The theme for the junior retreat is "Bread of Life." The Junior retreat was formed around the Cursillo Retreats, allowing Senior speakers to give witness talks to the junior class. These talks are themed with the ingredients of making a loaf of bread. The students work in group answering discussion questions and sharing thoughts as they work together in baking a loaf of bread. Each student receives at least one affirmation letter from parents, family, teachers etc. At the conclusion of Mass, the students return to divs and share the bread that they made during the retreat.
Questions for Speakers for Junior Retreat
1. The flour=Family: How is your family like the flour in bread? What makes it a basic ingredient of your life? Which members, in particular, give you strength? Give specific examples.
2. Salt and Sugar=Friends: Some friends are like salt; they may challenge you. Some friends are like sugar; they are supportive. Both are necessary for the yeast to work in the bread. How are your friends a necessary ingredient in your life? How do different kinds of friends make life more enjoyable?
3. Yeast=God: Bread would not be bread without the yeast; our lives would not be the same without (complete) God. Use specific examples to show how God is the yeast in your life.
4. Water and Oil: They don't mix when layered in a container, yet they are both necessary for the bread. What situation in your life is like water and oil? The ingredients don't go together, but when put into your life, it all works. Examples could be from family, friends, activities, etc.
5. Being Kneaded and Stretched: Bread has to be kneaded to become bread. We also have to be kneaded at times in our lives, to grow and become who we are supposed to be. Have you experienced a situation of kneading and stretching? Perhaps it didn't feel good at the time-it was a struggle-but as you look back, you see that it has helped you grow as a person.
