The term “Kairos,” translating to “God’s time” from Greek, was adopted to characterize a Christian retreat aimed at strengthening one’s faith and spiritual connection with God.
This initiative initially targeted teenagers in 1965, taking inspiration from the adult Catholic retreat known as “Cursillo.”
Kairos retreats serve as an opportunity for participants to temporarily break free from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a space for meditation and reflection.
Research conducted at the University of Portland has revealed the enduring positive impact of Kairos retreats on individuals. Participants have reported enhanced interpersonal relationships, increased empathy, and greater resilience in the aftermath of their retreat experiences.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, sibling, or a dear friend of someone participating in a Kairos retreat, we’ve compiled a collection of sample letters for you to consider writing to them. These letters can help convey your support and encouragement during their retreat journey.
Below the list is tips on how to write your own Kairos Retreat Letters.
Table of Contents
Dear [Child’s Name],
We are so excited for you to be going on your Kairos retreat! We know this weekend is going to be a very meaningful time for you to reflect, pray, and grow in your faith.
While we will miss you here at home, we are overjoyed that you get to have this opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and find new meaning in your life. We hope that through the talks, activities, and time spent in prayer and reflection, you’ll be open to hearing how God is calling you right now.
Know that your dad and I will be praying for you all weekend long, that your heart and mind will be open to receiving whatever graces God wants to bestow on you. We pray this retreat helps you feel God’s love in a new way, and that you’ll come home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for living your faith.
You are so strong, thoughtful and caring – we are so proud of you and the person you are becoming. This retreat is another step in your amazing journey of faith.
We love you so much! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have an incredible weekend!
Dear [Child’s Name],
It’s hard to believe your Kairos retreat has already come to an end! We hope these past few days have been enriching and transformative for you spiritually. We have been keeping you in our prayers throughout your time away.
We pray that through the talks, activities, and reflection, you were able to grow closer to God, open your heart to His voice, and feel His overwhelming love for you. Our hope is that you were given time for self-reflection, and found meaning or renewal in your faith journey.
Seeing the joy and spirituality emanating from you, we can tell this retreat has impacted you in profound ways. Though the specifics of your experience are yours alone, we can see the transformation in you and are filled with pride.
As you transition back to your regular life, please hold onto the spiritual insights, inspiration and community you have built during your retreat. Remember that God is always with you, loving you, guiding you and shaping you into who He knows you can be.
Lean on your newfound faith and passion to continue positively impacting the world around you. We are so proud of you and love you immensely! Welcome home.
With love and prayers,
Dear [Granddaughter’s Name/Grandson’s Name],
I’m so excited to hear you’ll be going on a kairos retreat this weekend! Retreats like this can be such a special time to slow down, reflect, and connect more deeply with God and your faith.
Even though I can’t be there with you in person, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers throughout your time away. I pray that the Lord will speak to your heart in new and profound ways as you spend this time listening and opening yourself up to His voice.
May you be filled with the Holy Spirit and experience the immense love, grace and peace of God on your retreat. I pray that your faith will be renewed and strengthened, that old wounds may be healed, and that you’ll return home with a fiery passion for living out your calling as a beloved child of God.
Though we are separated by distance, be assured that I am with you in spirit. I have always been so proud of the caring, thoughtful and faithful person you are, and I know this retreat will only deepen those beautiful qualities in you.
You are so loved, Granddaughter’s Name/Grandson’s Name]! We’re all cheering you on and praying for you here at home. Have an amazing retreat!
Dear [Grandchild’s Name],
We hope you have had an amazing few days at your Kairos retreat and have found it to be a meaningful spiritual experience. Seeing you participate with such passion and devotion has filled our hearts with joy.
It’s clear this experience has touched your spirit and heart in powerful ways – your spirit seems renewed and your connection to God stronger than ever. We are so proud of the thoughtful, faithful young person you are becoming.
We pray these days of reflection, discernment and community have deepened your relationship with God and commitment to your faith. May the lessons you learned guide you as you transition back to everyday life.
Please hold onto the spiritual highs you are feeling now. Remember the love you felt from God and your fellow retreatants. Know that this is just one step in your lifelong faith journey.
You shine so brightly with God’s light inside you. Allow Him to continue transforming you and follow where He leads. Know that you have our endless love and prayers as you blossom into the devoted person He knows you can be.
Grandma and Grandpa
Dear [Niece/Nephew’s name],
I was so happy to hear you’ll be going on a Kairos retreat this weekend! What an amazing opportunity to grow closer to God and reflect on your faith journey.
Even though I can’t be there with you, I want you to know that I’m keeping you in my prayers throughout your time away. I pray that the Lord will speak to your heart and reveal His love for you in new ways as you spend this precious time listening to His voice.
My prayer is that this retreat fills you up spiritually and brings you closer to Christ. May your relationship with God be strengthened and renewed in amazing ways. I pray you’ll return home with a fiery passion for living out your faith and using your gifts to glorify God.
You have grown into such a thoughtful, caring and faithful young [man/woman]. I’m so proud of you and know this retreat will only deepen those beautiful qualities. You are loved beyond measure, [name], by your family and by God most of all. Never forget that!
I’m cheering you on and praying for you! Have an incredible retreat. You’ll be in my thoughts all weekend long.
Dear [Nephew/Niece’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well after your Kairos retreat. I want you to know how proud I am of your commitment to your faith and growth.
I’m eager to hear about your experiences and any insights you gained during the retreat. Your journey matters to me, and I’m here to listen and support you in any way you need.
As your aunt/uncle, I’m inspired by your spiritual journey and look forward to catching up soon. Your experiences hold valuable lessons for all of us.
Take care and know that you’re loved and admired.
Dear [Sibling’s Name],
As you prepare to embark on your Kairos retreat, I wanted to send you a message filled with love, support, and best wishes. I’m excited for you and the incredible journey that lies ahead.
I know that this retreat is a significant step in your spiritual and personal growth, and I want you to know how proud I am of your commitment to it. You are embarking on a path of self-discovery, reflection, and connection with your faith, and that’s truly inspiring.
During the retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with your fellow retreatants and deepen your connection with God. Embrace each moment, cherish the shared experiences, and open your heart to the transformative power of this journey.
Though we’ll be physically apart during this time, please know that I’m with you in spirit, sending you positive energy, love, and support. If you ever feel uncertain, remember that you have the strength within you to overcome any challenges that may arise.
I believe that this retreat will be a defining moment in your life, and I’m excited to hear about the insights, growth, and spiritual nourishment you’ll gain from it. When you return, I look forward to listening to your stories, sharing in your experiences, and celebrating your journey.
As your sibling, I want you to know that I’m here for you, always. If you need a listening ear, a source of encouragement, or simply someone to share your thoughts with, I’m just a call or message away.
In the days and weeks to come, may your heart be filled with peace, your mind with clarity, and your spirit with the grace of this beautiful experience. Take it all in, and know that I’ll be here, cheering you on every step of the way.
With all my love and support,
Dear [Sibling’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well after your Kairos retreat. I wanted to reach out and let you know how proud I am of you for taking this important step in your spiritual journey.
I can only imagine the powerful and transformative experiences you must have had during your time there. I’m excited to hear about your reflections, the connections you made, and the lessons you learned.
As your sibling, I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you ever want to share your experiences or simply need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your journey matters to me, and I’m genuinely interested in hearing about it.
I’m inspired by your commitment to growth and your faith, and I’m eager to see how this retreat continues to shape you in the future. Remember that I’m here for you, always.
Looking forward to catching up soon and hearing all about your incredible journey.
With love and admiration,
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I’m thrilled for your Kairos retreat journey! Your commitment to this experience is truly admirable.
Embrace every moment, connect with your fellow retreatants, and let the retreat inspire your faith and self-discovery.
I can’t wait to hear all about your unique insights and experiences when you return. Know that I’m cheering for you and here to listen whenever you’re ready to share.
Wishing you a transformative and blessed retreat!
[Your Friend’s Name]
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this message finds you in great spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express how excited I am to hear about your Kairos retreat experience.
While you were away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation, knowing that you were on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Your commitment to this retreat speaks volumes about your character and your desire for personal development.
I can only imagine the profound insights and transformative moments you must have encountered during your time at Kairos. I’m eager to sit down with you and listen to your stories, to learn about the connections you’ve made, and to understand how this experience has impacted your faith and your life.
Your journey is unique, and I respect the space you needed for reflection and growth. I’m here whenever you’re ready to share. Whether it’s over a cup of coffee or a quiet evening chat, I’m all ears.
Our friendship is a cherished bond, and I believe that your experiences at Kairos have the potential to deepen our connection even further. I look forward to celebrating your growth, your insights, and the incredible person you continue to become.
Take your time to adjust to being back, but when you’re ready, know that I’m here, ready and eager to reconnect.
With warm regards and genuine excitement,
A Kairos retreat is a deeply spiritual and personal journey, and one of its most cherished traditions is the exchange of heartfelt letters among participants. These letters serve as a means of reflection, encouragement, and emotional support. Whether you are writing a letter to someone attending a Kairos retreat or you are the one attending and writing a letter to your loved ones, it’s essential to make the most of this opportunity. Here are some valuable tips to guide you through the process of writing a meaningful Kairos retreat letter:
1. Begin with Warm Greetings:
Start your letter with a warm and personal greeting. Address the recipient by their name and express your love, support, and best wishes. This sets a positive and caring tone for the letter.
2. Be Sincere and Authentic:
Your Kairos letter should come from the heart. Be sincere in your words, and express genuine emotions. Share your feelings honestly, whether they are of love, pride, encouragement, or gratitude.
3. Reflect on Your Relationship:
Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with the recipient. Share specific memories, experiences, or moments that have had a significant impact on your connection. Acknowledge the role they have played in your life.
4. Offer Encouragement:
Kairos retreats can be emotionally intense and spiritually challenging. Offer words of encouragement and support. Let the recipient know that you believe in their strength and resilience, and that you are cheering them on in their journey.
5. Share Personal Insights:
If you have had a similar retreat experience or have insights related to faith, spirituality, or personal growth, feel free to share them. Your own experiences can offer valuable perspective and comfort.
6. Reflect on Faith and Spirituality:
Kairos retreats often have a strong spiritual component. If you share the same faith tradition, offer words of faith and prayer. Share your thoughts on the importance of faith and spirituality in your life and encourage the recipient to explore these aspects during their retreat.
7. Write About Your Hopes:
Express your hopes for the recipient’s experience during the Kairos retreat. Encourage them to be open to new insights, to deepen their faith, and to make meaningful connections with others.
8. Offer Gratitude:
Express your gratitude for the person’s presence in your life. Let them know that you appreciate their love, friendship, and support. Gratitude can be a powerful and uplifting message.
9. Keep It Positive and Uplifting:
While it’s okay to acknowledge challenges or difficulties, focus on the positive and uplifting aspects of your message. Encourage the recipient to stay hopeful and open-minded.
10. End with Love and Blessings:
Close your letter with warm wishes, love, and blessings. Let the recipient know that you are eagerly awaiting their return and that you will continue to support and love them.
11. Proofread and Edit:
Before sending your letter, take a moment to proofread and edit it for clarity, grammar, and spelling. A well-written letter is easier to understand and more impactful.
12. Handwritten vs. Typed:
Handwritten letters can feel more personal, but typed letters are also acceptable, especially if your handwriting is difficult to read. Choose the format that feels most authentic to you.
13. Keep It Confidential:
Remember that the Kairos retreat letter is a personal and often emotional message. Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the recipient and refrain from sharing the contents with others without their permission.
Conclusion:
A Kairos retreat letter is a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones on a deep, emotional, and spiritual level. By following these tips and infusing your letter with sincerity and love, you can create a message that will provide comfort and support to the recipient during their retreat and beyond.
