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Esopus

 

Marist Brothers' Center at Esopus: A Place of Faith, Community, and Service

St. Joseph Regional High School cherishes its connection to the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus (MBCE) in Esopus, New York. This 120-acre sanctuary along the Hudson River provides our students with a peaceful retreat from daily life, offering opportunities to encounter God through nature, prayer, and fellowship.

Transformative Retreats at Esopus

Guided by the Marist Brothers, SJR faculty, and upperclassmen peer leaders, students participate in overnight retreats designed for spiritual and leadership growth. These retreats foster deep connections with God, peers, and the broader Marist community.

Featured Retreats:

  • Freshman Community Weekend: Helping new students build bonds and a sense of belonging.
  • Outdoor Adventure: A unique combination of physical activity and spiritual reflection.
  • Encounter Retreats: Transformational experiences of faith and personal discovery.
  • LaValla Service Weekend: A hands-on opportunity to serve others in the spirit of Marist values.
  • Marist Youth Leadership Gatherings: Bringing together students from Marist schools nationwide and internationally to celebrate diversity and shared faith.

These events create lasting memories and friendships, reinforcing the values of community and service that define the Marist charism.

Mid-Hudson Valley Summer Camps

During the summer, the MBCE transitions into the Mid-Hudson Valley Summer Camps, hosting eight one-week sleepaway camps for:

  • Individuals with special needs.
  • Children with cancer.
  • Children from inner-city communities.

Volunteer-Led Camps:

  • The camps are staffed primarily by volunteers from Marist schools across the country, including many Green Knights.
  • In 2023, over 60 current students and alumni from SJR volunteered more than 10,000 hours, embodying the spirit of service and compassion.

For many volunteers, Esopus becomes more than a service opportunity—it becomes a lifelong calling.

A Home Away from Home

Jack Laux ’24, a peer leader and summer camp volunteer, shared his heartfelt reflection:
“Esopus has become a second home for me over the past four years. It has allowed me to build great relationships with my fellow classmates, kids from all over the country, and most importantly, it strengthened my relationship with God to the best it has ever been.”

This sentiment echoes throughout the SJR community. Whether it is through the life-changing retreats or the unparalleled joy of serving others, Esopus remains a sacred space where God’s presence is felt deeply. It is a place where faith, friendship, and service converge to create a lasting impact on all who visit.

Experience Esopus

From the breathtaking views of the Hudson River to the transformative retreats and service opportunities, the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus is a cornerstone of the SJR experience—helping students grow as faithful, compassionate leaders.