On Friday, December 19, 2014, the Padua Academy Freshman class walked two blocks from Padua to the Westminster Presbyterian Church for their inaugural Padua retreat day. Junior leaders joined the students to help lead them throughout the very special day. Once everyone arrived at the church hall, directions were given and the girls played a game called Categories. During the game the girls separated themselves into categories  as they got the opportunity to explore their common interests.

Soon after the ice breaker games, the girls were separated into 16 groups lead by juniors.  The theme of the retreat day was a quote by Saint Francis de Sales,“Be who you are, and be that well.” The Freshman gathered into their groups and brainstormed about how they could live out the words of Saint Francis de Sales. Around noon, lunch was served and the girls sat with their friends to enjoy salad, pizza, and desserts. There were many activities throughout the day which included making posters, describing what each group had in common and another poster about how they could live out Padua’s four “S’s”. At the end of the day the girls took time to each write a reflection of their day, then chose a member of each individual group then read aloud in a closing prayer service at the end of the day.

Padua Freshman, Ashlee Brentlinger said, “Freshman retreat was a great experience. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. It helped strengthen our Padua sisterhood and helped bring me closer to God.”

Retreat was a tremendous success thanks to Mrs. Vavala and the Junior leaders.  The Freshman class had the opportunity to not only reflect on their relationships with God, but also make new connections with their Padua sisters.