A group of S3 pupils made a retreat together at Castlerigg Manor in Keswick at the end of March. The retreat was organised by the Lancaster Diocesan Retreat team and was shared with pupils from St. Bede’s in Blackburn.

You can view photos from the retreat here.

‘The Castlerigg Manor Retreat was great fun. It was an experience I will never forget. I made new friends and learned lessons about life that I hope to carry with me for years to come.’  – Nuala McBride.

‘When I was travelling to Castlerigg, I was unsure what it would be like and was quite nervous about meeting pupils from another school. However, after some great ‘team building’ activities we were ready to help each other discover more about our faith. They helped you build better relationships with others and they were great fun.’ – Mark Burns

 ‘During my retreat at Castlerigg, I experienced my faith in a way I never knew I could. Any worries I had were quickly dispelled as soon as we were greeted by the most amazing team of young leaders and the incredible Fr Philip.’ – Patrick Entwistle.

‘I must admit that I consider myself very lucky to have been given the opportunity to take part in this retreat. During the weekend, we developed relationships with other pupils, our teachers, our peers and with God’.   – Nuala McBride.

 ‘Each day a member of the team had the opportunity to explain their story. On Saturday Morning Saul told us his journey and how he was in a dark place and he didn’t see much good in his life. Saul told us that it was through the support of others that he was able to build a good relationship with God.’ – Fatima Alani.

‘At Castlerigg we could think about the choice we make and how they affect others and how we can become closer to God. I found that my faith is part of my everyday life and not something I can ignore.’   – Lucy Bastable.

‘We were told to count our blessings by writing them down on a small piece of paper and putting them in the jar which we decorated. Nicola told us to remember that our blessings are what other people pray for.’  – Rachel Swan.

 ‘Late on Friday Evening we had Night Prayer which was a lovely time. The lights of the Chapel were dimmed and Nicola lit a candle. From this candle she lit another candle showing that the light of one candle can be passed on without the first candle getting any dimmer. This shows us  that by sharing your faith you bring your faith to others and your own faith is strengthened.   – Niamh Finnigan.

‘For Night Prayer the lights were dimmed and we sat in silence with only the light of the candle at the Tabernacle. This quiet service showed me that I need to pray more and that prayer makes me feel better.         – Ciaran Crumlish.  

‘Overall, I think that I learned a lot from this retreat and I hope not to lose sight of how important my faith is to me.’   – Mark Burns.

 ‘The team at Castlerigg could not have been nicer. They made ‘The Manor’ home for a few nights and opened our eyes to aspects of our faith which we had not really considered before.’   – Nuala McBride.

 ‘On Saturday Morning we made our ‘Blessing Jars’. We had to think about the many blessings we had and to be grateful for them. We took the jars home and whenever we think about another blessing we should write about it on a small piece of paper in put it in our Blessing Jar.’    – Dominic Graham.

‘Our time at Castlerigg was short and sweet and it had a huge impact on my faith. It made me realise that I can make a difference.’    – Lucy Bastable.

‘The theme of all the activities and the great games, was ‘I am The Light of the World’. This was highlighted throughout but especially at Morning and Night Prayers.’   – Nuala McBride.