Spartans go on first retreat

The Class of 2022’s Spartans will be able to build community this week on Friday, September 28 with their Freshman Retreat.

The retreat, which is a time to reflect on oneself, will hopefully introduce a new sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the halls, and is so unique to all the past and present classes of Notre Dame Belmont. The retreat is organized by Ynez Manalo, the head of the Spiritual Life department, and a group of upperclassmen dedicated to providing the underclassmen with a positive and memorable experience. The retreat will be emceed by seniors Andrea Rios, Feauini Saulala, and Luisa Laguisma and the teachers present will be Thea Fiatarone and Kristen Menzel.  

The freshmen can look forward to small group reflections, large group activities, personal testimonies, rituals, and community building. “I’m looking forward to see how the retreat brings us closer as a class” says Sofia Rios, student of the Spartan class.

Besides getting to bond with one another in unity as the newly crowned spartans, they will also have the chance to learn from a few of their fellow sisters in the senior class. “The freshman retreat will be a great day of bonding, self-reflection, growing in faith and learning what it means to truly be sisters,” says Ynez Manalo, the Head of Spiritual Life.

While only the first of four retreats that each represent important aspects of Notre Dame Education, this shall set the foundation for a sisterhood of many years to come. “The retreat helps you get to know people in the class and connect with people you might otherwise have not gotten to know” says Hillary Tighe, a senior.

The retreat is held on Friday September 28. Freshmen are expected to arrive at 8:00 at St. Barts Church.