Encounter is an annual retreat hosted by George Mason University’s Catholic Campus Ministry in February, usually at a retreat center nestled in the woods in West Virginia. Some consider it the “peak” of their campus ministry experience, and it is my personal favorite.
Apart from the fact that you can only attend Encounter once, what is so special about this retreat is that it is completely student-led. The goal is to have students “encounter” Jesus, whether for the first time or for the hundredth time. We get to hear from different students throughout the retreat on how Jesus has impacted their lives. This retreat changed my life when I went as a freshman in 2022.
I grew up Catholic, but I never really knew what it meant to be Catholic or to have a relationship with Jesus. Going into college, I attended Sunday Mass, but that was about it. I rejected Bible study invites, and you wouldn’t catch me hanging around the chapel at the campus ministry. That all changed when I received an invitation from Josh, a senior, to go on Encounter. Wanting to try something new, I took a leap of faith and signed up.
What I found there were other students like me who weren’t “all in” when it came to their faith and were searching for more. I also met students who were “all in” and who inspired me to deepen my own faith. Most importantly, I encountered the person of Jesus Christ on this retreat. I realized his profound love and longing to have a relationship with me. I came back hungry for Christ and with a newfound desire to get involved with campus ministry.
The next year, I served on the leadership team for Encounter, inviting other students into that experience that honestly changed my life. And last year, as a junior, I had the opportunity to co-lead the retreat. I have found so much joy in bringing others to Christ, just as I was brought in years ago. Going back twice now as a leader to the place that started it all for me has served as a beautiful reminder of how God has worked in my life.
Little did I know that with a simple act of faith of giving a small “yes” to a fellow student I barely knew, I experienced something — and someone — in a life-changing way.
Hernandez is a student campus minister with GMU Catholic Campus Ministry.
