In hopes of relieving some stress for students swamped with tests, papers and presentations, Saint Mary's campus ministry is offering the second annual Busy Person's Retreat.
The four-day retreat starts on Sunday at 8 p.m. and closes Thursday, and was designed by Sister Olivia Marie Hutcheson and the Sisters of the Holy Cross last year to connect Saint Mary's students and staff who are too busy to leave campus for a retreat.
"The goal is to bring everyone together in a time of reflection and faith, while still working around everyone's hectic life schedule," campus minister Annie Crew-Renzo said.
The retreat is free and open to people of all faiths.
Crew-Renzo said the nontraditional format is what draws students to participate.
"The only planned meeting is on Sunday where everyone meets to discuss the goal of the retreat and compare schedules," Crew-Renzo said. "The remaining four days are based on the schedules of those involved. The participants will meet in small groups with the retreat directors, campus ministers and sisters for 30 minutes and will individually pray for 30 minutes."
She also said that the retreat allows for a lot of personal attention.
Sophomore Beth Sands participated in the retreat last year and praised its benefits.
"I really loved spending time with the sisters," Sands said. "It gave me a chance to de-stress."
She was also pleased with the flexible format.
"It really was convenient to plan all the meetings to accommodate my schedule," she said.
