“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God.”
Campus Ministry
The purpose of the School Ministry Office is to assist in fostering and nourishing the desire for God in each student, helping him develop and maintain a personal relationship with God in accordance with the Roman Catholic faith. Students of every creed and culture are invited to answer the invitation to faith presented to us by God.
Students participate in the sacraments, opportunities for personal and communal prayer, retreats, spiritual programs and activities throughout the school year.
Students are invited to integrate their faith life into involvement in campus ministry and a variety of service projects. By nourishing their life of faith, young men can answer the call to be overtaken by the light of Christ, spreading that light wherever they go.
Community service forms
Current students may download, fill out, and return the Roman community service form to their theology teacher here.
Director of School Ministry
Mr. Keegan Ernest
Sacraments celebrated at Roman
Mass
The celebration of the Eucharist is an essential aspect of the life and mission of Roman Catholic. Mass is held weekly in the Chapel on campus, providing regular opportunities for worship, contemplation and spiritual growth. Annual and milestone liturgies held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul include: Blue Mass of Thanksgiving, Catholic Schools Week Mass, Junior Ring Mass, Baccalaureate Mass, and other Holy Days of Obligation.
In addition to Mass, students participate in a variety of prayer services throughout the year, including special celebration during the Advent and Lent seasons.
Confession
The Sacraments are at the core of our Catholic faith and the root of our identity as a school community. They are vital to our life of faith and nourishment in the spiritual life.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered during the Season of Advent and Lent. Priests from around the Archdiocese make themselves available to our students to hear confessions and offer reconciliation.
Students who are interested in becoming Catholic, or students seeking to make their Catholic Sacraments (Confirmation, First Communion, Baptism) should contact the Campus Ministry for more information.
Strengthening faith at Retreat events
The word retreat can be defined as the act of moving back or withdrawing. In a spiritual sense, a retreat is a withdrawing or a stepping away from one’s normal day-to-day routine for the purpose of re-invigorating one’s relationship with God.
To strengthen that relationship, Roman students are required to attend their grade-level retreat each year. By participating in these retreats, young men grow and nourish their lives of faith.
“Come away, by yourselves, to a deserted place and rest awhile.”
Freshmen Retreat
The Freshman Retreat is a school day experience designed to help students step away from the regular school routine and encounter the person of Jesus Christ. Scheduled during the second quarter, the retreat allows freshmen to become settled in school while still experiencing a sense of novelty and reflection.
Students participate in small groups of 20–30, guided by adult and student leaders, and rotate through stations that include powerful faith stories, prayer, adoration, faith discussions, and interactive icebreakers. The retreat focuses on introducing students to Jesus and the idea of lived faith while providing opportunities to build meaningful friendships with classmates.
Sophomore Retreat
The Sophomore Retreat builds on the Freshman Retreat by helping students move from encountering Jesus to living for Him in their daily lives. This two-school day experience combines an off-site pilgrimage with an on-site retreat, giving students a chance to explore both their faith and the wider Catholic community.
Half the class visits local Catholic sites — including the Saint John Neumann Shrine and the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — to learn about their faith heritage. Meanwhile, the other half participates in an on-site retreat in the school gym focused on lived discipleship and practical faith practice. On the second day, the groups swap, ensuring all students benefit from both experiences.
The Sophomore Retreat encourages students to take practical ownership of their faith while connecting their school community with the broader Church.
Junior & Senior Retreat Program
The Junior and Senior Retreat Program provides upperclassmen with the opportunity to step away from the everyday and encounter Christ, community, and personal growth in a deeper and more customizable way. Building on the foundation established in the Freshman and Sophomore retreats, these experiences give students increasing independence and the ability to choose a retreat that best meets their spiritual needs and interests.
Students are encouraged to participate in more than one retreat if they wish to further enrich their journey. See below for a full list of retreat offerings.
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Join the rich history of thousands of high school students who have found Kairos to be a positive experience and a lasting benefit in their lives. This three-night retreat is a powerful and unique opportunity to step away from the chaos and stress of daily life. Build community with your classmates through sports, games, and meaningful fellowship, and take time to connect with God while reflecting on the loved ones who have impacted your life most.
We strongly recommend that every student attend a Kairos retreat during their high school career.
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The 4th Day Retreat is a follow-up experience for students who have previously attended a Kairos Retreat. This three-day retreat offers participants a chance to reengage in the spirit of fellowship, fun, reflection, and peace, while considering how they are living “The Fourth Day.” This retreat includes opportunities for communal prayer, personal prayer, and fellowship.
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This fun and faith-filled day is open to students and their families, with participants of all ages. Bond with other Roman families, go head-to-head in family bingo, and take the family prayer challenge!
The retreat day consists of breakouts for varied age groups, family fun, and opportunities for family prayer and fellowship.
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This school-day retreat gives interested young men a devoted space to learn more about spiritual discernment and the priesthood.
The retreat includes talks and discussions of God’s call and His plan for your life, as well as opportunities to socialize and converse with seminarians preparing for the priesthood. Time is made for prayer, reflection, and Mass.
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This day-long retreat is a fun and meaningful bonding opportunity. The day typically begins with an optional three-mile round-trip hike on the Mount Misery Trail in the beautiful Valley Forge National Historical Park and continues at Malvern Retreat Center.
The day features a sense of community, engaging speakers, and opportunities for prayer and reflection.