Kairos, a three-day religious retreat rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, brings students together to deepen their faith, form community, and reflect on God’s presence in their lives.

Throughout the retreat, participants hear a series of personal presentations from students and adults, join small-group discussions, attend prayer services and Sacraments, and take part in free time and sports that build connections.

Senior student at Saint Ignatius College Prep Hamilton Gomez had the opportunity to lead Kairos 195 which took place from September 23rd-26th. Originally, Gomez was a part of Kairos 193 in which he talked about his experience saying, “The experience was amazing. I met a lot of people that I haven’t previously talked to, and they had a lot of great things to share that allowed me to know them on a deeper level.”

Upon arriving at the site of Kairos 195 Gomez felt great about being a student leader.

Gomez said, “It was nice being able to facilitate the experience that I had for others. It was a great opportunity to see how my actions as a leader were able to allow other students to have a unique experience.”

Leading Kairos was important to Gomez.  “It was extremely fulfilling. I was able to go on the retreat not once but twice, so it was good being able to view both sides as a retreatant and a leader.”

Many participants find themselves transformed by both the quiet and communal moments during the retreat.

Wyatt Jackson, Saint Ignatius senior, was a retreatant on Kairos 195.

Jackson said, “I had high expectations as it was talked about highly from my peers and administration.” Jackson’s expectations were met especially during the end where he said, “I felt that we all became closer together.” 

Jackson believes hat Kairos has brought him closer to God. He takes time out of his day to pray and reflect.

Jackson said, “Kairos has given me the opportunity to be grateful for the things and people in my life.” He has built upon the relationships he fostered on the Kairos retreat. “Any preconceived notions I had before, are now gone.”

Beyond the spiritual moments, Kairos also emphasizes community and shared experience.

Mr. Nunez, who oversees the Kairos program at Saint Ignatius, is in charge of scheduling all the students to Kairos and providing formation materials for teachers while coordinating communication with families and retreatants. He finds the experience most meaningful when he directs a retreat.  Nunez enjoys the opportunity “to work closely with seniors who care about the program and guide their faith formation.”

Nunez enjoys seeing students remain connected to Kairos even months after the program.

Nunez believes retreatants arrive unsure.  “What am I doing here? Then they become more open to each other and more open to the process,” said Nunez.

Student leaders experience similar growth, shifting from nervous excitement to pride and joy. Gomez said, “It felt really great.”

Nunez hopes all retreatants leave with a deeper understanding of love for themselves and love for others and then love of God, and carry that message into their daily lives.

Overall, Kairos fosters lasting faith, friendship, and personal growth that stay with students long after the retreat ends.