CAMPUS MINISTRY & CHRISTIAN SERVICE : THE HEART OF FORDHAM PREP
Students receive ash on Ash Wednesday 2022 in the Fordham University Church at Rose Hill .
The pandemic threw a few wrenches into retreats in 2020 and has placed the January 2022 Sophomore Discovery retreat on hold . While classes went remote and then hybrid last school year , the Campus Ministry team , in true Ignatian fashion , adapted to the circumstances and created an abridged , retreat experience in the Prep ’ s McNamara Library . During what Kravatz described as a “ model that was normally used if there was ever a snowstorm ,” he got the sense that students were hungry for the chance to gather together again .
“ There was actually something really special about those retreats being done once we returned from being fully remote ,” he remembered . “ Students had the opportunity to be with one another after having been isolated , and what they shared on those [ adapted ] retreats was so powerful ,” he continued .
After consulting with the Prep ’ s Health & Safety Committee at the end of the lockdown , the decision was made to move the retreat house to a location where each student has their own room and bathroom to align with COVID-19 safety protocols .
CONNECTING STUDENTS TO GOD AND ONE ANOTHER
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ORDHAM PREP ’ S RETREAT EXPERIENCES exist for students throughout all four years of their time at the Prep . While the Freshman Year Retreat is a requirement , the Sophomore Discovery Retreat , Junior Emmaus , and Senior Ad Amorem are encouraged yet voluntary . Additionally , seniors can participate in the Finding God in All Things Retreat , a one-day experience filled with outdoor activities , prayer , and reflection .
“ Retreats are a tremendous part of what we do in terms of giving time and space for students to develop their relationship with God ,” Kravatz noted . “ Our Emmaus retreat is generational at this point . We have a number of students who have fathers , uncles , and godfathers that have gone on Emmaus ,” he continued . Over 300 Fordham Prep Emmaus retreats have taken place thus far .
Most upperclass retreats involve an overnight component . They aim to help students build community amongst their peers , work on their personal journey of becoming a man for others , and ultimately , find God in all things .
“ What ’ s instrumental about all of our programs is that they are student-led ,” said Kravatz while expressing his excitement for March and April 2022 ’ s retreats . “ Our student leaders have the opportunity to lead students to grow within the community and to get closer to God ,” he continued . Faculty and alumni also help lead and chaperone the retreats .
Our student leaders have the opportunity to lead students to grow within the community and to get closer to God .”
– Michael Kravatz P ’ 23 , Director of Campus Ministry
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FORDHAM PREP RAMVIEW