While some students were watching football games or trick-or-treating, thirty K-State students experienced a new understanding of God’s love during the Pathways Retreat October 30-November 1 in Salina.

The retreat is organized by students from St. Isidore’s Catholic Student Center in Manhattan. Pathways is directed and planned by students under the guidance of Father Keith Weber, chaplain of St. Isidore’s.

This year’s retreat director, Torie Reilly, a senior in agricultural education from Cherryvale, Kan., said Pathways is unlike any other retreat she has ever attended.

“The staff members willingly pour 10 months of their time into preparation and prayer. Around every corner there are more people using their talents to glorify God,” Reilly said.

Pathways was created to help college students grow in their relationship with God and share His love with others. A team of students share reflections on trust, breaking down walls and masks, suffering, relationships, and faith and service. The weekend offers time for small group discussions, personal reflection, communal prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Mass.

Zak Kinsey, a sophomore in geography from Shawnee, Kan., said Pathways provided the perfect opportunity to escape his hectic college life to focus on faith.

“Pathways helped me in ways that are indescribable. It gave me a better understanding of God and His love for me. It taught me to really see myself and others the way God sees us and to love the way He does,” Kinsey said.

While the weekend is focused on God’s love, there were plenty of opportunities to laugh and meet new friends. Laura Rose, a freshman in social work from Wichita, Kan., said she enjoyed the laid back and comfortable environment of Pathways.

“We all had the opportunity to build friendships with their foundation on Christ. We had a chance to grow together, cry together, witness love together, and pray together,” Rose said. “It was amazing.”

Reilly went on Pathways two years ago and served on the staff last year. She said Pathways came into her life at the perfect time, and she hopes every student will consider attending in the future.

“To give up a weekend to go on Pathways is to spend a weekend focused on what really matters in life: glorifying God. To attend Pathways is to find a family that will continue to support you as you chase the cross,” Reilly said.

For many students, Pathways is a life-changing experience. Caitlyn Romero, a junior in animal science and pre-veterinary medicine from Tucumcari, New Mexico, said it was amazing to be around other students who are passionate about the Catholic faith.

“Pathways really led to a few revelations for me. I learned how important forgiveness of others and yourself really is. I learned how wonderful we all are – just as God made us. I feel now that I can truly accept God’s will and can work towards following His plans rather than my own,” Romero said.