The first weekend of November marked the first of the four Kairos retreats going on at Xaverian over the course of the 2023-2024 school year. From November 2nd to November 5th, more than 70 boys left on a two-hour bus ride to Don Bosco Retreat House in Stony Point, NY. 

Kairos has been embedded in Xaverian tradition for many years. It takes place over the course of four nights and is available to the juniors and seniors of the school.

One of the major points of Kairos is that it is kept secretive. In order to get the full experience, participants are meant to go into the weekend with as little information as possible, but with an open mind and heart. What can be said about the retreats is the impact that they have on those who go. 

Teachers and students alike speak very highly of their experiences on Kairos, with many teachers returning to go on multiple retreats and long waiting lists to be a senior leader as well. 

“It’s three nights of being with each other, hearing each other, and it’s something that every kid should participate in. I think every high school should adopt Kairos,” said Mr. Sharib ‘96.

This past retreat is no different in any way besides location. Due to Covid-19, the location of the retreats was moved in order to accommodate single rooms. However, this year, all retreats will be back to the previous location at the Don Bosco Retreat House. 

This year, a very accomplished group of leaders found the experience to be just as rewarding, if not more, the second time around. 

“This Kairos weekend was a great chance for me to work on myself while connecting with my peers. The sense of family you feel on this retreat is unlike any other; there’s no better way to spend your weekend,” said Patrick Parrotta ‘24. 

This year will see three more Kairos Retreats: a Girls Kairos in January, a second boys retreat in February, and a final girls retreat in April. All leaders of these retreats are currently working hard towards making each one a memorable experience.

To sign up, see QR-codes outside of Campus Ministry.