Making Kairos a Priority During the Pandemic

Many cherished traditions have gone by the wayside during the pandemic, but one simply would not be denied: the annual Kairos retreat. Bishop McNamara High School has held 50 Kairos retreats over the years, but No. 51 will stand out. It took place in late February, not at a retreat house but on the grounds of St. George Parish in Bourbonnais.

The retreat took place over three days, but out of concerns with COVID-19, students did not spend the night. Instead, they returned to their homes at the end of each day and made their way back to St. George each morning. The term, Kairos, is adapted from the Greek word meaning “God’s Time.” This peer-led retreat program was developed by Jesuits and aims to deepen young people’s faith, identity, relationships and connection to God’s role in their lives. Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, first brought the Kairos retreat to the Viatorian Community 30 years ago this year. Still, being able to pull off this life changing event for students – during a pandemic – took a great deal of collaboration from parishioners at St. George; however, they had a head start. One year earlier, they had made grand plans to host the Viator Youth Congress, only to have to cancel it because of COVID-19. This year, they resurrected those same plans, following through with their commitment to accompany young people on their faith journeys. Fr. Daniel Belanger, CSV, Pastor, and Associate Michelle Barrie, who coordinates the Office of Catholic Ministry at Bishop McNamara, devised the plan together. When Mrs. Barrie approached Fr. Belanger about possibly holding the retreat at St. George, he immediately said yes. He and his parishioners embraced all aspects of hosting the retreat, including preparing meals, allotting various spaces for small and large group discussions and celebrating Mass in the church.

“After 25 years of either participating in or leading a Kairos retreat, I never dreamt that we would host one at St. George,” said Fr. Belanger, a former chaplain at Bishop McNamara High School. Both Fr. Belanger and Mrs. Barrie believe the partnership was something of a first. While Viatorians have participated in Kairos retreats in all of their regions, this is the first time a Viatorian parish hosted the event and made sure it happened. Mrs. Barrie was thrilled to be able to hold the retreat with all of the COVID-19 restrictions in place, and she credited the hospitality of St. George members – including Fr. Belanger and the Viatorian associates in the parish – for making it happen. “It’s been amazing to have all the Viatorian support to be able to have this Kairos retreat happen at this time,” Mrs. Barrie said. “God’s time will always go on, no matter what the situation. All we have to do is be receptive to it.”

(L-R) Associates Paula Wasser and Michelle and Ken Barrie all helped to run the Kairos retreat safely. Associate Ken Barrie in Querbes Hall while retreat participants enjoy lunch provided by the parish.