Several Marywood students will have a chance to reflect on their faith at this year’s Search Retreat.

The weekend of Feb. 1, students will convene at St. Gabriel’s House in Clarks Summit for an opportunity to carry out their faith, reflect upon their lives, and meet new people.

Students are welcome to attend the Search Retreat once for the experience. If they want to return, they can apply for a team leadership position after they have already been “searchers” themselves. The purpose of this is to give more students the opportunity to experience the same retreat.

Claire Werner, sophomore physician assistant major, attended last year’s Search Retreat and this year is serving as a team leader.

“Search is a wonderful experience that gives all attendees a chance to take a break from the real world and focus on relationships–relationships with family, friends, God, and yourself. On the retreat, we play lots of games and activities to get to know one another, and we have some reflection time to listen and share our stories.  I can’t disclose too much about the weekend because there are so many awesome surprises that you have to find out for yourself,” she said.

Lauren Riess, sophomore speech pathology major, also attended last year’s Search Retreat through the influence of some friends who had served as team leaders.

“My favorite part about the retreat was knowing that the people I attended the retreat with came from all different walks of life, but we all bonded and formed a connection that helped us realize that we aren’t alone and that we can have a great support system to help us get through anything we may face in life. It still is cool to look back and know that I can count on the people I met for anything because of what we shared that weekend.”

Sister John Michele Southwick, I.H.M., helps to facilitate the Search Retreat.

“The Search experience unites students with a community of people who have shared Search in the past and who are committed to supporting one another,” said Sr. John.