Freshman Retreat Encourages Growing in the Sisterhood

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the 130 members of the Class of 2028 gathered at Daylesford Abbey for Merion Mercy Academy’s annual freshman retreat. Led by seniors on the ministry team with guidance from Campus Minister Sister Mandy Carrier RSM, the theme was “Growing in the Sisterhood.” In addition to prayers and reflections, the day included hands-on activities, journaling, and letter writing. “Class retreats,” says Sister Mandy, “give students the time to get to know themselves, one another, and God through the lens of the sisterhood at Merion Mercy.”

The day’s Scripture reflection, delivered by Jane Staple, was based on Matthew 13:3-8, the parable of the sower. Jane noted how the reading connected to each girl in light of their opportunity to attend Merion Mercy. She said, “By having the chance to learn and grow in an environment rich with sisterhood, trust, and love, we can create strong foundations rooted in mercy.” She concluded, “This year your seeds were sown, and there is no limit to how far you will all grow together!”

A particularly special part of the retreat involved senior leaders sharing their own reflections on sisterhood. Chloe DeVlieger recalled being the only student from her grade school to attend Merion Mercy Academy and having to make all new friends. She admitted, “I was really nervous starting my freshman year, but despite that, I felt so welcomed by the sisterhood and have since made some of my best friends. Compared to my small Catholic grade school, I’ve learned that at Merion, you can connect with so many different girls and find so much in common, even outside your immediate friend group.”

Christa Bello spoke of the transition from a close knit grade school community to high school. “Merion made the transition to high school so easy as it could not have been a more welcoming environment. While I thought that I was a part of a close knit community already, Merion taught me what it truly meant to be part of such a special community—our sisterhood. At Merion, my classmates, teammates, and friends have turned into my sisters. The sisterhood here is truly indescribable, and it is something that is so special to me.”

The day concludes with the meaningful tradition of letter writing. Sister Mandy explains, “Every year, freshmen write letters to their future selves about their goals and hopes, and what they wish for their senior year. We save these letters and return them to students at their senior retreat right before graduation so they can reflect on the past four years at Merion Mercy and what their journey of growth has meant to them.”

As the retreat drew to a close, the Class of 2028 left Daylesford Abbey with a renewed sense of connection—to themselves, to each other, and to the Merion Mercy sisterhood. Through prayer, reflection, and the wisdom shared by their senior mentors, they planted the seeds for both personal and collective growth. This retreat marks the beginning of a transformative journey, where the bonds of sisterhood will continue to flourish throughout their high school years and beyond. The day was a powerful reminder that at Merion Mercy, no one walks this journey alone—everyone grows together.