Kairos
Kairos retreats began expanding across the United States in the 1970s. Many Catholic and Marianist high schools adopted the program in the 1980s and early 1990s. Moeller eventually adopted the Kairos retreat in the mid-1990s. In fact, my uncle, Dan Molina, was on Moeller’s first Kairos retreat. However, Moeller’s first retreat wasn’t anything like it is today. A few students actually attended a retreat with St. Xavier students to observe how it was run and to determine whether Moeller should adopt it as well. Over time, Kairos has grown into the meaningful experience that Moeller students enjoy today.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the Kairos retreat. At its core, Kairos can be described as a time to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reflect on who you are as a person and how you connect with others. While many people associate it with faith, it is not always about changing beliefs, but rather about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and the people you interact with daily. Ultimately, Kairos provides an opportunity to slow down, be honest, and experience personal growth in a way that can stay with you long after the retreat ends.
Everyone also has their own personal experience on Kairos. I had the opportunity to interview Nathan Hoffman about his experience. I first asked him what made him decide to go on Kairos, to which he responded, “I was really only going because my parents wanted me to. I was ready to just sit there and go through the motions, but once I got there, and after being influenced by some of my friends, I decided to actually participate fully to get the full Kairos experience.”
I then asked him if Kairos impacted his faith or beliefs. He answered, “Not really. I have always been questioning that part of my life, but Kairos helped me look at who I am as a person.” Lastly, I asked him if he was glad he went, and he said, “Yeah, I’m glad I went. I got to know some people better. I got to better understand people I was already close with, people I’ve had classes with but don’t talk to, and even people I don’t know very well.” Overall, Nathan’s experience shows that while Kairos may not always change someone’s beliefs, it can still have a meaningful impact by helping them grow personally and build stronger connections with others.
To answer the same questions about my own experience, I would say that I originally decided to go on Kairos because my family and friends encouraged me to. I felt somewhat pressured into going. However, the experience ended up having a strong impact on my faith. I feel like I changed as a person and grew closer to God through the retreat and through the people I experienced it with. I am very glad that I was encouraged to go, because it has been my best experience at Moeller and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Looking at these firsthand experiences, it’s clear that Kairos can be life-changing, whether through faith, personal growth, or building stronger relationships. Even if you are unsure about going, like Nathan and I were, it is worth giving it a chance. You may not have high expectations going in, but the experience can surprise you in ways you didn’t expect if you fully participate. Kairos is more than just a few days away from school; it is an opportunity to learn more about yourself, connect with others on a deeper level, and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave Moeller High School.