On Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th June, the Lower Sixth Form participated in their annual retreat. As is tradition, the form was split into two groups across the two days, each following the same programme.
The retreat is themed “Reaching Out in Christ”, focusing on the call to reject indifference, described by the late Pope Francis as a “virus” infecting modern society. The antidote, as the retreat explored, lies in living out the works of mercy.
The day began with morning prayer in the School theatre and a briefing of the day’s events. Pupils then travelled to Bristol to visit various local charities in the morning, witnessing firsthand the compassionate outreach and service these organisations provide.
We are deeply grateful to the following groups for their hospitality and for sharing their vital work:
These visits allowed pupils to see the works of mercy in action, and to reflect on how these communities are, in the words of Pope Francis, “a light in the darkness” for many in the city.
In the afternoon, the groups gathered at the beautiful and historic St James Priory, the oldest working building in Bristol. There, pupils enjoyed lunch followed by midday prayer and lectio divina on the Parable of the Good Samaritan — a fitting reminder of what it means to be a true neighbour.
The day concluded with a powerful and moving talk on addiction. Individuals currently in recovery or who had journeyed through the 12-step programme generously shared their testimonies, offering a deeply human and honest insight into struggle, redemption, and hope.
We thank St James Priory for welcoming us so warmly, the Chaplaincy staff and tutors for accompanying the pupils, and most importantly, the pupils themselves for engaging so openly and thoughtfully with the retreat.
May this experience encourage us all to combat indifference in our lives and, inspired by the Gospel, to continue reaching out in Christ to those in need.
