Taking Care of Busy-ness: Busy Student Retreat
Through combined efforts of Viterbo University's Campus Ministry and the Franciscan Spirituality Center, the Busy Student Retreat was made possible for students desiring to enhance their spiritual fitness, discover emotional support and take time to reflect. Between winter's length and the pressures of being a student, it can be common for spirituality to take a back seat. February 5 through February 16, participants engage in the retreat around their calendars. The only requirement involved throughout the twelve-day program is to meet with a spiritual advisor four times.
Retreats are common on college campuses, but this retreat is distinguished because it is centered entirely on individuals. Campus Ministry Director, Emilio Alvarez explains, "The main goal is to target students who typically do not have the time to reflect, on faith.” Alvarez also finds the event to be beneficial because of the collaboration with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, exercising the Franciscan value of contemplation. He reiterates the importance of including all faith backgrounds and stresses that everyone can learn something about themselves and their purpose, without religious bias.
The retreat began on February 5 when all the participants became acquainted and received the retreat's itinerary. This design demonstrated the presence of community, despite this retreat being primarily an independent endeavor. From there the student meets with their personal-spiritual advisor four times, the meetings spaced accordingly. These spiritual advisors, or as Alvarez, prefers to call them, "spiritual companions," are trained individuals on matters of spiritual direction and awakening.
The spiritual companions include ordained persons and lay-people, who exhibit their abilities to create a one-on-one, confidential and reverential environment. The relationship is built at the student's own pace, but it roughly follows the sequence of introduction, rise, peak and closure. Junior Jessie Knapp who signed up for the retreat because of a friend's recommendation said, "Already my prayers have enhanced with my advisor's help; they (the prayers) have become more intentional, making them more personal to me, thus, more meaningful."
First-year student, Nicole Sanders joined this year because, "I really wanted to find more of myself through this experience and I know it's just begun, but I've already learned so much. It can be lot of work mentally, but I would highly recommend this." Her roommate Emily Pachan, also has experienced results, though she had initial apprehensions. She reflects, "I wasn't really sure what to expect out of this retreat, but through working with my spiritual director I've been able to learn more about myself and my relationship with God." These lessons are intended to endure beyond the retreat and to be incorporated into daily life.
On the final day of the retreat, all participants of the retreat will come together again for a closing ceremony. This will be a place to share, validate and celebrate discoveries. Overall, in the past there have been positive testimonies to the success of this retreat.
Knapp suggests, "On your own, spiritual intellect can be found. It is all about time, taking the time to focus on yourself, journal, take walks. Finding what finds you, will only improve your life, and so many people need this." Though it may seem simple, taking time is essential, whether it is in the retreat's fashion of twenty minutes of prayer a day, or something signature to personal needs. Life can be stressful, but stress can always be limited by minding your busy-ness.