2023 Sophomore Lighthouse Retreat

Attention sophomores! Looking to get away for a weekend to grow closer to God and the Class of 2026? Our Lighthouse Retreat is for you.

Join us November 4–5 at the Retreat at Norwich Lake in Huntington, MA for witness talks from upperclassmen about their experiences of sophomore year at PC, prayer, games, great food, and a weekend away from campus! You’ll enjoy time with old and new friends in small groups, have a bonfire on a lake, and enjoy the gorgeous late fall New England weather. Prayer opportunities for the weekend include Holy Mass, Eucharistic adoration, opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation, and smaller times of prayer and reflection led by student leaders.

Lighthouse is a retreat which focuses specifically on the experiences you all go through in your second year on our campus. These include things like balancing leadership positions and commitments, nurturing old and new relationships, and perhaps feeling a little lost or uncertain about your faith. It can be very easy for your sophomore year to leave you in search of a firm foundation, an anchor which can bring clarity and strength to your specific story. On Lighthouse, we want to meet you where you are, walk with you, and be instruments in your discovery of how God is calling to you, even amidst stormy seas.

If you ask anyone who has attended in years past, they will tell you that it is a truly meaningful weekend that could not come at a better time during your time at PC.

For more information, please contact Campus Ministry Retreats Director JP Manning at jmannin5@providence.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the weekend look like for participants?

The weekend will be a time of community building with peers in your class year, led by upperclassmen students, consisting of listening to talks, prayer together, fun activities, Sunday Mass, and other activities as a group to grow connected through the Lord.

What is the retreat center like?

The Retreat at Norwich Lake in Huntington, MA is a beautiful, peaceful facility set on a lake. See here for more about the facilities and their mission: https://www.retreatatnorwichlake.com/

Is transportation provided?

Yes - all leaders and retreatants will travel together to the retreat center by bus.

Do I need to be Catholic/deeply religious/involved with Campus Ministry to attend Lighthouse?

We welcome all sophomores to join us on the retreat regardless of where you are in your faith journey for a weekend of community and growth in their faith life, whether you are already involved in Campus Ministry, are just beginning to explore your relationship with the Lord, or are curious or unsure about faith. Our junior and senior retreat leaders are ready to help you in any way they can!

What should I pack for Lighthouse?

Warm clothes

Sleeping bag and pillow – You will have a bed and mattress, definitely bring a pillow and a sleeping bag/sheets & a blanket

Reusable water bottle

Whatever else you need to play hard and pray hard this weekend – journal, rosary, games, instruments, etc.

Who is able to attend the Lighthouse Retreat? Any sophomore student who wants to attend can attend.

No one else I know is attending Lighthouse. Will I have the same experience as a participant even if I don’t know anyone there?

Yes! Many participants come into our retreats not knowing anyone prior to the weekend, and leave having built deep connections with those who they have not previously had relationships with. It is a great way to meet new people and form new friendships!

I want to come on Lighthouse, but I’m scared I have too much to do over the weekend and won’t be able to manage both.

Because Lighthouse is only a one-night retreat, we will depart from campus early Saturday morning and return on Sunday afternoon. This leaves plenty of time for completing homework and other responsibilities before the retreat on Friday and after our return on Sunday!

Should I prepare anything beforehand to bring on the retreat/is there anything I need besides what is on the packing list provided?

No, there is nothing else that is needed for you to bring or prepare for the retreat besides what is on the packing list that we send out for participants.