Antioch unites students in faith

April 21, 2005
By Jesse Virgil
Staff Writer

Students looking to escape the pressures of everyday college life may be unaware of retreat held every semester by Campus Ministry.

Antioch is not only a cam ground used by kids for a summer getaway, it’s also a place where many Ambrose students and Christians come together to find faith and understanding with one another.

“The whole point of Antioch is that we need support from one another and that no one goes through life alone,” Fr. Chuck Adam said.  “As a faith community we are all about supporting one another and helping one another.”

Founded in the late 1960’s, the Antioch retreat was short lived, lasting only until the early ‘70’s.  However, in 2000, former campus ministry director Shelia Deluhery rejuvenated the program, which has been held every semester since.

The basis of Antioch is found in a story of the Bible, in which the disciples were first called Christians in a town named Antioch.

“Antioch was one of the first main Christian communities,” Adam said.

A majority of the activities enjoyed by the retreaters are spiritual talks, prayer sessions, and quiet time, in which they are able to read, take walks, or play a game of basketball.  If weather permits, retreaters enjoy a good old fashioned bonfire. 

However, Antioch leaders don’t like to give away too much of what they have planned for first time attendants.

“Many of the parts of the weekend we try not to tell too specifically because we want the people to experience it and be surprised,” Adam said.  “If you anticipate what’s going to happen next it loses the power and importance of the weekend.”

While every retreat has its highlights, the spring 2005 journey was powered by “great student leaders,” seniors Katie DiIlliuo and Ryan Dillon.

Dillon has been to five Antioch’s since his sophomore year. He believes that no matter how many times students go, each retreat has its own special experience.

“Each time I was in a different position,” Dillon said. “One time I was a retreater.  Another time I gave a speech as a regular team leader.  This past time I was the main team leader and I was also apart of the rec crew and kitchen crew.”

For those who are skeptical in participating in this type of trip, Dillon believes that the people you meet are well worth the trip alone.

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