STUDENT SUCCESS
Three times a year, Hoban's campus ministry office organizes studentled Spes Unica retreats, formerly known as Kairos. Spes Unica, the motto of the Brothers of Holy Cross, is Latin for "our only hope." The academic year's final retreat held from April 29 - May 1 marked the school's 50th retreat. The milestone was a significant event for Chair of the Theology Department Mary (Duffy ’83) Bulgrin, who was present for the first retreat roughly 16 years ago and has rarely missed a Spes weekend.
Throughout the weekend, the student-leaders give witnesses, which they prepared and practiced for six weeks leading up to the retreat. Each testimonial builds on the weekend, focuses on Catholic and Holy Cross teachings and offers attendees an opportunity to reflect on their own life and experience to build a deeper relationship with God. Following testimonials, participants are given time to contemplate the witness, writing in journals they receive. They then meet in small groups with their student and adult leaders to share their reflections.
"There are few opportunities that can facilitate community-building and reflection the way that Spes Unica retreats can," Bulgrin said. "Every retreat is unique in how the attendees and student-leaders work together, listen to each other, support one another and refocus their attention on God."
"Every retreat is different, but there have been occasions when students need support to help heal from any hurt and suffering they have experienced," Bulgrin said. "The adult leaders are there to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all students."
Former Hoban campus minister the Rev. Scott Kopp organized the first Kairos retreat in 2005 and was able to attend Spes Unica 50 to celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation with students. Kopp, who now serves as pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Vienna, Ohio, worked at Hoban before entering the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Seminary. Young people are required to navigate a complex world at an early age. This generation of students is more connected through online and social media tools and therefore more vulnerable to the traps of teenage life. Spes Unica retreats focus on becoming “real.” To do this, students give up their phones and devices before leaving Hoban for the weekend. Unplugging from calls, schedules, social media, text messages and other distractions is essential to their overall experience, and allows them to be present, evaluate their relationship with God, self and others, release stress and enjoy being a kid. 10 \
SPRING-SUMMER 2022
The retreat setting and structure allow students and educators to form a completely different type of relationship. Even for teachers who have students in class every day, Spes Unica retreats deliver a different and deeper bond with students. Within a busy classroom, students can succumb to routine. Spes Unica retreats are designed for small group discussions that foster positive relationship building and personal development. "In my role at Hoban, there are few opportunities to interact with students on an ongoing basis," Melanie White, communications director, said. "Spes 50 was the first time I have been able to meet and form relationships with students in a meaningful way." For many students who choose to attend Spes Unica retreats, it is one of the most validating and positive experiences in their high school careers. The goal is that they leave with renewed energy, clarity and focus on putting God first in their everyday lives.
