The weekend retreat allowed students in Catholic Campus Ministry to forge friendships and grow their faith.
Overcast skies, chances of rain and cooler temperatures could not dampen the excitement for Catholic Campus Ministry’s annual beach retreat. Forty-three students packed vans and buses on Sept. 6 to head to Topsail Beach.
This beloved tradition has been going on for more than 20 years, and each year, it is led by student leaders. This year’s servant leadership team began planning the retreat back in the spring.
The beach retreat’s goal is to help people connect to each other, their faith and to the CCM community.
“The beach retreat gives the impression of faith lived out, cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging for students,” said Lizzie Gildner, student ministry coordinator for catholic life.
Student leaders echoed this sentiment through their keynote talks, small group questions and minute-to-win-it games.
“For me, the beach retreat was a way to escape the stressful worries of school and to not only grow closer with others in CCM but also my faith,” said Abby Bradbury ’27, a servant leader.
Bradbury’s time at the beach retreat was such a pivotal moment that it led her to become a servant leader and helped her connect with friend and fellow servant leader Nicole Kerr ‘27. Kerr gave a keynote talk in which she shared how finding a friend in Bradbury helped her stay connected throughout her first year and beyond.
“Coming back this year as a sophomore and now a servant leader, I was able to see everyone truly put their trust in God’s hands and let their guards down to bond with others,” said Bradbury.
Despite the cloudy and rainy start to the weekend, students laughed and talked, radiating joy and community. As the sun came out Saturday afternoon, everyone ran to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf before returning for Mass and adoration. As the retreat wrapped up on a chilly Sunday morning, tired students could be heard sharing phone numbers and social media handles while planning to meet up the following week.
“I’ve never been on a retreat like this where everyone was actually into what was happening, and I can’t wait for the awakening retreat in November,” said Tyler Craig ’26, an engagement intern with CCM.