For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its Freshman Overnight retreat on August 26-27. 

Administrative Assistant for the Office of Service & Justice and Campus Ministry Ms. Tina Brenardi describes how The Freshman Overnight is meant to incorporate the newest Marauders into Jesuits’ community.

“Students should know that it’s a great way for our freshman class to come together and start the brotherhood that Jesuit’s very well known for,” Ms. Bernardi said. “So they’re gonna get to know their fellow students, they’re gonna get to know their big brothers, and they’re gonna make some really great bonds that’ll last a lifetime.”

Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Paul LeBouef believes the Overnight event will help both students and parents make important connections.

“It’s a time to build brotherhood and unity, but also for parents to meet new parents and get to know them, and I think an experience of trying to grow,” Mr. LeBoeuf said. “And not just knowing what brotherhood means but experiencing it through prayer, through small group discussions, through a big brother little brother relationship.

The community building at Freshman Overnight doesn’t just happen; it takes planning. Colin Davey ’24 explains the student council’s role. 

“[The student council] set the timeline for the overnight up until the [freshmen] were supposed to go to sleep,” Colin Davey ’24 said. “Then we started throwing out ideas for what [they] could do during the time like ping pong and water slides and mini-games.”

Head Cheerleader Eoin Hempenstall ’24 hopes that the Freshman Overnight will be both entertaining and meaningful for the freshmen.

“The freshman overnight is going to be a long, action packed day filled with important information and liturgical introductions for our incoming freshman, along with games and things for them to enjoy and experience the fun of life on campus,” Eoin said. “The freshmen can expect to have a great time meeting lots of new people and really familiarizing themselves with campus.”

Student Activities Director Mr. Ferrari hopes that the experience will help the freshmen settle in and feel more comfortable at Jesuit.

“I hope that their sense of belonging at Jesuit will increase,” Mr. Ferrari said. “I hope that they make many friends and memories at the retreat.”

Ms. Brenardi looks forward to the exciting atmosphere present in Freshman Overnights.

“I think my favorite part is just going to be the energy,” Ms. Brenardi said. “I’m just so excited because everybody’s in a great mood, and everybody’s just getting to know each other. It’s that nice energy that’s going to be happening all day.”