On Wednesday 26th-Friday 28th February 2020, 33 pupils and 4 staff took part in a residential retreat at Alton Castle in Staffordshire. The centre offers the children the opportunity of taking part in some really exciting outdoor activities whilst considering their spiritual impact too. Our theme for the retreat was ‘Our calling?’, and each fun activity gave the children a chance to reflect on the theme. The children took time to consider what they had achieved so far in their lives and reflected positively on where their life journey was going to take them. The friendly staff led the children in night time activities after dinner which ranged from fun team games to meditations. Over the next two days, the children had the opportunity to take part in three activities each. Mountain Biking, Trekking, Survival, and Archery Each night, the children took part in night prayer; rooms were set to be peaceful and calm, with candles burning and quiet music playing. All the children were involved and eager to take part praying for their own families, friends and concerns. To end the trip we all took part in a beautiful Mass which we had learnt new hymns for. The Mass was the culmination of a wonderful few days where everyone involved had been touched, in some way, by the events which took place at the castle. Our trip was a real success, and we are now putting our improved team work skills to use in school. Maisie and Mathilda, Year 8.
