Kairos Experience: A Retreat to Explore and Develop One's Spiritual Character
One unique opportunity that our students are encouraged to participate in is Kairos. This spiritual experience provides students the chance to examine where they have been before they decide where they are going, ultimately building their self-character.
Kairos is a time for students to examine where they have been before they decide where they are going. This retreat is mostly for Juniors and Seniors, whose time at Maryknoll is ending. It gives students an opportunity to look at their life and see who has influenced it, for the better or worse, and thank those people or make a change.
The biggest thing that students come away with from this retreat is gratitude for all those who have helped them along the way. Another big focus of the retreat is helping students identify what/ who is important to them. The retreat helps them figure out their priorities and how to pursue them. It is also an opportunity for kids to initiate, get back in touch with, or explore their relationship with God and/ or spirituality in general.
It is great for some students who have been religious their whole life and have been just going through the motions to examine their faith and really have time to sort through some of the questions they might have. It is also a time where the students are completely unplugged, looking out at the ocean, in the valley, totally away from distractions. This is an incredible opportunity for students to really focus on themselves and their relationships, wholeheartedly.
For Maryknoll student Drayden Yamauchi '18, Kairos has made a huge impact on him personally.
“It has made me a better person as a whole and taught me much about others. I was a participant and I can say that it was an amazing experience and I hope to lead this next kairos.
I got a lot out of this experience. I have become closer to God and a lot closer to the people around me. I have made new friends that I never thought I could be friends with. It also taught me a lot about myself that I never knew before. It is the experience of a lifetime.
I would recommend kairos to everybody that is eligible to go. It is an experience that will last with you for the rest of your life.”
Kairos can be referred as 'God's moment' or 'the right time'. Such flashes of inspiration may come when we are not actively seeking them. New insight may also happen gradually and not necessarily at a specifically defined 'moment'. (Salvation Army)
Ultimately, Kairos helps individuals seek their purpose in life while building spiritual well-being.
Join us for our next Kairos Retreat in February 2022 (Date TBD). For more details, please see contact Mr. Leo Delgado and the Campus Ministry team.
