The Kairos retreat, a long-standing tradition across the Catholic Schools in Oklahoma, focuses on self-reflection, community and spiritual growth, according to retreat leader Kelly. Golbuff. She emphasized that students shape their own experience through participation.
“Everything you get out of it is what you put into it,” Golbuff said. “The first thing you learn is more about yourself as a person. Then you learn more about the people around you, and the last step is figuring out where God fits into that.”
Golbuff added that although some students believe the retreat centers solely on religion, Kairos begins with understanding one’s identity and relationships. The faith component develops through those discoveries.
The retreat is often described as mysterious, but Golbuff clarified that the lack of specifics is not intentional secrecy. Certain activities simply do not translate unless experienced firsthand.
“Some things do not really make sense out of context,” Golbuff said.
This year marked Kairos No. 93. Golbuff has been involved for 10 years, inspired after watching her own children benefit from the program as students. They later returned as leaders in both high school and college.
For students hesitant to attend, Golbuff acknowledged that nervousness about the unknown is normal. She advised students to trust the adults leading the retreat and consider attending with friends if that offers comfort. She also noted that the opportunity is limited.
“You can always find a reason not to go, but once those two chances pass, you cannot go back,” Golbuff said.
After returning to campus, Golbuff encouraged students to continue reflecting on what they learned and use the retreat’s peaceful moments as reminders during stressful times. She personally recalls looking at the stars during recent retreats when the weather was clear.
One of her favorite parts of Kairos is the relaxed environment. Students set aside daily pressures, dress casually and feel more comfortable being themselves.
“Being able to be that relaxed around each other for almost the entire weekend, it just rules,” she said.
Golbuff hopes students take advantage of the retreat when they have the chance. Even for those unsure about attending, she believes it is worth the experience.
