This week, the Hallam Chaplains accompanied students taking part in this year’s Bronze Faith in Action Award on a two-day retreat to Savio House in Macclesfield.
Savio House is a Catholic retreat centre that welcomes schools, parishes and youth groups, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, faith formation and community building. Students from All Saints, St Bernard’s and Notre Dame travelled separately with their chaplains before coming together for what would prove to be a memorable and inspiring retreat.
The journey to Savio House was blessed with beautiful scenery, setting the tone for a wonderful two days. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Sue McDonald, Hallam Diocese Youth Leader. After refreshments, students gathered for prayer, introductions and a series of ice-breaker games, helping everyone to get to know one another.
Before long, it was time for lunch, where fish fingers, chips and peas were enjoyed by all.! Following lunch, students and staff headed out for a walk through the surrounding countryside. Along the route, we discovered a waterfall, saw sheep with their lambs and cows with their calves, and enjoyed the peace and beauty of God’s wonderful creation.
After returning to Savio House, students gathered in their school groups for a creative reflection activity. Each student was given a wooden heart to decorate. They were asked to write their initials and include words that symbolised who they are, as well as words that reflected what they had gained from participating in the Faith in Action Award. The finished hearts were truly beautiful, with each one uniquely representing the individual student. Everyone then shared their heart with the group, explaining the significance of their chosen words and designs.
The students were then divided into two groups. One group prepared an evening prayer liturgy, while the other worked on a morning prayer liturgy for the following day. After a busy afternoon, it was time for dinner. The menu included a delicious beef stroganoff served with rice, followed by strawberry ice cream for dessert, both proved very popular!
The evening prayer, planned and led by the students themselves, was a particularly special moment. During the liturgy, a stone was passed around the group and each person was invited to share something they were thankful for. It was a moving and reflective experience that highlighted the many blessings in our lives.
The evening continued with a variety of games organised by Sue. The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves, sharing plenty of laughter and creating lasting memories. The fun continued with a lively session of ‘Just Dance’, where everyone did their best to keep up with the music and choreography. By the end of the evening, everyone was ready for a well-earned rest.
The following morning, students packed their belongings and checked out of their rooms before gathering for breakfast. A hearty selection of cereal and toast provided plenty of energy for the day ahead.
Morning prayer was then led by the second student group. It was a thoughtful and prayerful liturgy, concluding with the Our Father and the energetic song My Lighthouse. While some of us may have struggled to keep up with the actions, the young people certainly embraced it with enthusiasm!
Following prayer, students worked in groups to reflect on their experiences of the Faith in Action programme. They discussed what they had enjoyed most, what could be improved, and what opportunities they would like to see in the future.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students spoke about the friendships they had formed, the ways in which their faith had deepened, and the confidence they had gained through the programme. Many expressed a desire to continue meeting together and participating in future faith-building activities. The retreat itself was described as one of the highlights of their experience, helping to strengthen both friendships and faith.
As chaplains, this valuable feedback will help us continue to develop and improve the Faith in Action programme for future students.
Before heading home, we made one final stop at Lyme Park, where students enjoyed some free time in the playground and shared even more laughter together. There was even a memorable moment when Miss Healy enthusiastically tackled the slide and ended up collapsing in a heap at the bottom, much to everyone’s amusement!
Eventually, it was time to say our goodbyes and begin the journey home.
The retreat at Savio House was a wonderful experience for all involved. It provided opportunities for prayer, reflection, friendship, fun and personal growth, leaving our young people with lasting memories and a strengthened sense of faith. We are incredibly proud of all the students taking part in the Bronze Faith in Action Award and look forward to seeing where their faith journey takes them next.
God bless.
Suzanne
