Father-Son Retreats

Jesuit’s retreat program is at the heart of the school’s Office of Mission and Formation, providing for all students to take an honest look at their lives, better understand where they stand before God, and find motivation for further growth in their faith. Every student participates in at least one retreat each year.

The Father-Son Retreat is one of the most popular and impactful. It is offered to the seniors, a two-day, one-night retreat. The second Father-Son Retreat this school year was Nov. 10-11 at the Bethany Center, during which 45 seniors and their fathers grew closer to God and each other, with openness and honesty to give God fertile soil to cultivate.

“My father is a man of few words, so listening to him open up about his past and his religion was an eye-opener for me,” said Zayden Saldin ’25 about his father, Dr. Rizvie Saldin. “He loved the retreat and having both of us spend quality time together before I go off to college.”

The Father-Son Retreat includes insightful presentations from special guest speakers such as Jesuit assistant principal Brian Greenfield, a renowned national Catholic public speaker, as well as various interactive activities such as small groups and one-on-one discussions, and opportunities for confession and Mass.

For the fathers, the retreat can open a new window into their sons’ lives.

“The retreat brought me closer to my son and gave me a stronger appreciation of the bombardment of social media influencers teens are exposed to these days,” said Bob Hund, father of Oliver Hund ’25. “(It showed) how a strong, faith-based moral compass is needed so that teens are equipped to differentiate what is right vs. wrong.

“During my own teen years without social media, the family alone could provide that compass, but with the overwhelming flood of smartphone usage and social media influencers encouraging teens to essentially make up their own faiths, or to just give up on faith altogether, it takes more than family. Educators and a brotherhood of friends are also needed to cement a moral compass into a young man during his high school years.”

While Jesuit’s retreats are always student-focused, the special time that fathers and sons share at this retreat makes it unique.

“We spent quality time together and were able to grow closer,” said Carlos Lamoutte, P ’25. “Both my son Carlos and I had a very positive experience, and it was great to have a designated time without interruptions to do this. We also had time to plan other father-son activities coming up before he leaves for college.”

Added Dr. Oscar Olivera, P ’25, "It was a very fulfilling experience! The energy was one of peace and to open your heart to your son."

Throughout their four years at Jesuit, students experience a wide range of retreats. Sharing their final retreat with their father is a special opportunity to further grow their faith.

“With my father being away every other week for work and my busy soccer schedule, this isolated time together was much needed,” Evan Yockey ’25 said. “This retreat was impactful for both of us, and I’m really glad we were able to do it. It was important that I spent this with my dad in my last year of high school.”