Campus Ministry 

DeSales High School implemented its Campus Ministry office in the 2005-2006 school year.  Our mission is to provide faith development that is both complimentary to and independent of religious studies courses.  Campus Ministry undertakes the task of organizing and carrying out Masses, prayer services, special religious ceremonies, student faith groups, and retreats. 

The retreats are perhaps the most powerful Campus Ministry offering.  On retreats, students travel to a retreat site and spend two or three days getting to know themselves, others, and God better.  Ultimately, we will have six retreats per year:  

SENIOR PILGRIMAGE

The Pilgrimage is a 12-mile hike, led by seniors for seniors, with stops for talks and skits along the way.  Ends with a Sunday-Monday overnight campout full of song.  September

FRESHMAN DAY RETREAT

This retreat is a required event. It focuses on community building and the spiritual life found in the school.  The day is led by seniors and includes small group and large group discussions and games.  October

JUNIOR ENCOUNTER

The Junior Encounter program is a special retreat designed to help the student better know and love him/herself, others, and God. It happens in the junior year and usually goes from a Friday morning to early evening Sunday.  December

FRESHMAN OVERNIGHT RETREAT

The Freshman Overnight, led by sophomores, juniors, and seniors, is an optional Saturday-Sunday event. This off-campus retreat focuses on community, sharing in small and large groups, and a giant campfire sing-along.  January

SOPHOMORE OVERNIGHT RETREAT

This junior-led overnight retreat focuses on the relationships we have with each other and how God fits in with the way we see the world.  March

SENIOR QUIET RETREAT WEEKEND

At the end of the year, when life is zooming for most seniors, comes this break of a forced quiet time.  Students reflect on spiritual issues and the transition to life after DeSales and beyond.