God is with us

Lakeland Catholic School Division annual Girls’ Retreat

​If you have ever wondered how Catholic Education is impacting students’ lives, the Lakeland Catholic School Division annual Girls’ Retreat is a great example of how this is taking place in our communities.

Fifty girls in grades 5-12 participated in the sixth annual all girls retreat on January 31, 2020. Students arrived at École Notre Dame High School in Bonnyville at 6:00 pm on Friday and stayed until noon the following day.

We are so proud of our Youth Liturgical Leadership team who led all of the small groups, activities and worship. Organizers engaged the girls in a number of faith-based reflective and group activities designed to bring them closer. During the retreat, girls participated in an obstacle course teaching them that they can overcome their struggles by reaching out to God, others and their family. Using their strength, and the strengths of those around them; they can overcome the challenges they face and then, with their experience, help others in the future. Grade 12 student Keanna Reid gave an inspiring talk about the impact faith has on this aspect of her life and the importance of friendships.

Ms. Siobhan Penner, a teacher and Youth Minister is the main organizer of the event. She said, “We watched students unite in knowing they are not alone in the struggles that they face. God is with them and their struggles are not the first or last of their kind. We must learn to work together through our hardships, seek advice from God and those who have been victorious before us, and then, use our experience to reach out to others when we see them in similar situations so that no one ever feels alone.”

On Saturday, the students put their experiences into action by helping others who are going through loss, illness, struggles with self-esteem or difficult circumstances. The group committed to being servant leaders of Christ through a number of actions. The Big Cook involved making fifty meals for those in need in the community, which was supported by the Knights of Columbus and St. Louis Parish. They prepared personal hygiene bags for individuals who are staying at the Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre. They posted positive messages for every student on their locker. They also made thirty-six jars of friendship soup to deliver to the local Friendship Centre (donated by St. Louis Parish). These tasks allowed the girls to come together and prepare meals or put together supplies to donate to families in the community, as well as to make the school a more welcoming and inclusive place. These actions, which are rooted in our faith, have positively influenced the students to continue helping others who are in need. The retreat is just the beginning – there is a widespread impact on our students, families and community members from this initiative, as we become God’s hands and feet.

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Written by ​Amanda Wildman, Lakeland Catholic School District
​Photos submitted by Amanda Wildman.