Dear Freshman Parents and Students

July 2014

Dear Freshman Parents and Students,

Welcome to St. Mary’s Ryken High School! Campus Ministry is eager for all members of the freshman class to participate in the student retreat program. The freshman retreats are scheduled during orientation week, August 21 and 22. The students attend the retreat in their advisory groups which are arranged alphabetically.

Students whose last names begin with “A” -- “L” will attend the retreat August 21

Students whose last names begin with “M” -- “Z” will attend the retreat August 22

Students will arrive at SMR, reporting to the sidewalk adjacent to the bus circle (staff will direct) at 8:10am. We will load the buses and proceed to Camp Maria Retreat Center, Leonardtown, for the retreat program. We will return to SMR around 12:15pm. Students may wear casual/comfortable clothes and shoes (no flip flops), shorts and tee shirts are fine. Regarding appropriate dress, refer to the SMR Handbook’s student wardrobe policy on non-uniform days.

The theme of the retreat is Know Yourself as an SMR student. Students will begin to explore their role in the mission of SMR as a Catholic coeducational college preparatory high school sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. The retreat will help the students connect with each other and to continue/begin building a personal relationship with God. The retreat is structured around both large group sessions based on the Xaverian values and led by students from the Senior class and small group discussions.

The freshman retreat is a vital part of the student’s spiritual growth as a member of the SMR community and is, therefore, a requirement for each student to attend. The cost of the retreat ($66.00) includes transportation, retreat materials, one meal and use of the facilities. Please do not send a payment as the cost is placed on your school account.

Please complete and docusign the permission form by the assigned date of your child’s retreat. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 301-373-4196.

Sincerely,

Christopher Shea Campus Minister Director of Retreat Programs