As Saint John Paul II once reminded the faithful: “It is in the stillness of prayer that the soul discovers the most profound truths about itself and about God. Retreats are a privileged time to allow Christ to speak to the heart.”

On Thursday, August 28, twenty-eight 6th graders from John Paul II Catholic School came together for its annual class retreat at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Beaufort. The day was prayerful, joyful, and filled with opportunities for our young Golden Warriors to grow deeper in their relationship with Christ and with one another.

Leading the retreat was the JPII ACTS29 Peer Ministry Team, a dedicated group of seniors who planned and carried out the entire day. They gave presentations, led small group discussions, and guided both faith and recreational activities. The witness of these student leaders—sharing their own faith and walking with their younger peers—made the retreat especially meaningful.

The retreat concluded with a powerful time of Eucharistic Adoration, giving the 6th graders a quiet space to reflect, pray, and encounter Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

“This retreat was a beautiful opportunity for our 6th graders to step away from the busyness of daily life and simply focus on Christ," said JPII Campus Minister Deacon Brent Heathcott. "It was also inspiring to see our ACTS29 seniors serving as role models, showing our younger students what authentic faith and servant leadership look like.”

The retreat was truly a success, not only for our 6th grade students but also for the ACTS29 Peer Ministry Team, who continue to live out our SHIELD values of Service, Leadership, and Discipleship in powerful ways.