For three days, the notifications will go silent, the pressure of PSAT scores for juniors will go away, the group chat will freeze, and the weight of college applications and deadlines will drop to the floor as ILS juniors and seniors turn in their phones and begin their journey at ETC. As well as departing from home, they leave way more than that, a hyper-connected world. What awaits them isn’t just a school event, but a retreat filled with an unspoken, powerful promise that the best connections are made heart to heart, face to face. At ILS, the community continues to practice their faith every year of high school; retreats evolve from Cornerstone for freshmen, to Ignite for sophomores, and lead up to ETC for juniors and seniors.

“Growing in my faith more and coming closer to God is important to me because I feel like ETC will relieve my mind from school; it’s like a distraction to get away from my personal life,” said junior Sofia Gallo-Pacheco regarding her anticipation  for her spiritual journey.

ETC: Encounter Towards Christ is an overnight retreat that will be held this weekend, November 13-15, for an experience offered to juniors and seniors through the school’s Campus Ministry and Theology department. This retreat has been held for about 45 years, making this year special, as it is the 90th retreat of ETC. Mrs. Maggie Santana, an Anatomy and Physiology teacher, has also participated in the second ETC retreat, where it all started. This retreat is designed to help upperclassmen develop their faith, reflect on their relationship with God, themselves, and others, as well as strengthen their Catholic and Salesian faith. ETC is organized by ILS campus ministry, theology faculty, and peer ministers.

“I see a big increase in their sense of being at home at ILS and their sense of belonging. I do think it’s really important to upperclassmen and having that opportunity to grow with students and come to understand the real mission of this school through this retreat,” said Sr. Juliana Alfonso, FMA.

Youth Leading Youth: A major part of the retreat is peer ministry. Upperclassmen student leaders work alongside faculty and Campus Ministry to facilitate small group reflections, talks, and activities. ETC gives students a break from the routine of school, sports, and technology to focus on three core relationships: with themselves, with their peers, and with God. Without the use of phones and outside distractions, this retreat is an amazing opportunity to create authentic friendships and grow as a person. Activities include student-led talks, small group sharing, prayer, and reflection.

“Our team of leaders have been waiting to serve since the original September date. Our hope was we would have a good response and we aren’t disappointed. We are excited to show everyone what ETC is and how much it means to us. There hasn’t been a day where we have not discussed what we hope ETC #90 will bring. As a senior, this retreat is special to me because I’ve seen it done since I was a little kid. Now, it’s my first time leading and I’m so excited to share in this experience with my friends and those who will participate,” said Emma Beltran.

This retreat isn’t just a school event; it’s a community turning into a family. This retreat is a key moment for upperclassmen to bond as a class before graduation, and embrace what lies ahead.