Retreats and Pilgrimages

Coloma has created new links with the De La Salle Community and pupils are being given the opportunity to attend residential retreats at St Cassian’s Retreat Centre in Kintbury.

The 2024-2025 retreats at St Cassian’s, Kintbury, are as follows:

• Year 11 – Thursday 16th January to Sunday 19th January 2025
• Year 10 – Monday 24th January to Thursday 27th February2025

Retreats at St Cassian’s combine team building activities such as archery and low ropes with times of prayer and reflection, input on aspects of faith and small group discussions.  The retreats provide an opportunity for students to step back from their daily life and reflect on their faith with their peers and with the St Cassian’s team, many of whom are young adults from around the world.

Our Key Stage 3 students have Retreat Days in school facilitated by our Lay Chaplain and other staff.  These retreats are designed to help the students to learn more about the Coloma community, reflect on their relationship with God and their place in the world, and take time for prayer.

Year 11 Student Reflections following their retreat experience:

"Since the beginning of year 11 I wasn’t having a close connection with God and this was mostly due to upcoming tests and GCSE's being right around the corner. However, this retreat allowed me to take a break from all the stress that school was giving me. I have enjoyed the activities. My favourite activity was archery. It was really fun. I enjoyed the small groups we were in. I was able to talk about how I feel to others and learn new things about others.This retreat helped me learn about reconciliation and how to reconcile with others. I really enjoyed talking to and making new friends. I will definitely be going next time."

"On the 16th of January 2025, we visited St Cassian's centre. We were placed into random groups, some of the activities we did were archery, teamwork building exercises, low ropes, affirmations, and meditation. Out of all of the activities we participated in, my favorite was Archery because it was something I have never tried before and I got a bullseye on my first try. This made me happy and I felt encouraged to keep going. One activity that I was not looking forward to was low ropes as I was worried about falling into mud, but I still persevered and enjoyed it. Going on this retreat made me realise how much I have in common with people I don't usually talk to and form a bond with them. This allowed me to see a new side of people. I enjoyed this experience and I really appreciate the staff giving up their time to put on this retreat."

We are proud that Coloma has a long tradition of travelling to Lourdes with the charity HCPT, supporting sick and disabled children and young people on a pilgrimage holiday.  After a break following Covid, we are delighted that our service group, Group 703, is back up and running and that a group of our Year 12 students will be travelling to Lourdes this Easter.