be the future Catholic leaders our world so desperately needs, please consider supporting us with your gifts and time. Contact Mr. Brandon Surrency, Assistant Head of School of Institutional Advancement, for more information.
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