Freshman Retreat: Faith and friendship

After a strong start to the new academic year, Carroll College’s annual Freshman Retreat brought students together for a weekend of faith, friendship, and fun Sept. 11-13 at Legendary Lodge on Salmon Lake.

Sponsored by Carroll Campus Ministry, the retreat gave freshmen an opportunity to step away from campus, meet new classmates and reflect on how faith and God may play a role in their college experience. 

Throughout the weekend, students participated in games, small-group activities, prayer, and talks led by Peer Ministers.

One of the weekend’s highlights came Saturday morning, when students hiked a steep trail to the top of a mountain for mass celebrated by Father Tyler Frohlich. 

Surrounded by rocky cliffs and towering trees, students looked out over Seeley Lake while taking part in the service.

The retreat also gave students time to build relationships with one another. 

On Sunday, students discussed their relationships with the people in their lives before taking time to reflect on their relationship with God.

For many students, the weekend provided an opportunity to return to campus with new friendships and a stronger connection to their classmates.

The retreat would not have been possible without the Carroll faculty and staff members who volunteered their time to prepare meals, lead activities, and support students throughout the weekend.

Deidre Casey, Carroll’s assistant director of Campus Ministry, played a central role in organizing and supporting the retreat.

With opportunities for fellowship, faith, and fun, the Freshman Retreat gave students a chance to begin their Carroll experience by connecting with the people who will share it with them.