Students in year seven have enjoyed a week of glorious weather in the Lake District during the retreat at Castlerigg Manor, the Lancaster diocese youth retreat centre in Keswick. During the week students took part in a thought-provoking retreat, each day having a different theme: “Journeying, loving, living, serving, and praying”. At Castlerigg there are a wide variety of activities. Each day begins with morning prayer reflection, song practices and preparations for the liturgy. During creative workshops students made agape bracelets and blessing jars. There are many drama activities based on stories from the Bible, discussions and each day an extensive hill walk in the amazing surrounding countryside. Students have enjoyed the splendid views around Keswick as well as going to the crafts market in Keswick itself.
Throughout their stay students have been supported by Father John who is the chaplain and director of Castlerigg Manor, as well as a large team of young volunteers and youth workers who live at Castlerigg and share their faith with others. All have been privileged to take part in a reconciliation service which included the sacrament of reconciliation and spent an afternoon preparing an extensive celebration of the Mass. Our students greatly enjoyed themselves. Thank you to Mr White, Miss Sole, Miss Thorley and James Noakes our Chaplain for organising and leading this retreat.