Spirituality

Following the mission of the Daughters of Divine Charity, Hilltoppers strive to "Make God's Love Visible" in everyday life. Masses are planned by students working with our Campus Ministry Office. All students attend annual off-campus retreats for their grade level, giving them time for spiritual growth amidst their busy school schedules.

Though St. Joseph Hill Academy is a Catholic school, all religious backgrounds are welcome here. Hill's focus on spirituality, no matter what religious background the student comes from, helps students feel comfort, community and purpose.

Unique to high schools on Staten Island, Hill is the only high school to provide the life-altering opportunity to attend Kairos Retreat Program. Kairos Retreats are two four-day, three-night, off-campus retreats for juniors and seniors. Known as "God's time," they are an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and grow in relationship with self, others, and God. Students serve as leaders and adult leaders are composed of current faculty/staff and alumni. An alumnae also serves as a rector for each retreat - the person who runs the retreat itself. Kairos retreats are grounded in the Catholic faith but students of all faiths have attended and have found them meaningful. Many students refer to their Kairos Retreat experiences as "the best experience of their lives."

Through student clubs like the Junior Associates, many students choose to engage in social activities and spiritual events with the retired Sisters who reside at the St. Joseph Hill Convent. The bond formed between the students and the Sisters is invaluable, and gives students an understanding of the order who founded their school.

Student Ministry is a group of students who participate in Bible Study two times per month, plan prayer services and Masses, and participate in community service opportunities. It is a fun way for students to get to know each other and God. This club is a place to be at peace with God and oneself. It is a wonderful way for student's to expand their faith.

Moderators: Sister Liceria, Sister Denise, and Ms. Mistretta

History of the Kairos Program at St. Joseph Hill Academy High School

Ed Bradley, Saint Joseph Hill’s Religion and Morality teacher, had been passionate about spreading and enriching the Catholic faith through retreats since attending one when he was a junior at Nazareth High School. In December of 2009, Bradley recruited 12 Hilltoppers to attend a Kairos retreat being run at Scranton Prep with the plan of bringing the program back to Saint Joseph Hill. By March 2010, Bradley with the help of several Saint Joseph Hill faculty members including Sister Denise Martin and nine students was able to bring his vision to light. Under his leadership, guidance, and mentorship, enthusiasm for the Kairos retreat program was palpable throughout the hallways of Saint Joseph Hill. This legacy continued as Sister Denise took over retreat director responsibilities and the Kairos program continued to thrive. The impact the program has had on Hill students and alumnae is immeasurable. It is without a doubt that this program would not have become the profound experience it is today without Ed Bradley and Sister Denise.

Under the direction of Sister Denise, the Kairos program continued to grow throughout the years, becoming something long awaited by many juniors and seniors. With the help and support of faculty and staff, Kairos continued to be a pillar of faith for Saint Joseph Hill Academy. As more and more retreats occurred, former retreatants stayed connected with group members and mentors, and many student teams were forever bonded together. With Sister Denise at the helm, many students became able to see faith as not merely something discussed in a religion class or in the Masses attended at a school, but a way of life to set them up for the joys and obstacles of life - God became a friend, rather than a far-away master.

In the fall of 2019, Sister Denise began to transition out of the role of Retreat Director and began training an alumnae to eventually take her place. Ms. Christina Mistretta ('15) was overjoyed at the opportunity to once again work alongside someone who was an important part of her high school journey. Over three years, the duo witnessed Kairos at high points and low points, including when retreat centers could not be used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. With their creativity and the undying support of faculty, staff, and alumni, the program continued and came back stronger than ever before.

In the fall of 2022, Sister Denise officially handed over the reins of directorship to Mistretta. Mistretta commented to her, "thank you for choosing me, I hope to make you proud," to which Sister Denise responded, "it was the Holy Spirit that chose you." Sister Denise is still actively involved in the Kairos program in helping to train Student Leaders for their missions.