MANRESA RETREAT -      

The Manresa retreat is a senior's last retreat at Seattle Prep.  The retreat is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus. The retreat provides an opportunity for seniors to end their time at Seattle Prep with intentionality and purpose.  The retreat is filled with reflection, community building and bonding.  The Spiritual Excercises are amoung the worlds most popular retreats and encourages people to take a deep look at their faith and future.   We look forward to this retreat and expect a positive, memorable experience for everyone! The retreat is located at Seabeck Conference center on the Kitsap Peninsula.  It is the fanciest retreat facility we use. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the goal / purpose of the retreat?
The Manresa Retreat is a capstone retreat of a student’s time at Seattle Prep. This is our most advanced retreat and helps student experience a modified version of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises’ Retreat. The goal of this retreat is to have a student come to know the love of God, even in his or her imperfection and the special plan God holds for her or him. This retreat gives students tools to advance their spiritual life as they transition to college and beyond.

2. What are the Spiritual Exercises’?
The Spiritual Exercises Retreat was written by St. Ignatius’ of Loyola. It is one of the world’s most popular retreats. The Exercises’ are the corner stone of Jesuit spirituality and every Jesuit completes this 30 day silent retreat multiple times in his tenure. Seattle Prep, in consultation with other Jesuit high schools, has adapted this 30 day retreat to a 3 day retreat.

3. What occurs at the retreat?
The retreat is lead by trained seniors and adults who give talks based on the movements of the Spiritual Exercises. A unique part of the retreat is the prayerful silent time retreatants experience. Students get ample time to contemplate the themes of the retreat. Students experience both large and small groups, campfires, and fun.

4. Is the Manresa Senior retreat required?
No

5. Can students sign up even if they attended the senior Pilgrimage retreat?
Yes

6. When is this retreat? How much school does a student miss?
February 27 (Wed afterschool) till Sat. March 2nd 5:00pm at Seabeck Conference Center. Students miss two and a half days of school. (excused school related absence)

7. Who leads the retreat?
The Community Ministry Team at Seattle Prep leads the retreat and trains other faculty and staff and senior students to help lead as well.

8. How do I sign up for the retreat?
Information and consent forms can be found on the Seattle Prep web site or by clicking above. Hand in the completed forms and retreat fee to the Community Ministry Office Room 104 McDonnell Hall.

9. What is the cost of the retreat?
$180

10. What do students need to bring?

• Sleeping bag and pillow
• Clothes for wet and rainy weather, including a jacket for outside activities
• Towel, soap and toiletries
• A second pair of shoes and change of clothes in case of raiN
• Frisbee, soccer, football or basketball (they have a soccer field and outdoor basketball court.
• Flashlight
• Musical instrument if you play one.
• Bible
• Journal (optional)
• Water Bottle
• Please do NOT bring your cell phone
• Snacks to share

11. Do students need to do anything else before the retreat?
no

12. My Family is not Catholic. What does my son or daughter need to know before going?
The short answer is nothing. The retreat is structured in such a way to deepen their own faith life; all are welcome to participate at their own level of comfort. Please feel free to contact any member of the Community Ministry team to discuss this or similar concerns.

13. Where do I drop off or pick up my child for their retreat?
Students arrive for class on Wednesday with their retreat gear and leave for the retreat. after school. They arrive back at Prep on Saturday by 5pm

14. What if I need to contact my child during a retreat?
You can call the emergency number posted on the Information sheet that went home or you can look on this web site the week of the retreat.

15. Are students excused from homework when they are on retreat?
Faculty are given a retreat roster of which students will attend the retreat and do their best to work with the student to mitigate work load and impact. Communication is key from the student to faculty. Students are still responsible for school work.

16. Is there a Catholic Mass offered during the retreat?
Yes

17. How can a parent volunteer to help?
Please send snacks with your students.