Sixth graders gather for this year’s retreat sponsored by the Campus Ministry LIFE Team.

The Saint Louis Sixth Grade Retreat is an exciting learning experience for the young men of Kalaepōhaku. The retreat aims to spread the teachings of the Marianist Ministry, bringing these young students closer in their relationships with God, their families, and their classmates. 

This year’s retreat proceeded very well, thanks to the Class of 2027’s positive energy and willingness to learn. Brother Brandon Alana, a brother of the Marianist Ministry and retreat leader, shared when asked about how well the retreat went, “It was, I would say, on the same lines, it went very well.” Activities they took part in included sharing their own experiences of how God has shown them the light of Christ in individuals throughout their lives, possibly their parents, teachers, or even classmates. 

The students also did well in expressing their personalities in the candle and paper bag decorating activities. Brother Alana conveyed the idea that these activities are to help the students show who they are and to help them create closer bonds with their fellow brothers. “For the sixth graders, the retreat tends to focus on how they bring the light of Christ into their different realities,” Brother Alana shared. The purpose of the retreat is to teach students to see the “Light of Christ” in their lives, and for the students to share this with others, spreading the teachings of the Marianist Ministry. 

To help convey this lesson, the Sixth Grade Retreat utilizes student leaders. High school student leaders who assist with the school’s Campus Ministry program, manage the retreat, and also be an example for their younger brothers. The student retreat leaders can better connect with similar experiences.

By sharing how they see Christ’s light in their lives,  Retreat Leaders encourage the sixth graders to do the same. A Junior, Pomai Choo,  was one of the retreat leaders this year. “I choose to lead these retreats because it helps me get closer with my younger brothers in the lower grades. Choo feels inspired to work with the younger students.  “It helps me practice being a leader for younger generations,” adds Choo.  He enjoys being a role model for his younger brothers during this retreat and plans to lead next year’s retreat as well, hoping to help the next class find Christ’s light in their lives.