HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — More than a retreat, Ultreia 2026: Lasallian Student Leaders Retreat brought together student leaders and adult moderators from across the District of Eastern North America (DENA) for five days of prayer, formation, reflection, and community at the Retreat & Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York.
Inspired by the pilgrim’s greeting Ultreia—meaning “go further”—the retreat invited participants to continue moving forward together in faith, leadership, and community. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to discover who God is calling them to become and how they can bring that calling back to their schools through service, accompaniment, and hope.
The retreat opened with a keynote address from Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, Superior General of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. Drawing from his own experience walking the Camino de Santiago, Br. Armin reflected on pilgrimage as a powerful image for the Christian life and Lasallian leadership. He reminded participants that leadership is not a destination to achieve, but a direction to pursue—one step at a time and never alone. Through stories from his own journey and the global Lasallian mission, he challenged students to recognize that they already possess the ability to make a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.
Building on that foundation, Julia Mayer, Director of Mission for the District of Central Europe and President of the Institute’s Commission on Youth, invited students to see themselves as active participants in the global Lasallian mission. Through reflection and dialogue, participants explored the Lasallian Core Principles and considered how leadership begins not with a title, but with responding to the needs they encounter each day. Her session challenged students to lead with courage, compassion, and a willingness to say “yes” to God’s invitation to serve.
Throughout the retreat, participants also had the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of the Lasallian family through School Spotlights, where each delegation introduced its school community, faculty moderators, traditions, and unique spirit. Through fun facts, school pride, and the singing of alma maters, students discovered both the distinct identity of each ministry and the shared Lasallian mission that unites them across the District.
Students and adult moderators represented:
- Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School (Brooklyn, New York)
- Calvert Hall College High School (Towson, Maryland)
- Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
- Christian Brothers Academy (Albany, New York)
- Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse, New York)
- De La Salle College “Oaklands” (Toronto, Ontario)
- La Salle Academy (New York, New York)
- La Salle Academy (Providence, Rhode Island)
- La Salle College High School (Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania)
- La Salle Institute (Troy, New York)
- Saint John’s College High School (Washington, D.C.)
Participants also reflected on vocation during a panel discussion featuring Haylie Doan, Barbara Foley, Mike Foley, Jack McCormick, and Br. Paul Avvento, FSC. Sharing stories from different vocations and life experiences, the panel encouraged students to see vocation not simply as a future career choice but as a lifelong response to God’s call, lived through service, relationships, and everyday faithfulness.
Moments of quiet prayer and reflection were woven throughout the retreat. Guided by Br. Richard Galvin, FSC, participants experienced Visio Divina, an invitation to slow down, contemplate creation, and recognize God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life. The experience complemented the retreat’s emphasis on discernment, encouraging students to become more attentive to both God and one another.
Later in the week, Abby Michels, Director of Mission and Ministry at Saint John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., challenged participants to embrace servant leadership with perseverance and creativity. Through stories from her own ministry, she reminded students that leadership is not defined by holding a particular title or position, but by continuing to serve faithfully, especially when faced with disappointment or obstacles. Her session culminated in collaborative planning as each school delegation began developing initiatives they hope to bring back to their own communities in the coming year.
One of the retreat’s final formation sessions was led by Br. Robert Schaefer, FSC, Visitor of the District of Eastern North America, together with Damian Khoury, Program Director of Ultreia. Reflecting on authentic leadership, Br. Bob invited participants to consider the difference between the roles leaders fulfill and the expectations that can sometimes obscure their true identity. Building on that message, Damian guided students through a personal reflection on authenticity, encouraging them to embrace who God is calling them to become rather than the identities others may place upon them. Together, their presentations reminded participants that lasting leadership begins with self-awareness, integrity, and a willingness to serve from one’s authentic self.
Beyond the keynote sessions, the retreat was filled with opportunities for prayer, recreation, small-group discussions, school planning, music, fellowship, and community-building. These shared experiences strengthened friendships across schools while helping participants recognize that they belong to one Lasallian family committed to living the mission together.
The retreat concluded with a mass led by Fr. John Crozier and a commissioning celebration, sending participants back to their schools renewed in faith and equipped to lead with compassion, courage, and hope. As they return to their respective ministries, they carry with them not only new friendships but also a renewed commitment to continue moving forward—Ultreia—together in faith, leadership, and community.
The District also extends its sincere gratitude to the student volunteers from La Salle University in Pennsylvania—Haylie Doan, Marv Moise, and Drew Tocatlian – whose generosity, leadership, and behind-the-scenes service helped create a welcoming and meaningful experience for all who attended.
Continue the Journey
Explore photos, videos, and highlights from Ultreia 2026 and learn more about the Lasallian Student Leaders Retreat through the resources below.
Watch videos and highlights from Ultreia 2026 below:
