MSU Commissions Retreat Team
On Wednesday, September 19th during the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit and in front of the entire student body, the Academy of Mount St. Ursula commissioned the following seniors to its Retreat Team: Samara Brown, Megan Cerezo, Stephany Cervantes, Grace Garcia, Desiree Katzenberger, Jaheliz Mohammed, Imani O'Conner, Stephanie Ortiz, Tiffany Martinez, Chardonnay McMillian, Deja Murrain, Kishma Rogers, Genelle Salazar, Carolyn Silverberg, Cindell Torres, Gabrielle Rodriguez and Natalia Olivares.
Each member was presented with a pin representing their commitment to the Ursuline motto of Serviam, the Latin word meaning "I will serve."
"I am really touched by how the program has grown since its inception. Every year the incoming team is inspired by the seniors who guided them during their freshman and sophomore retreats. And so their sensitivity and their insightful support of the underclasswomen they serve becomes deeper and more amazingly effective." noted Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, OSU '52.
The senior retreat team is responsible for planning and facilitating the freshmen and sophomore one-day retreats. They are trained by their moderators Ms. Jeanne DiBenedetto and Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, OSU '52 to run groups, give faith-based presentations and prayer services. To be on the retreat team, students apply at the end of junior year and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Candidates are interviewed and must attend all trainings and team meetings in order to stay on the team.