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The Lord was there: A report from Spring Retreat
By Heath Fulmer
There’s a great tradition of reports in the Scriptures—proclamations, disclosures, stories of encounter.
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What did you see? What did you hear? What happened? These were not only natural responses but necessary ones. In Salvation history, people were encountering the reality of God, and as we know, God was doing stuff!
But is our God just a God of history or is He at work now?
I’m happy to report that Jesus is still “about His Father’s business.” We recently had our Spring retreat, and the Lord showed that he is powerfully at work in the lives of our students.
So, what is the report? What happened at our Catholic Noles Spring Retreat?
We took a chance on a new retreat spot in Mariana, Florida, and wow, did it pay off! This new retreat center hearkened me back to old Camp Cherry Lake vibes (for those from CSU of old who remember) with woods, a lake, plenty of space for games and small groups, and a massive main room for mass and adoration. Our students loved it with special attention given to the dancing around the bonfire, the sand volleyball battles, and the BLOB down at the lake. Seeing them smile, laugh, and live in freedom was a gift. We were also blessed by two Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who gave incredible talks that anchored our experience.
In some ways, what happened is what is always happening here: students encountered the Lord. But those words fail to capture the drama of that reality because the transformation is profound and personal.
So what happened to the persons of our students on this retreat?
The lost and the lonely of campus who took a chance on a Catholic retreat found our joyful and loving community. Those broken and hurt from a Fall semester that wasn’t what they’d thought it would be, found peace and forgiveness. Our seniors, wondering, “Lord, what might you have for me in my life?” got a chance to let the Lord speak deeply to them about the good plans he has for them.
And smack dab in the middle of our Spring Semester, our students, weighed down by exams and the expectations of this heavy world around us, got a chance to rest and to experience the silent presence of the Lord.
All of our students got to hear the whisper of love once more from the Lord, who gave away everything to save us and to be with us.
So what happened? Our students met the Lord.
Ultimately, though it was the tireless work of our staff and missionaries, the freedom and restful pace of the schedule, and the centrality of the sacraments that led to a lasting impact on our students.
Our Lord says that you can know a tree by its fruits, so what are the fruits of this retreat?
We’re seeing daily Masses with 60–70 students in attendance. Students have launched all-day Adoration on Thursdays out of a new hunger for Christ in the Eucharist. Bible studies are springing up, led by students eager to share the Word.
Whether it was in his word of peace amid busyness, or his word of fire driving our students to go out and share his love with the world, it is clear: the Lord was here.
