A group of Marist faculty and staff members completed a high ropes course at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, Ill. Marist teachers walk the labyrinth at the Portiuncula Center for Prayer in Frankfort, Ill. Full Screen Close Caption X Show Caption V
Marist High School held a retreat for faculty on staff on Nov. 5 to give them time for personal faith development. The keynote speakers, Joe and Carla Hallak, emigrated to the U.S. from Syria. A dentist and teacher, respectively, they packed up their lives and two children to escape the war. Upon arriving in New Jersey, they sought out the Marist Brothers, who had always been a part of their lives in Syria. At the retreat they shared their life story, from being part of the Marist Scouts program to their education to them meeting and marrying. They also gave the history of the Marist Brothers work in Aleppo from starting schools decades ago to serving all in need during the most challenging times of the war—which continues today. Carla beautifully explained in French that Marists are the “oreille de Dieu”--the ear of God—and are called to listen and respond to those in need. Following the touching presentation, faculty members participated in activities of their choice, including walking a prayer labyrinth, practicing yoga, serving at St. Coletta’s (an organization that serves children and adults with developmental disabilities), completing a high ropes course, meditating, and more. Celebrating 55 years of excellence, Marist High School is a Catholic, coed high school, making Jesus Christ known and loved in the Marist Brothers' tradition, while preparing students for higher education and life.