Surrounded by the mountains of Helen, Georgia, this year’s Girls’ Retreat in February gave students a chance to step away from school stress and focus on faith, friendship, and identity. 

“The purpose of the Girls’ Retreat is to foster a good women’s community in the school,” said Director of Campus Ministry Ms. Contreras. 

The retreat has been a tradition at St. Pius X for over 5 years, and it has included a variety of activities. 

“We had adoration and Mass, which was really tender, but I also just loved the communal time, resting and playing games, and just being kids. It was just really beautiful.”

The retreat also aimed to help students understand something deeper about themselves.

 “It gave them a space of understanding, more of what it means to be loved, like to be loved in the eyes of the Lord, and also how to live out that,” said Ms. Contreras, adding, “It just taught them, like, their own identity and gave them a greater clarity. And yeah, it is really beautiful.” 

Senior Ann Walsh said that she learned more about herself during the weekend. 

“I learned that taking time for God is also taking time for myself because speaking and reflecting on everything that he has given us reassures me that he will always be there and he always has a plan,” she said. 

For sophomore Kate Wilson, it allowed her to grow in new friendships. 

“It strengthened my existing friendships through growing closer to God and having meaningful conversations, and it also helped me get closer to girls I do not usually spend time with,” she said. 

“It allowed girls from all different grade levels to form relationships with each other and God,” added Junior Lucy Smith. 

One specific moment stood out to sophomore Sophia Fedeli. 

“Adoration because Fr. Robbie came around with the monstrance and we were able to just sit and pray in front of it.”

Junior Sophia Lewhald shared the message she plans to carry with her after the Retreat. 

“To be kind to everyone and see others as God sees us through his eyes. Everyone is a child of God, and everyone deserves to be loved through the power of Jesus,” she said.  

Freshman Lucy McClung encourages other students to attend in the future because “it is a fun way to bond with other girls and Christ.”

The Girls Retreat continues to provide students with more than just a weekend in the mountains; it is a chance to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters.