Catholic Schools 6th Grade Retreat
February 21, 2012 • Phoenix Center, Father Duenas Memorial School
ARTICLE: “Come and Follow Me”: The SBCS Faculty and Staff Spiritual Retreat
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.
“Come and Follow Me” | SBCS Admin, Faculty and Staff Retreat
January 21, 2012 • Carmel on the Hill, Malojloj | Retreat Master: Fr. Edwin Ulanday, SDB
“Come and Follow Me” | SBCS Faculty and Staff Retreat
ARTICLE: SBCS Middle School Spiritual Retreats 2011
by Mr. Marlon Bobier Vargas, Religion Teacher
Published in Umatuna Si Yu’os, the Catholic newspaper of the Archdiocese of Agana
October 30, 2011
With the aim of building a faith life in the spirit of the Gospel in the school community, Santa Barbara Catholic School (SBCS) conducted a series of spiritual retreats for the middle school classes this school year 2011-2012.
Last September 27 (Class of 8A) and 28 (Class of 8B), 2011, the eight grade students had their class retreat at the Santa Bernadita Chapel in Yigo. The focus of the retreat was on “Living the Life and Works of Venerable Catherine McAuley.” The retreat helped the graduating class to reflect on and appreciate their relationships with God, family, school and friends and challenged them to continue to live their lives rooted in mercy. Meanwhile, the sixth grade students had their class retreat on October 13 (Class of 6A) and 14 (Class of 6B) at the SBCS Multi-Purpose Room with the theme “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world” – John 9:5. The emphasis of the retreat was on building stronger and deeper relationships by anchoring oneself to the light of Christ and sharing this light to classmates, friends, family and community. The seventh grade class spiritual retreat was held on October 18 (class of 7A) and 19 (class of 7B) also at the SBCS Multi-Purpose Room with the theme “God’s Dwelling Place.” In the retreat, the seventh grade students had a meaningful time reflecting on God as their dwelling place in their life. It invited them to become “God’s home” for their own family, friends and other people as well.
This series of spiritual exercises is held annually as part of the faith formation for the students of SBCS. The retreat gives the students an avenue for discovering a model of effective communication among themselves through series of activities like talks, group dynamics, action songs, writing and exchanging meaningful messages, sharing of thoughts, insights and reflections. Consequently, it develops awareness for true bonding among classmates and it strengthens the espirit de corps of the class. Most importantly, it creates a common experience for the class to ‘discover the face of Christ’.
The retreats were facilitated by Mr. Delson Balance (8th and 7th Grades) and Mr. Marlon Vargas (6th Grade) with the assistance of Miss Bernadette Alcantara and Mr. Ron Pangan. All are faculty members of SBCS.
8th Grade Retreat 2011
September 27 & 28, 2011 • Santa Bernadita Chapel, Yigo, Guam | Retreat Facilitator: Mr. Delson Balance