Kairos is the Greek word in Christian scripture for "momentary time," sometimes referred to as "God's time." Kairos is a four-day retreat that invites the junior class to consider what it means to live intentionally in "God's time." It also encourages students to carefully examine their relationships with God, themselves, and others. Kairos is, in format and content, a Catholic and specifically Ignatian retreat. It welcomes students of any religious tradition as well as those from no religious tradition at all. The retreat itself is a unique moment in that development, not only for the candidates but for the entire school community. During Kairos, the candidates look carefully at themselves, their relationships with others, and their relationship with God.
Each year, the Youth Ministry Office coordinates 2-3 Kairos Retreats at Green Oaks Ranch in Vista, California. Green Oak Ranch is a historic camp in Vista, California, where people have always discovered help, hope, and personal transformation. Salesian High School and Green Oaks have worked together by facilitating over 30 Kairos Retreats to date.
Upcoming Kairos Retreats
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and in consultation with the Department of Catholic Schools, our Kairos Retreats will be postponed until the 2021-2020 school year.
Karios Testimonials from Salesian Alumni
"Kairos meant everything to me, and it still does to this very day. It not only helped me become the man that I am today, but it opened my eyes to the calling of helping others. Kairos is an amazing place where I got closer to my brothers, and if I can do it again, I would."
- Julio Garcia-Carrillo '18
"Kairos meant everything to me, I had heard so many stories about it, and I'm glad I got to experience with some of the closest friends that I get to call brothers. I'm grateful for every one of my brothers in my life, and they'll always be there for me just like I am for them. Brotherhood means that no matter what, we're always there, and we have each other's backs through thick and thin. Like it's said: "Once a Mustang, always a Mustang."
- Daniel Bermudez '19
"I went to Kairos afraid of being judged or not being included in the activities. The next year I went back as a leader. Kairos doesn't just give you a chance to relax; it's an opportunity to grow out of your insecurities with your brothers."
- Elias Najera '19
"As a member of Kairos XXIX and leader of Kairos XXXI and XXXII, and the experiences I shared with my brothers truly shaped my character as a whole as I began to look at the world from a different perspective and made unexpected friends. The Kairos Retreat is like none other offered by Salesian as it truly embodies what it means to have a brotherhood."
- Luis Ortiz '19
