The Search Retreat is hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry in both the fall and spring semesters every academic year. It’s open to sophomores, juniors, seniors and grad students at the University of Scranton.

Search is run (almost) solely by the student leaders, with guidance from Cathy Seymour, the retreat’s minister.

Seymour, the Director of Retreats and Spiritual Programs, has run the Search Retreat for the past 34 years and it holds a special place in her heart. The retreat is a way to know yourself on a deeper, more meaningful level.

“Who am I? Who is God for me? How can I have a relationship with God? How can a community of faith help support the search for God in my life,” Seymour said.

Search is a combination of group and individual activities. Those who go are given opportunity to journal and reflect on talks given by team leaders, while also participating in small group discussions over the weekend.

For those who haven’t gone on any retreats before, Search is a great opportunity to meet students of all grades and step outside of school for a weekend.

“Search is a chance to get to know yourself. It’s a chance to get away from the business of campus life. It’s a chance to explore your faith, whatever your faith may be,” Seymour said.

Rebecca Russo, a junior from Somerset, New Jersey, had gone on other retreats before, but she knew Search was something she wanted to be a part of. She heard about how Search was a “life changer” and saw firsthand how her friends grew and flourished after attending the retreat.

“Search always finds you when you need it most,” is what Rebecca Russo said encouraged her to go on the University retreat in her fall semester of 2025.

Russo enjoyed the many different aspects of the retreat, but the most valuable lesson she learned was the idea of forgiveness. One of the central themes of the retreat is not limiting forgiveness towards other people, but also forgiving oneself. Russo said it’s a special theme that touches everyone in its own unique way.  

“Let Search bring you whatever you need Search to bring you,” Russo said.

The spring semester Search Retreat will run from April 24 through the 26. Registrations are still open for all students, except first-years. Contact the Office of Campus Ministry for any questions concerning the retreat or any other activities.

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