Preached and Directed Retreats: An Assessment

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the Annual Preached and Directed Retreats of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City for SY 2012-2013. As part of the institution’s spiritual formation program, all personnel are encouraged to participate and undergo spiritual retreats. In the school year 2012-2013, two (2) different types of Retreat were offered to staff -the Preached and Directed Retreats. The participants were surveyed as regards their perception and impression of the program implementation. A descriptive survey was employed as a method of research. A total of two hundred thirty-seven (237) respondents were involved in this study. An evaluation tool was utilized as its instrument. Frequency distribution, percentage, and mean scores were used as statistical measures in treating the data gathered. Data revealed that the most number of participants for the Annual Preached Retreat were female. The age bracket of 20-30 years old has the highest number of participants for the Preached Retreat while the age bracket of 51 years old and above has the highest number of participants for the Directed Retreat. The Grade School Faculty has the highest number of participants for the Preached Retreat. The highest number of respondents for the Annual Preached Retreat are those who served St. Mary’s College, Q.C. for1-5 years; followed by those who served for 6-10 years and lastly by those who served for 21-30 years. The expectations were met, the objectives were attained, and the retreats were well-organized and well-managed for both the Preached and Directed Retreats as evident in the over-all evaluation rating of 4.62 and 4.91 or Outstanding respectively. Based on the gathered data, the respondents’ showed positive disposition on the Annual Retreat. Indeed, the Annual Retreat of Personnel is an excellent opportunity for personnel to become closer to God, to know themselves and others more deeply; and to make decision and actions with the help of prayer and spiritual guidance. Based on the results of this research, it is recommended to sustain the Annual Preached and Directed Retreats Program of St. Marys’ College, Quezon City. Likewise, the Center for Ignacian Formation and Community Ministries is suggested to continue the implementation of the Retreat Program of St. Mary’s College, Quezon City to deeply experienceGod through the varied activities prepared by the retreat facilitator.