On October 15, Saint Xavier University’s Quest Retreat is returning to an in-person retreat experience, sponsored by Campus Ministry.
This student-led retreat will be held over the weekend, from Friday, October 15, at 5 p.m., to Sunday, October 17, at 3 p.m. Quest leaders and retreatants will travel to a site called Five Pine Ministries in Berrien Center, Michigan.
According to the QUEST Fall 2021 page on The SXU Den, the retreat is “designed to help first year students (first year and transfer) adjust to college and explore new relationships.” All faiths and walks of life are encouraged to attend, and people may invite their friends.
During Quest, retreatants will participate in “various activities and opportunities to relax, play games, pray, reflect, and talk to upper class students about their transitions with relationships, stress, and other topics,” as stated on The Den.
Audrey Johnson, a Senior English Secondary Education student and one of the Quest Leaders, is ‘honored’ to be able to go on the Quest retreat for the second time.
“I led Quest for the first time back in February 2020, right before the pandemic began,” Johnson says. “Honestly, what drew me to lead that time was because the previous semester I led Awakenings–the Campus Ministry retreat for upperclassmen–and I loved the atmosphere that it had.”
As a retreatant, Johnson made a ‘ton’ of friends at Awakenings thanks to her involvement in Campus Ministry. Despite the pandemic, she ‘highly’ encourages those who missed out on Quest to have the opportunity to go on Awakenings this school year since they are no longer first-years.
Johnson ‘never went’ on Quest as a first-year retreatant and did not know about it initially. She “felt very lost on how to give a ‘right’ answer.” However, Johnson applied to lead Quest again this semester ‘to help’ those who had their plans changed.
“I mean, we all were affected by the pandemic,” Johnson realizes, “but I thought about how the first years had what was supposed to be an exciting time for them, with prom and graduation, completely altered due to COVID.”
Johnson continues: “There is a reason why QUEST is offered to first years and transfer students only,” saying, “it works as a stepping stone for people on their ‘quest’ to find themselves or whatever else they are looking for or struggling with as they face this new journey of college.”
The term quest in the dictionary is defined as, “A search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something.” For Johnson, the poetic definition is used ‘metaphorically’ and gives meaning to the Quest retreat overall.
“I’ll be in the real world with an actual big ‘adult’ job, so I think Quest has helped me in that regard where I feel comfortable enough with facilitating discussions and reaching out to those who may need an additional helping hand,” says Johnson.
She understands that some first-years students, “may be coming from a place of uncertainty and trying to figure out how to immerse themselves in ‘normal’ college life for the first time.”
Johnson claims, “I think that excitement will transfer well to our retreatants and perhaps even inspire them to follow in his and the other leader’s footsteps by applying to be leaders themselves for the future retreats,” adding, “Therefore, I do believe that the group of Quest retreatants will enjoy the 3-day event.”
Johnson continues: “If not only to uplift them, I also think it will provide a safe place for them to reflect on their lives and meet people and form those relationships.”
She says, “Being a part of Campus Ministry has given me a place where I can go without fear that I will be judged,” further implying, “The retreat leaders, peer ministers, and grad assistants are here to help you grow and offer their support.”
Johnson continues: “Everyone is so accepting and inclusive, and I absolutely love that,” noting that these retreats, although hosted by Campus Ministry, “aren’t necessarily religious-affiliated.”
“Don’t get me wrong, the retreat won’t magically solve all of the world’s problems nor will us retreat leaders hold the key to all of your solutions,” Johnson mentions. She adds, “but if there’s even the slightest of chance that going on this retreat for three days will provide you with some sort of comfort or insight, wouldn’t you take that chance?”
Johnson and the Quest leadership team look forward to meeting all retreatants.
The cost for the 3-day retreat is $45, which includes lodging, meals, transportation, and supplies. Financial Aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those interested in attending may stop by the Campus Ministry Meeting Space located in Rubloff Hall, Room #110 to make deposits or set up payment installments for the fee.
To register for the event, students must be a member of Campus Ministry on The Den and are required to complete the Quest Registration – Fall 2021 form. If there are any additional questions or concerns, students are to contact campusministry@sxu.edu or call (773) 298-341).
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