Over the years, many Mater Dei seniors have taken part in a three-day retreat at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside. As students near graduation, the retreat gives them the opportunity to solidify their faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. Held in the fall, winter, and spring, the retreat provides students with a time away from campus activities to connect with their beliefs and guide them on a spiritual journey as they prepare for adulthood. 

Elizabeth Rosales, Department Chair of Religious Studies, states the importance of making time for spiritual growth. Beyond its spiritual focus, Rosales views this retreat as a meaningful part of the Mater Dei senior experience. Students can reflect and connect with each other in a way that truly sticks with them following graduation. 

“Retreats are important for every human and I’m an advocate [that] every person needs to make time for one retreat a year,” Rosales said. “It’s good for your mental health, but also it’s hard to have a relationship with God, or to even know who He is unless you make time to prioritize that. It’s also a senior experience. It’s one of those core memories you’re not going to forget.”

Rosales also acknowledges the challenges that students carry when applying the lessons learned on retreats into everyday life. While Walk in Faith offers reflection and connection, it is difficult to maintain this lifestyle when students return. 

“For some people, it’s hard when they get back into the regular rat race,” Rosales said. “[When] you’re there, you have all these epiphanies. It’s hard when you have pressures of the world, school, and work.”

Even for students who may not consider themselves spiritual, the retreat leaves a mark that will follow them after high school. Moments of conversation and shared reflection become lasting memories that shape how students view community and friendships.

“Even if somebody doesn’t practice any kind of faith, they 100% still get something out of it,” Rosales said.

Teachers and staff see this retreat as a meaningful experience of growth and an opportunity for students to reflect on their faith and future. Beyond the perspective of faculty, it is the students’ experiences and memories that shape the meaning of Walk in Faith for each graduating class. From those who are rooted in their faith to those who are curious and want to socialize, students can create connections and make discoveries about themselves that continue when they come back to campus. 

Junior Beckett Christensen is already looking ahead as he plans to attend Walk in Faith next year. He hopes to gain knowledge about his faith journey and grow closer with his peers. 

“I’ve heard from my friends that it’s a meaningful experience where you can connect with people and learn about God,” Christensen said.

Christensen is looking forward to stepping outside a traditional learning environment to experience the hands-on growth that Walk in Faith provides to students. He believes that the retreat will give him a chance to grow spiritually, as well as socially, through real conversations and shared memories. 

“I think it’ll be different because we won’t be on our iPads the whole time and get to talk and get closer to people,” Christensen said. “I hope to make new friends and [learn] to be confident in my faith and values.” 

Through faith, reflection, and connection, the Walk in Faith retreat continues to serve as a meaningful experience for students as they prepare for their next steps beyond high school. 

“Its not just about faith; it’s about building community friendships,” Christensen said. “That’s something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.”