Laity is called to animate political order, shape society from within
April 9, 2025
OLPH Youth Ministry hosts retreat for SEA students, parents
April 9, 2025
By Kevin Jeanville, teacher
In preparation for their upcoming Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA), the students of San Fernando Boys’ RC School embarked on a spiritual retreat on Friday, April 4, at Christ the King RC Church, Les Efforts. Organised by their teachers, the retreat aimed to provide the young boys with encouragement, prayer, and spiritual upliftment during this important time.
The 47 students were thoughtfully divided into small groups, each named after a significant word associated with the 2025 Jubilee Year: Jubilee, Pilgrim, Hope, Favour, and Joy.
The retreat was led by a dedicated team from the Zion RC Community. Mary Baptiste, the leader of the team, focused her reflection on the powerful biblical account of Jesus calming the storm (Mt 8:23-27). Baptiste drew a parallel between the raging storm and the overwhelming feelings the students might be experiencing in the lead-up to their exams.
Quoting Jesus’ poignant question to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid?”, Baptiste directly addressed the students’ anxieties, asking, “Why are you afraid of the SEA exam?”
She then led the children in a series of powerful affirmations: “Jesus, You speak over the storm!” “Speak over my life!” “Speak to me in my home, in my class, on the football field, in the car.”
She encouraged the students to invoke the name of Jesus whenever they faced challenges. “Jesus has all the power in the world,” she affirmed. “He brings peace, love, kindness. We can call His name wherever we are, and He will come.”
Baptiste reassured the boys that Jesus offers peace and encouraged them to call upon Him even within the examination room, as He brings the power of the Holy Spirit into that space.
Following this address, the children engaged in smaller group discussions led by members of the Zion team, who further explored the Word of God with them.
The retreat also included a time of communal prayer, with Mark Howell-Paul, one of the school’s music teachers, providing uplifting musical accompaniment and leading a session of praise and worship.
The Zion team then offered individual prayer for each class, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit to be with the students.
In observance of the first Friday of the month, a member of the Zion team consecrated the students to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a cherished First Friday devotion within the Catholic tradition.
Concluding the retreat, Baptiste led all present in a heartfelt prayer of personal commitment: “Jesus, I want You to be my friend in any situation I am in. I want You to be my Saviour. Stand up with me. Protect me. Save me. I am yours.”
