On March 27, 2024, the Wednesday of Holy Week, the Class of 2025 engaged in their Junior Retreat and ended the day by celebrating the Junior Cross Mass. The Junior Retreat is pivotal as it prepares the current Juniors to discern about their roles as leaders of the school for next year. The Junior Cross Mass helps the Juniors take up the responsibility they discerned about throughout the day by receiving a cross necklace.

The Junior Retreat

Throughout the day, the Juniors were able to listen to talks by faculty members and participate in meaningful conversations led by the PALS leadership organization.

Michael Hasenfratz said, “Out of all the events at Jesuit, it was one if not the best events. The [retreat] was really immersive, and it was a great experience that I will never forget.”

Dr. Knize

The first speaker of the day was Dr. Knize who spoke about how Junior should “lean into the opportunity.” Dr. Knize shared a story about a meaningful meal in his life and how it helped changed his thoughts of how he can be more open to new opportunities. Then, he asked Juniors to reflect on meals that were memorable to them and how meals were special to them.

Dr. Knize’s section of the retreat concluded by Andrew Koshakji ’25 playing and singing a song on his guitar.

“When the hour came, He took His place at the table with the apostles” – John 22:14

Mr. Hanley

Next, Mr. Hanley spoke about how as Juniors approach their senior year, they should strive to become better Christian leaders. Mr. Hanley talked about how Jesus is the model of service and saints are a model that follows Jesus’ example. We should all strive to become saints who in basic terms are “genuine human beings.” Mr. Hanley gave an example about how at the Boston Marathon there are around 500,000 spectators whose sole goal is there to cheer on all the runners, even people who are complete strangers to them. This example models how a Christian Leader should be a genuine human being who loves and supports everyone they cross paths with.

Students were then asked to reflect on how they can become better Christian Leaders and learn from examples around them. This talk was concluded by Carter Weiss ’25 playing the piano.

Carter Weiss said, “The retreat was great; I loved it.”

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” – John 13:15

Mr. Garrison

Mr. Garrison spoke about the theme that the retreat is based on, “Taking Up Your Cross.” He spoke about how students should let go of the comfortable and be open to growth and change. One example Mr. Garrison made was how St. Ignatius put down his sword as a knight and wealth noble to have a life of poverty devoted to God. Additionally, this talk was about how taking up the cross is affirming one’s life to be a “man for others.”

After the talk, the students participated in the stations of the Cross led by either Mrs. Farrell, Mrs. Hudec, or Mrs. Richard/Mr. Von. Then the students were able to participate in an art project led by Mr. Williams and Mr. Joe Howard where they could reflect on their identity. Then the students were able to participate in confession or silently pray.

This session of the retreat was ended by students from the Jesuit Band: Leo Ramirez, Thomas Westerman, and Alejandro Calvo playing the drums.

Mrs. Hudec said, “I noticed that the questions we started with didn’t expect a lot from people unless they wanted to. As we went through the day and the journey together, the questions demanded more of us and sharing more with each other. Coming into a room with a bunch of people I didn’t know, I saw how quickly we became comfortable with sharing because we all participated and got something out of the retreat.”

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” – John 16:24-25

Mr. Lingel

The final session of the retreat was led by Mr. Lingel where he reflected on how to be a disciple. Mr. Lingel reflected on his personal experiences of his journey as a disciple and how discipleship means to follow, change, and “take the mission.” Mr. Lingel challenged the Juniors to reflect on how they can become a better disciple by filtering out their weaknesses and building upon their strengths.

Then, students were able to reflect together on how the Class of 2025 can funnel out some weaknesses they have as a class. During this session, Luke Lastelick ’25 played the banjo.

At the end of the session, members of the Faithful Fellows group led a prayer service where they reflected on their current time at Jesuit and what the retreat means to them.

The Junior Cross Mass

At the annual Cross Mass, the long-lasting tradition of giving Juniors their Jesuit Cross concluded the Retreat Day. The Mass was celebrated by Father Paul Deutsch, former principal of Jesuit Dallas, who spoke about creative vulnerability with regard to how it can help lead individuals into having more confidence and leadership, attributes necessary for juniors who will be leaders of the school next year.

After Fr. Deutsch’s homily each Junior was individually called out to receive their cross from either Mr. Earsing, Mr. Garrison, Dr. Knize, Mrs. Crowder, Mrs. O’Sullivan, or Mrs. Farrell. Each faculty member individually talked to the students about what the cross means to them.

Julian Polma said, “I felt like the retreat was a good step in my Jesuit journey and helped increase our brotherhood as a class in general, and I got to know things about people I never really talked to.”

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