Celebrating My Lasallian Journey (Before Moving On)

Honoring Our Sacred Journey

CELAM has prepared this “” as a dedicated alternative to our scheduled gathering. While you may be in your own physical space, we invite you to enter into a "Cathedral of the Heart." This requirement is more than a task; it is a sacred opportunity to enter into a spirit of silence, prayer, and profound reflection.

Let this retreat serve as a powerful reminder of your relationship with God. In the quiet of this experience, listen for His invitation to draw closer to Him, trusting that He who began this good work in you will carry it to completion.

The theme for this Graduating Students’ Retreat is “Celebrating our .” Unlike a brief moment of pausing, this retreat is an intentional space to withdraw from the frantic pace of your final semester. It is an invitation to dwell deeply on the path you have walked, the person you have become, and the Spirit that has guided your steps.

The Three Pillars of Your Reflection

Looking Back (Gratitude): To honor the past years of your college life—the triumphs that built your confidence and the challenges that forged your character.

Looking Inward (Community): To cherish the present bonds shared with classmates and friends, acknowledging the "" spirit that lives within your relationships before you part ways at graduation.

Looking Forward (Hope): To stand at the threshold of life after college with a heart anchored in faith and a mind open to your future calling.

"Live Jesus in our hearts, forever."

Home Retreat Instructions

1. Dedicated Prayer Time

Take the next 3 days as your “home retreat.”

Timing: Decide on a specific time of the day when you are most awake and will not be distracted.
Environment: Choose a place where you can pray undisturbed—perhaps a chapel, a prayer room, or your own quiet space.
Duration: Be willing to set aside 15–20 minutes (or longer) each day for this prayer.

2. Prayer Journal Requirements

Please purchase a 50-leaf notebook. It must be a green university-style or a composition notebook (Dimensions: 148mm x 200mm or 135mm x 210mm). You can see the sample here.

Important: Date every entry. This serves as proof that you followed the 3-day timeline and remained consistent with your commitment.
Write legibly: Please ensure your handwriting is neat. Neatness often reflects the effort and focus you put into your reflection.

3. Submission and Quality Control

Submit your prayer journal to the CELAM Office for checking and clearance.

A Note on Compliance: Please approach this task with the utmost seriousness. Ensure that you follow all instructions precisely to avoid the need for revisions, re-writing, or doing the work over again.

The recollection facilitator is very keen and strict when checking your journals. They will be reading your entries thoroughly to ensure you are doing it correctly.

Do it right the first time to ensure your clearance is processed smoothly.

Take the next 3 days as your “home recollection”. Decide on a specific time of the day that you are most awake and will not be distracted.

Choose a place to pray where you can pray undisturbed– maybe a chapel, prayer room or in your own room. Be willing to take 15 – 20 minutes (or longer) each day for this prayer. Have a prayer journal.

PART 01: Take the next 3 days as your “home recollection”.

DAY 01:

~Quiet yourself for a few moments.
~Dispose your mind and spirit to your time of prayer.

A. Reflection on “My Lasallian Journey”

Recall your experiences in college when you entered the university. Answer this by downloading the reflection sheet provided. Using symbols and drawing, draw a railroad beginning with the arrow indicated as START and end behind the train car. You can follow the symbols suggested at the bottom or you can make your own appropriate symbols. Recall how your college life has been, when you entered the university, your “highs” and ‘lows’, significant experiences and people you have met.

~ Click here to download and print the 8.5" x 11" reflection sheet

~ You can see the sample here.

B. Copy the questions. Write your thoughts and reflection in your journal.

1. The Divine Connection: God in the Details

Question: Looking back at your four years, when and how did you experience God’s presence the most in your Lasallian journey?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Think of a specific moment—perhaps a difficult exam, a deep conversation with a friend, or a quiet moment in the campus chapel. Was He a source of comfort during your homesickness, or a source of strength when you wanted to give up? How has your understanding of "Faith" evolved from your first day on campus to your last?

2. The Golden Thread: Highlights and Milestones

Question: What are the major highlights of your Lasallian journey from 1st Year to 4th Year?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Beyond just the "big" events like or passing a major subject, consider the small victories. What were the moments that made you feel like you truly belonged to the Lasallian family? Describe the people, the places on campus, and the specific achievements (academic or personal) that define your college story.

3. The Wisdom Gained: Lessons for Life

Question: What are the most significant lessons you have learned during your time as a Lasallian student?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Reflect on lessons that happened outside the textbook. What did your journey teach you about resilience, integrity, and "Service with a heart"? How did the challenges of living away from home or facing academic pressure shape your character? If you could go back and give your 1st-year self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?

4. The Scriptural Compass: Anchoring Your Soul

Question: Choose 2 Bible stories or verses that have been significant to you. Write out these verses and explain why they are meaningful to your journey.

Guide to help reach 200 words: Why do these specific words resonate with you? Did they provide a "light on your path" during a dark season, or were they a reminder of God's promises when you were successful? How do you plan to use these scriptures as a compass as you transition from being a student to a professional?

5. The "Environment": Growth in a New Home

Question: For many of you, this journey involved moving to a new city and living in a boarding house. How has this specific "" experience matured you?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Reflect on the transition from being a stranger in a new place to finding a "home away from home." How did the culture of the school and the people you met here change your perspective on community (Communion)? What part of this city or campus will you miss the most?

6. The St. La Salle Legacy: Carrying the Torch

Question: faced many "railroad switches" and changes in his life. How do you see his spirit alive in your own journey?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Reflect on the Lasallian mission. In what ways have you practiced "Zeal" in your studies? How do you intend to bring the Lasallian identity of being "a sign of faith" into your future workplace or community?

7. The Horizon: Looking Toward the Next Track

Question: As the train pulls into the "Graduation Station," what are your honest fears and your greatest hopes for the future?

Guide to help reach 200 words: Describe the person you are today compared to the person who stepped onto campus four years ago. What are you most proud of? As you prepare to leave the safety of the college, what "baggage" are you leaving behind and what "treasures" are you packing for the rest of your life's journey?

DAY 02:

This is a beautiful, structured way to deepen your prayer life. The is a time-tested roadmap that ensures your conversation with God is balanced—moving from looking at Who He is to (God the Father) what He has done, Jesus Christ (the Son) and finally to what we need. (The Holy Spirit)

A. Use This Guide

Please use the steps below as your personal experience guide. There is no need to write your answers here; simply follow the prompts, speak to them in your heart or aloud, and lean into the stillness. You will have a separate space for written reflections afterward.

Step 1: Adoration (Praise)

Focus: God’s character and His creation.

Read: "Praise be to God!" (Psalm 68:35)

Reflection: Look around or think of the last 24 hours. What is one thing in nature or in God’s character (His kindness, His power, His creativity) that amazes you right now?

Activity: Mentally complete three "I love You because..." statements. Tell Him how much you appreciate His majesty.

Step 2: Confession (Renewal)

Focus: Honesty and receiving grace.

Read: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins..." (1 John 1:9)

Reflection: Where have you "missed the mark" lately? Is there a specific burden you are carrying that you need to hand over?

Activity: Be specific. Tell God where you fell short. After you speak, sit in silence for a moment to accept the purification He promises.

Step 3: Thanksgiving (Gratitude)

Focus: Recognizing His hand in your life.

Read: "Glorify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30)

Reflection: What are the "answered prayers" you might be taking for granted? How has the Holy Spirit been a "still small voice" for you this week?

Activity: List five specific blessings in your mind. Thank Jesus for the cross and the Holy Spirit for being your Counselor.

Step 4: Supplication (Request)

Focus: Asking for help for yourself and others.

Read: "Make your requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

Reflection: Who is hurting right now? What "small" worry have you been hesitant to bring to God?

Activity: Split your requests:

Others: Pray for the needs of those closest to you.

Self: Ask for the specific strength you need for today.

Step 5: Scriptures (Listening)

Focus: Letting God speak back to you.

Read: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Passage: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Activity: Sit with a specific word or phrase from that passage for two minutes. Ask God: "What are You trying to tell me through this word today?"

Peace be with you. Take your time with these steps. There is no rush in the presence of the Divine.

B. Your A.C.T.S. + S. Journaling Questions. Copy the questions. Write your thoughts and reflection in your journal.

1. Adoration (Praise)

The Beauty of Creation: What specific part of God’s creation (a sunrise, a tree, a person’s smile) can I praise Him for today?

The Nature of God: Beyond what He does, who is God to me right now (e.g., my Protector, my Shepherd, my King)?

2. Confession (Renewal)

The Honest Look: Where have I specifically fallen short in my thoughts, words, or actions since I last prayed?

The Need for Strength: What is one recurring temptation where I need the Holy Spirit’s help to turn away from?

3. Thanksgiving (Gratitude)

The Answered Prayer: What is one thing God has done for me recently—even a small "coincidence"—that I want to thank Him for?

4. Supplication (Request)

The Circle of Care: Who are the people closest to me right now, and what specific burden of theirs can I carry to God?

5. Scriptures (Listening)

The Still Small Voice: After reading the passage (Matthew 11:28-30), what is the one word or phrase God is using to speak "rest" into my soul today?

Day 03:

Br. Camillus Chavez FSC is a De la Salle brother based in St. Mary’s University in California who teaches about . He has visited USLS twice to share about the importance of meditation. Learn how to Meditate. Quiet yourself for a few moments. Dispose your mind and spirit to your time of prayer.

A. Listen to “Why Meditate”. Please CLICK

B. Listen to "How to Meditate". Please CLICK

C. Listen to “7 Minute Meditation”. Please CLICK

Copy the questions and write your thoughts and reflections in your journal.

1. Describe your experience while you meditated. (at least 10 lines)

2. What were the instructions of Br. Camillus? (at least 10 lines)

3. Did Br. Camillus help you pray and meditate? What did you learn from him? (at least 10 lines)

4. Write a letter to God as your response to this type of prayer. (at least 20 lines)

Part 02: Attend a Mass

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE POLICY:

No "Anti-Dating": You are not allowed to use reflections from a Mass or service attended in the past.
New Schedule: You must attend a new schedule of Masses starting from the day you received this activity from the CELEM office.
Requirement: You must complete this reflection process for three (3) separate Masses/Services.

Reflection Guidelines

For each of the three Masses, provide the following. Note: In your writing, use the first person (“I”, “me”, “my”) to express your thoughts. Do not use "we" or "you" when describing your feelings.

1. Date and Venue Put the date and venue of the Mass for Catholics or service for non-Catholics attended.

2. The Word Write the Gospel (for Catholics) or the Scripture verse (for non-Catholics) of the day.

3. Personal Reflection What is your reflection for today’s Mass/Service? Describe how the message applies to your life.

4. What touched you or struck you? (At least 20 lines) Describe what specifically moved you as you participated in the Mass.

Guide: It could be a song sang at Mass, a Bible reading, or something the priest/pastor said in his homily/sermon.
Detail: Explain why it struck you and how it impacted you.

5. Focusing on God (At least 20 lines) What helped you focus on God in today’s Mass/Service?

Guide: Was it the environment, the silence, the music, or your own internal state?
Detail: Describe the factors that allowed you to set aside distractions.

6. My Specific Action Plan (At least 20 lines) Decide on one specific action you want to do as a response to God’s message to you at the Mass/Service.

The Why: Why is this specific action your chosen response to the message you received?
The How: How exactly will you carry this out in your daily life? (Be practical and concrete).

Final Reflection

The Purpose of the Pause: Why Retreats and Recollections Matter

Question: Looking back at your entire college experience and these past few days of reflection, why do you think a retreat or recollection is a vital part of a student’s life at the University?

Guide to help reach 200 words (or at least 20 lines):

Reflect on the "noise" of your daily life—the deadlines, social media, and career pressures. How did this intentional "stop" help you see things differently? Consider the difference between just "surviving" college and "reflecting" on it. Does a recollection change how you view your successes and failures? Why is it important for a Lasallian to graduate not just with a degree, but with a clear sense of soul and purpose?

St. John Baptist De La Salle. Pray for Us.

Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.

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