An Evening with Jesus at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Potomac Shores consists of the Dominican traditions of prayer and community — a time to relax in the presence of Jesus with friends. The tradition was begun by students to spend time with each other, centered on Christ.
The second of these evenings for the 2023-24 school year was held Nov. 9 for students and guests from the community.
The mini retreat began with the students turning in their phones to focus on each other and the Lord without distractions. After grace, all sat down to enjoy a hearty meal. The school cafeteria echoed with laughter as the school chaplain, Father Christopher F. Tipton, engaged in conversation and games with the students.
Helena Fry, a junior on the track team, appreciated the social aspect, and said, “I enjoyed the relatability of the people there because everyone was looking to deepen their relationship with Christ, and through that we deepened our personal relationships in an amazingly uplifting community.” The first hour or so was spent simply relaxing in the glittering atmosphere of the night, and the students made their way behind the school for a much-awaited bonfire.
There was singing, Scripture and serenity in the presence of God as all gathered around the fire. Michael Awungkeng, a bioethics teacher, read to the students from the Gospel of John. Afterward, he spoke about the Gospel message and led students into a prayerful reflection on the Lord’s words before everyone headed back inside for adoration and night prayer.
Back inside, the students settled themselves into the beautiful dimly lit chapel in the center of the building, and symbolically at the center of the school’s spirit. There was soft singing initiated by Dominican Sister Ann Dominic Mahowald, allowing the students to fully immerse themselves in the quiet candlelit evening to bring themselves to Jesus.
Teachers and students both were comforted by the evening in the chapel. Katelyn Gorak, a basketball captain, recalled how she felt a few days later: “The environment was surreal — it felt so peaceful and safe. I remember getting in my car to drive home and blasting worship music because I just felt so grateful.”
Finally, the students were led by Father Tipton in night prayer, which ended the night with a seal of security.
After a stressful week, an Evening with Jesus was exactly what students needed to decompress before Veterans Day weekend, with most already expressing their anticipation for the next one to come.
