Class Retreats
Retreats at Saint Thomas Aquinas offer sacred space to pause, reflect, and encounter Christ. Whether through a day of quiet reflection or the transformative Kairos experience, students are invited to deepen their faith, grow in virtue, and strengthen bonds of Christian community. Each retreat is a step toward living more fully the call to sainthood.
Each class has a retreat opportunity during the course of the year. In addition, all students are encouraged to participate in various spiritual formation opportunities such as:
- National Catholic Youth Conference (every other year)
- National March for Life in D. C.
- Topeka Rally for Life
- Saints Walk for Life
![Freshman Retreat - "Belong"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700490610/stasaintsnet/opiwyyb77lvjtfjc7hn7/FreshmanRetreat2022_square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700490610/stasaintsnet/opiwyyb77lvjtfjc7hn7/FreshmanRetreat2022_square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1700490610/stasaintsnet/opiwyyb77lvjtfjc7hn7/FreshmanRetreat2022_square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700490610/stasaintsnet/opiwyyb77lvjtfjc7hn7/FreshmanRetreat2022_square.jpg","width":1134}])
During the Freshman retreat “Belong,” students are encouraged to contemplate their individual contributions to the community and how each person can enhance the development of a Christ-centered community.
The Freshman Retreat is an event held during the 2nd semester, organized by our Campus Ministry team and senior leaders.
![Sophomore Retreat - "Identity"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700490738/stasaintsnet/xnldduelgeq2ejuyzgr2/SophmoreRetreatatTuckerLeadership_Square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700490738/stasaintsnet/xnldduelgeq2ejuyzgr2/SophmoreRetreatatTuckerLeadership_Square.jpg","width":360}])
The Sophomore Retreat spans four days during the 1st semester. To facilitate deeper connections, the class is divided into smaller groups.
During this retreat, students are placed in leadership roles that require them to rely on each other’s strengths and support one another’s weaknesses. This experience is designed to
help students understand and develop their own identities within the community
![Junior Retreat - "Mission"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1700490913/stasaintsnet/to1msld8uswpp2fzshgs/JuniorServeDay2023_square.jpg","width":2200}])
Junior year, students are asked to look outside themselves to see how they can serve those in our community that need our support. Our intention is that this service does not end here but should be a part of all of our spiritual lives.
The Junior Retreat features a “serve day” where students are divided into groups to serve at various locations across the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Senior Retreat - Kairos
Kairos is an intense retreat experience for Seniors. It centers on fostering the retreatant's connection with God, self, and others. It leaves our students with a compelling question: How will they translate the love of God into meaningful action in our world?
Kairos helps the retreatant relate his everyday experiences with God. The retreat is adapted from principles derived from the “Spiritual Exercises” of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Several retreats are offered each year. Typically we hold one/two during the summer just before school starts and several each semester for a total of five. Applications are required to sign up and the retreat is first come, first serve basis.
Courtesy DeNegri, '04 is the coordinator for the Kairos retreats. Retreats usually run two days and is conducted off campus.
2025-2026 Kairos Retreat Dates will be sent out in May
Contact Information
Courtney DeNegri, '04
Campus Ministry
913-345-1411
cdenegri@stasaints.net