Encounter, a semiannual religious retreat,  was held at the St. Raphaela Retreat Center in Haverford, PA on the weekend of  November 17. According to Alana Whitmarsh (‘12), “[Encounter] provides an opportunity for girls to encounter Christ in themselves, their friends, and the team leaders!” The retreat was four days, held from Thursday until Sunday, which allowed time for the Padua sisters to grow closer in their friendships with each other and with God.

The team leaders who served alongside the girls included the following seniors: Nora Culloty, Monica Dawyot, Nicole Dittbrenner, Christina Gallo, Allie Halt, Nicole Keefe, Megan Lang, Stephanie Molloy, Gretchen Rodammer, and Alana Whitmarsh. Throughout the weekend, all the girls partook in different types of activities including mass, a talent show, and many other events which allowed them to connect and bond in friendship. Encounter has been a tradition at Padua and since Mrs. Vavala has been here; she has taken dozens of girls over the past seven years. When asked what they will be doing throughout the weekend, Mrs. Vavala responded, “like most retreats, there will be some serious and some silly activities.” The team leaders also gave a talk to the other girls going on the retreat about their own personal faith journey. After returning from Encounter, some of the girls and leaders were asked what their thoughts were. “I loved the experience of being an Encounter Team Leader. It was very different than my first Encounter and it brought so many new experiences. I learned to be an instrument of God’s love to the girls on the weekend. It was such a successful and worthwhile experience,” said Monica Dawyot (‘12).

The girls who went for the first time — known as ”the Encounterites” — were ready to experience what Encounter is all about. Before the retreat, Megan Julian (‘13) , an Encounterite, said, “I am so excited! It’s ridiculous!”  After the weekend, it was clear that the girls were able to really encounter Christ. “I met a lot of new people and made new friends. I really found Christ in these girls and their kindness to one another,” said Sarah O’Connor (‘13).

While the time at Encounter has come to an end, the girls developed many new friendships with each other and with God that will continue to grow day by day. Upon their return, the girls agreed that Encounter was transformational and a life-changing experience. Along with friendships, the lessons learned and the experiences brought back will always be remembered.  The girls received a silver cross necklace which they wear with pride to symbolize their everlasting faith and love for Christ.  Inscribed on the back of the cross, it reads, “Christ is counting on you” which was a lesson and a motto learned by the girls who attended this journey. “Yes, it is a journey more than a retreat.  You’re on a journey to find and develop your own personal relationship with God,” said Ashlyn Imburgia (‘13). Some girls wish they could have stayed longer than four days because they had such a great time. They recommend that everyone go on Encounter and get the full riveting experience for themselves.