(Photo courtesy of Tammy Norcross-Reitzler)
“If I had to summarize Antioch in one word, I would use life changing.”
Katie Greer, one of many SAU students who participated in Antioch loved the retreat and was amazed by the sense of community and love.
Antioch is a retreat focused on relaxing and engaging in opportunities to strengthen their faith while creating friendships and enhancing relationships on October 4 through 6.
This retreat was led by students for students. Student leaders provide a welcoming atmosphere to all students with staff members assisting.
“Antioch is important to college students because with the business of our everyday lives it allows for students to take time out of their busy schedules and step back and collect themselves through discussions derived from religious perspectives,” Jacob Lange, a leader of Antioch said.
“My role as director of campus ministry is to assist our student leaders in providing an experience of God’s Love and of authentic Christian Community. Every single time [we go on the Antioch retreat], I am touched by the honesty and vulnerability of our student leaders. I am touched by their commitment to loving God and others. I am inspired by the sacrifices these busy students have made to be on a team and serve their peers for the weekend,” Tammy Norcross-Reitzler, the director of campus ministry said.
Students who experienced Antioch for the first time felt overjoyed with their experience and the student leaders who helped them grow.
“They showed me unconditional love and support, and made me feel like I mattered and was a truly beneficial piece of our campus community. I truly saw Christ on earth through them, and the thought of providing that to others is an absolute dream,” Greer said.
Jayden Ambrose, an Antioch participant agreed, “Everyone was so incredibly welcoming, understanding, caring, and considerate of each other, and made the environment a place where you feel that you can truly let go and be yourself. The positive energy and kindness of the crew and participants was absolutely contagious and is something that I’m trying to continue carrying with me.”
Members gathered for breakfast before they started on the day’s activities. (Photo courtesy of Tammy Norcross-Reitzler)
Most of the activities of the retreat involve community building games and activities heightening each other’s faith.
“During Antioch, students listen to other students share about their own faith lives. They hear real stories of the importance of friendship with Jesus and with other Christians. They are invited to share their own experiences and challenges with one another. We pray together too. There is also plenty of time for fellowship, laughter, games and good food. And, often new friendships are formed,” said Norcross-Reitzler.
Jonah Bergman, another leader of Antioch says, “Antioch has a major focus on God’s love for humanity, the highest form of love, called Agape. Antioch goes beyond just making more friends like other retreats are for, and helps us realize that we can see God’s love through the people around us.”
Antioch is a retreat that is open to everyone: Catholic or non-Catholic, religious or non-religious, and spiritual or non-spiritual people.
“A big thing I would like to emphasize is that you do not have to be Catholic or entirely sure of your faith to go to Antioch. I personally fell into both of these categories, and it was another worry of mine going into this trip, but it was almost instantly relieved. No matter your personal, religious, or social background, there is an immeasurable amount of worth to be gained from being a part of Antioch. It benefited me in more ways than I ever thought to be possible,” said Ambrose.
Antioch is held every fall and spring semester for anyone that wants to attend.
