Each year, the Lasallian District of San Francisco-New Orleans offers the Called and Chosen Vocation Retreats for Young Men and Young Women. The Called and Chosen Retreats gather select students from Lasallian High Schools for an opportunity to introduce young people to the discernment process and encourage them to reflect on their vocational calling from God.
Participants are challenged to assess their individual gifts and talents and look at how they are called to use those gifts and talents in order to serve God and others.
Retreat participants are seniors and juniors who are open to an experience of prayer, small and large group discussion, and learning about the variety of vocational calls. An important component of the retreat is learning about the world-wide ministry of the De la Salle Christian Brothers and their lay partners. Justin-Siena was represented at the Young Men’s Retreat by seniors Mac Armstrong-Brown, Zach Bonzani, Jake Jolley, and Michael Rupprecht. Mr. Stan Cordero, Director of Lasallian Student Life, served as their adult mentor.
Senior Laila Schnebelt looks forward to attending next month’s Young Women’s Called and Chosen Retreat. Says Laila about her motivation to attend, “College is coming up and what I hope to do in the future has been a subject on my mind. I see this retreat as an opportunity to help me clarify what that might be.” Senior Samantha Ayvar wants to use the retreat to “get to know myself better, discern my vocation, and explore the religious side of me. I’m also excited about meeting and get to know Lasallian Students from other schools.”
Zach Bonzani just returned from the Young Men’s Retreat and described his experience in this way: “The experience and knowledge that I, as well as my fellow classmates gained was very inspiring. To understand that the Lasallian tradition expands beyond our school, as well as the country blows me away.” It is clear that this retreat provides students time dedicated to deepening one’s spirit and confidence in realizing the hopes they have for their lives. We pray for them as they engage in critical reflection about their futures and where God is calling them to share their very best selves with the world around them.