During my sophomore year, I decided it was in my best interest to take a semester off. I felt a disinterest in life, my schoolwork. Most importantly, I felt a disconnect from God and I have always considered my relationship with God fundamental to my identity.
My older brother was in his junior year at Boston College at the time and he decided to place his trust in the Kairos journey. Knowing next to nothing about what he was getting himself into, he left his phone in his dorm and took a bus that would leave him and his peers at a retreat location for the weekend. When he came back, the first thing he said to me was how much he felt I needed to do the same.
“I can’t explain it,” he said, looking calmer than I had seen him in a long time. “But you need to do it.” I laughed, shook my head, and forgot about it. But something about the way he said it stuck with me.
During my junior year, I made it a point to attend Sunday mass after many weekends filled with regretful choices. I would go into the week with dread, feeling like with every passing weekend, I was losing more of myself. I found solace and peace at mass, hoping for the week to go by faster so I could reconcile with a familiar piece of myself that waited for me patiently in the pews of the chapel.
Although mass made me feel more like myself, I knew that what I needed was something that would force me to confront whatever void, insecurity, or hatred that was encouraging this toxic cycle.
It was at the end of one Sunday mass that I was offered an experience that would allow me to get out of it—exactly what I wanted out of it, for the sake of maintaining the mystery that is Kairos. Recalling my brother’s recommendation, I knew this was a calling from God.
I am not the brave, confident, go-getter type that can independently hop on a bus to go on a retreat, lacking almost any description of the happenings, although I would say that was 90% of the people on the retreat. I asked my two closest friends if they were interested and open to trusting in the Kairos experience and thankfully, they were.
So when that Friday came, we grabbed our bags and got on the bus, feeling confused and scared but mostly curious.
The bus ride was filled with nervous energy, a quiet anticipation that hung in the air. When we arrived at the retreat location, the smell of pine trees greeted us, mingled with something unnameable—something that felt like possibility.
To allow Kairos to fully impact you, whether my words have persuaded you or you’re simply curious, I will refrain from detailing the specific activities. But that’s the thing—it is MY experience, and you will, without a doubt, NOT have the same one. Isn’t that such a beautiful concept? Kairos offers an experience like no other, which I cannot recommend enough.
For a little context: The retreat lasts from Friday to Sunday, set in a peaceful, quiet retreat location about an hour away from campus, surrounded by fresh air and woods. It’s the perfect place to reflect and disconnect from everyday distractions.
While there are deeply personal, individual moments, these blend into group activities that foster genuine connection. Even though I was separated from my friends for most of the retreat, something amazing happened—we all started bonding with new people. By the end, even when we had the chance to eat together, we often chose to sit with others we had just met because we felt so connected.
Kairos isn’t just a retreat; it’s an opportunity to let go, trust in the experience, and walk away with something uniquely your own.
For anyone reading this who isn’t too into the “churchy” stuff, please do not allow my reason and calling to the experience to turn you off. As I said earlier, Kairos is malleable, flexible and open.
One of my roommates, who isn’t Catholic, found exactly what she needed in her journey. She wasn’t looking for spiritual answers but, instead, clarity. There are no prerequisites for this experience.
Would I recommend you to sign up? If there is any part of you, no matter the size, that after reading this feels some driving force to do it, then yes.
If after reading this, you feel as though Kairos is just a stupid church retreat and that is not your thing at all, then no, I would not. But if you choose to go, you have to surrender yourself fully to the experience.
Let go of any expectations or reservations and allow Kairos to speak to you in whatever way it’s meant to.
To any of the readers who have been on the Kairos journey—LT4.
Sign up for Kairos 46 (11/8-11/10) here. Registration ends this Friday.
