Photos courtesy of John Conners '26

During the last weekend of October, Catholic Central students gathered for one of the school’s most meaningful traditions - the Kairos retreat. Guided by Campus Ministry and trained student leaders, participants stepped away from daily routines to reflect, pray, and strengthen their relationships with one another and with God.

Kevin Walters, Director of Campus Ministry, reflected on the impact of this year's retreat:

"Every Kairos Retreat has its unique qualities and characteristics. Some graces and blessings blanket each Kairos Retreat. The guys who attended this Kairos Retreat entered into the spirit of the retreat with an open heart and mind, and reaped the benefits of it."

For many students, the weekend offered a powerful opportunity to grow in faith and brotherhood. Senior leader Nicholas Terrill ‘26 shared his experience and perspective:

“My Kairos experience was incredible. One of my favorite parts was watching how close everyone became throughout the weekend. On the first day, everyone arrives a little unsure and quiet. By the fourth day, you’ve formed real bonds and you leave as brothers. Seeing the retreatants connect during the talks and watching certain students truly grow and transform over just a few days is something special.

Kairos is a chance to open up and build meaningful relationships, not just with your classmates, but with God. As a leader, I can honestly say there is nothing I would recommend more during your time at CC. Kairos is an opportunity to make new friends, strengthen your faith, and create memories that last long after graduation. There’s a reason so many parents, siblings, and alumni encourage you to go. Many students say it completes their CC experience and you don’t want to be the one who misses out and looks back wishing you had gone.

If you're unsure about signing up, talk to others, or better yet, just go. It’s a weekend that can help shape who you are. Trust me, you will not regret going.

Kairos isn’t mandatory. It’s recommended, which makes choosing to go even more meaningful. I always tell retreatants: God wants you here for a reason. If you put your whole heart into the experience, you'll get so much out of it. Give yourself fully to Kairos, immerse yourself in the retreat, and by the end of the weekend, you’ll understand exactly what God had planned for you.”

As students returned to campus, they brought with them a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and community, hallmarks of the Kairos experience that continue to shape the culture of Catholic Central.

To learn more about attending a Kairos retreat, please contact Kevin Walters at kwalters@catholiccentral.net.