by Mr. Marlon Vargas and Sr. Maria Rosario Gaite
Published in Umatuna Si Yu’os, the Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Agana
February 5, 2012
“Come and Follow Me…Celebrating Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics and Service.” This was the theme of the recent Santa Barbara Catholic School Faculty and Staff Spiritual Retreat held last January 21, 2012 at Carmel on the Hill Retreat Center, Malojloj, Guam.
This is the second year that the administration, faculty and staff decided to hold their retreat in the middle of the school year. Having the retreat at beginning of the new year, and the beginning of the second semester afforded the faculty and staff to have a break from their daily routine and spend a day to take stock of their individual lives, their relationship with one other, and their education ministry through an encounter with Christ in prayer. They experienced different forms of prayers and reflections, individually and as a group, such as the Ignatian Meditation and Taize Prayer. Marie Mararac, SBCS Finance Director and Mrs. Arleen Suplido, SBCS Curriculum Coordinator were all praises for the retreat.
- L-R: Faculty members Delson Balance,Karl Cepeda, and Kristine Roxas participate in the Ignatian guided meditation at the SBCS faculty and staff retreat.
“It was well prepared, and coordinated, and I appreciated everyone’s sincerity and cooperation in all the activities we had. I was particularly touched by Father Edwin’s discussion on teaching as a vocation, “ Mararac commented. “I liked the guided Ignatian Meditation activity and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation because it enhanced my prayer experience during the retreat,” Mrs. Arleen Suplido added.
Through the talk given by the retreat master, Rev. Fr. Edwin Ulanday, SDB, the faculty and staff increased their faith knowledge by reflecting on the Church Document: Lay Catholics in Schools. The faculty and staff covenant developed and written at the start of the school year was also revisited and reaffirmed. Individually, they evaluated themselves on how they have lived out and made reparations for failing to live up to the covenant. Their role as educator and formator were appreciated through the letters of affirmation they received from their students. One of the highlights of the retreat was the Sharing of Cup of Tea activity where words of thanks and forgiveness were shared thus strengthening and deepening the friendship, bond, and professional relationship among the retreatants. The retreat concluded with everyone gathering for the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Ulanday.
The whole spiritual retreat was truly a success because of the wonderful participation and involvement of the administration, faculty and staff. Of course, it was made more meaningful because of the hard work and organization of the retreat team namely Ms. Bernadette Alcantara, Mr. Delson Balance, Mr. Marlon Vargas, and Mr. Ron Pangan. Aside from facilitating the varied activities, they made it possible for the retreat to flow smoothly, and provided everyone with a meaningful and memorable retreat.
