AUGUSTINIAN VALUES INSTITUTE (AVI)
Truth
Love
Unity
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Letter From Head Of School
At Austin Prep, we believe that education is a partnership — one that brings together students, families, faculty, and the Augustinian tradition that has shaped our school for generations. Your children are not only learning in the classroom; they are growing in character, purpose, and spirit. This growth is strengthened when home and school walk together.
The Augustinian Parent Formation Program was created to support that partnership. Over the next three years, you will be invited into a journey shaped by the core Augustinian values of Unitas (Community), Veritas (Truth), and Caritas (Love). These values are not abstract ideas. They are lived realities — in our relationships, our choices, and the way we care for one another.
This booklet is designed to help you reflect, connect, and engage with the same values your children encounter each day at Austin Prep. Whether you are new to our community or have been part of it for years, I hope this program enriches your family life and deepens your sense of belonging.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to the mission of Austin Prep. We are grateful to walk this journey with you.
Sincerely,
James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27 Head of School
Austin Preparatory School
GUIDE FOR THE JOURNEY
Purpose of the AVI Parent Retreat
How to Use This Curriculum
Augustinian Pedagogy for Adult Formation
Session 1 — Why Study St. Augustine?
Session 2 — Who Are the Augustinians? What Makes Us an Augustinian School?
Session 3 — Breaking Down the Core Values: Veritas & Caritas
Session 4 — Being a Student: Unitas
Session 5 — Final Reflection & Discussion
Session 6 — Closing Remarks & Prayer
I. INTRODUCTION
Purpose of the AVI Parent Retreat
The Augustinian Values Institute (AVI) Parent Retreat is designed to welcome families into the heart of Augustinian spirituality. Rooted in the life and teachings of St. Augustine, the retreat invites parents to reflect on their own journey, deepen their understanding of the school’s mission, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.
This retreat is not a lecture or a class. It is an experience — a shared moment of reflection, prayer, and community. Parents are invited to explore:
• Augustine’s story and his restless search for God
• The identity and mission of the Augustinian Order
• The core values that shape Augustinian education: Veritas, Caritas, and Unitas
• Their own role as the primary educators of their children
• Practical ways to bring Augustinian spirituality into family life
The retreat aims to form not only students, but families — building a community that walks together “with one heart and one mind on the way to God.”
How to Use This Curriculum
This curriculum is designed to be used by:
• Augustinian school leaders
• Campus ministers
• Teachers
• Parent volunteers
• Anyone facilitating the AVI Parent Retreat
The booklet includes:
• A complete facilitator guide with scripts
• A participant booklet for parents
• A prayer and spirituality toolkit
• Appendices for background and reference
• A slide deck outline
• A branding and design guide
Schools may adapt examples, timing, or language to fit their community, but the core structure and values should remain consistent across all Augustinian institutions.
Augustinian Pedagogy for Adult Formation
Augustine believed that learning happens through:
Interiority – Truth begins within. Adults, like students, need time to reflect, listen, and discover.
Dialogue – Augustine taught through conversation, not lectures. The retreat encourages sharing, listening, and mutual learning.
Community – We grow in truth and love together. Parents are invited to see themselves as part of a larger Augustinian family.
Experience – Augustine’s theology is rooted in lived experience. The retreat connects spirituality to real family life.
Love – For Augustine, love is the foundation of all relationships — including the relationship between home and school.
This pedagogy shapes the entire retreat. It is not about information; it is about transformation.
II. FACILITATOR GUIDEBOOK
Session 1 — Why Study St. Augustine?
Time: 5:00–5:20 PM
Tone: Warm, invitational, reflective
Location: Chapel or sacred space
Learning Goals
By the end of this session, parents will:
• Understand why Augustine’s story still matters
• Connect Augustine’s restlessness to their own experience
• Begin the retreat in a reflective, prayerful posture
Facilitator Script
Welcome
“Good evening, and welcome to our Augustinian Values Institute Parent Retreat. We’re grateful you’re here — not just as parents, but as partners in the formation of your children.”
Pause.
“Tonight, we walk with St. Augustine — a seeker, a parent, a teacher, and a pilgrim. His story is not ancient history; it’s a mirror for our own lives.”
Opening Prayer
(Choose one from the Prayer Toolkit)
Augustine’s Restlessness
“Augustine is famous for saying:
‘Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.’
Restlessness is not a flaw. It’s a sign of longing — for meaning, for connection, for peace.”
Offer examples:
• Restlessness as a parent
• Restlessness in decision making
• Restlessness in wanting the best for our children
Augustine’s Conversion
“Augustine’s conversion wasn’t a lightning bolt. It was a journey — full of questions, detours, and grace.”
Share the Tolle Lege moment:
• A child’s voice
• “Take and read”
• Openness to transformation
Reflection #1
Invite silence.
Prompts:
• Where do I experience restlessness in my life?
• What am I seeking for myself? For my child?
Allow 2–3 minutes of quiet.
Closing Thought
“Augustine teaches us that God meets us in our searching. Tonight, we begin this journey together.”
Transition to Session 2.
Session 2 — Who Are the Augustinians? What Makes Us an Augustinian School?
Time: 5:20–5:40 PM
Tone: Informative, communal, mission focused
Location: Chapel or meeting space
Learning Goals
Parents will:
• Understand the identity and mission of the Augustinian Order
• Learn what distinguishes Augustinian education
• See how the school’s values flow from Augustine’s spirituality
Facilitator Script
Who Are the Augustinians?
The Order of St. Augustine is a worldwide religious community inspired by Augustine’s teachings, and is part of a larger Augustinian family that includes the Augustinians of the Assumption, the Augustinian Recollects, the cloistered Augustinian nuns, and many other religious communities that follow the Rule of Saint Augustine.
Augustinians live in community, serve in education, and walk with people in their search for God.”
The Rule of St. Augustine
Share the central line:
“Before all else, love God and your neighbor.” Explain:
• Community life
• Humility
• Shared purpose
• Service
What Makes a School Augustinian?
Three pillars:
1. Interiority
Truth begins within.
Students learn reflection, prayer, and self-knowledge.
2. Community
We grow together.
Relationships shape learning.
3. Restless Search for Truth
We encourage curiosity, questions, and wisdom.
Core Values Overview
Introduce:
• Veritas — Truth
• Caritas — Love
• Unitas — Unity
“These values shape everything we do — from academics to discipline to community life.”
Discussion Prompt
Invite parents to turn to someone near them.
“What is one thing you hope your child experiences in an Augustinian school?”
Allow 3–4 minutes.
Question: Transition
“Now that we’ve explored who we are, let’s look more closely at the values that shape our community.”
Session 3 — Breaking Down the Core Values: Veritas
&
Caritas
Time: 5:40–6:10 PM
Tone: Reflective, practical, relational
Location: Meeting space
Learning Goals
Parents will:
• Understand Veritas and Caritas as lived values
• Reflect on their role as primary educators
• Connect Augustine’s insights to family life
Part A — Veritas (Truth) Facilitator Script
Introduction
“Veritas is more than facts. It’s the lifelong journey of seeking wisdom.”
Quote Augustine: “Return within. Truth dwells in the inner person.”
Truth as the Teacher’s Stance
Explain:
• Teachers model humility
• Truth emerges through dialogue
• Students learn to reflect, not just memorize
Reflection #2
Prompts:
• What truths do I hope my child discovers?
• How do I model interiority at home?
Allow silence.
Part B — Caritas (Love)
Introduction
“Caritas is love in action — patient, generous, responsible.”
Quote Augustine:
“Love, and do what you will.”
Love as the Parent’s Stance
Explain:
• Love shapes discipline
• Love forms character
• Love teaches compassion
Reflection #3
Prompts:
• How do I express love in ways that help my child flourish?
• Where is love challenging right now?
Allow silence.
“Now that we’ve explored Truth and Love, we turn to the value that holds our community together: Unity.” Transition
Session 4 — Being a Student: Unitas
Time: 6:10–6:30 PM
Tone: Communal, uplifting, experiential
Location: Chapel or meeting space
Learning Goals
Parents will:
• Understand Unitas as harmony and belonging
• Reflect on how unity shapes student life
• Experience a moment of shared community
Facilitator Script
Introduction
“Unitas is not sameness. It’s harmony — many voices, one heart.”
Quote Augustine: “Let us love one another, for in this way we become one.”
Unity as the Student’s Stance
Explain:
• Students learn empathy
• Students build community
• Students practice forgiveness
Song Moment
Invite a simple reflective song (e.g., “Ubi Caritas”).
Reflection #4
Prompts:
• How do we cultivate unity in our home?
• How can we help our children build unity? Allow silence.
Transition
“We now gather our reflections and prepare to close our retreat.”
Session 5 — Final Reflection & Discussion
Time: 6:40–6:50 PM
Tone: Integrative, gentle, communal
Location: Chapel or meeting space
Learning Goals
Parents will:
• Synthesize the three core values
• Identify one personal takeaway
• Articulate a next step for their family
Facilitator Script
Final Reflection
Invite silence.
Prompts:
• Which value is calling to me most strongly?
• What is one small action I can take this week?
Small Group Sharing
Invite parents to share in pairs.
Question:
“What is one insight or intention you’re taking with you?”
Closing Thought
“Community is built one conversation at a time. Your presence strengthens our shared mission.”
Session 6 — Closing Remarks & Prayer
Time: 6:50–7:00 PM
Tone: Sacred, commissioning
Location: Chapel
Facilitator Script
Gathering
“Welcome back to this sacred space. We end where we began — in prayer and community.”
Closing Remarks
“Today we walked with Augustine — through restlessness, truth, love, and unity. May these values guide your family and our school.”
Tolle Lege Commissioning
“Take and read. Take and reflect. Take and love.
Take and build unity.”
Closing Prayer
(Choose from the Prayer Toolkit)
Dismissal
“Thank you for being part of this retreat. Go in peace — and go in unity.”
III. PARENT PARTICIPANT BOOKLET
A Companion for Reflection, Prayer, and Community
Welcome to the AVI Parent Retreat
Welcome.
Tonight, you join a long tradition of families who have walked the Augustinian path — a path shaped by reflection, community, and the restless search for God.
This booklet is your companion for the evening.
Use it to write, pray, reflect, and carry the experience home with you.
Who
Is St. Augustine?
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was a seeker, a teacher, a parent, and eventually a bishop. His life was marked by:
• Questions
• Longing
• Mistakes
• Discovery
• Transformation
He spent years searching for meaning, belonging, and truth. His most famous insight still speaks to us today:
“Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Augustine’s restlessness is our restlessness — the longing for peace, purpose, and connection.
What Makes a School Augustinian?
Augustinian schools are rooted in three pillars:
Interiority – Truth begins within — in reflection, prayer, and self-knowledge.
Community – We learn and grow together, supporting one another with humility and compassion.
Restless Search for Truth – We encourage curiosity, questions, and the courage to seek wisdom.
These pillars come to life through the core values of:
• Veritas — Truth
• Caritas — Love
• Unitas — Unity
Core Values Overview
VERITAS — Truth
Truth is not just information. It is the lifelong journey of learning, listening, and reflecting. Augustine reminds us: “Return within. Truth dwells in the inner person.”
CARITAS — Love
Love is the foundation of all relationships — patient, generous, and rooted in responsibility. Augustine teaches: “Love, and do what you will.”
UNITAS — Unity
Unity is harmony, not sameness. It is the commitment to build community through empathy and shared purpose. Augustine writes: “Let us love one another, for in this way we become one.”
Reflection #1 — Restlessness
(After Session 1)
Where do I experience restlessness in my life as a parent?
What am I seeking for myself? For my child?
Where might God be inviting me to deeper simplicity?
Notes & Reflections:
Reflection #2 — Truth (Veritas)
(After Session 3A)
What truths do I hope my child discovers?
How do I model interiority — reflection, honesty, humility — at home?
Where might God be inviting me to deeper truthfulness?
Notes & Reflections:
Reflection #3 — Love (Caritas)
(After Session 3B)
How do I express love in ways that help my child flourish?
Where is love challenging in my parenting right now?
What kind of parent is God inviting me to become?
Notes & Reflections:
Reflection #4 — Unity (Unitas)
(After Session 4)
How do we cultivate unity in our home?
How can we help our children build unity in their school community?
What relationships in my life need healing or patience?
Notes & Reflections:
Contemplative Prayer Guide
Augustine believed that God speaks in the quiet of the heart. Use this simple practice during the retreat — and at home.
1. Become Still
Sit comfortably. Breathe slowly. Let the noise settle.
2. Turn Within
Gently bring your attention to your heart. Ask God to be with you.
3. Listen
Hold a word, a question, or a feeling. Let God speak in the silence.
4. Rest
End with gratitude. Carry the peace with you.
My Augustinian Action
What is one small, concrete action I want to take after today? It might be:
• A new family ritual
• A moment of daily reflection
• A commitment to patience
• A step toward healing
• A practice of gratitude
• A way of supporting my child’s growth
My Action:
A Blessing for Families
May your home be a place of truth, where questions are welcomed and wisdom grows. May your relationships be rooted in love, patient and generous in all things. May unity guide your family, bringing harmony, peace, and belonging. And may the restless heart of St. Augustine lead you always toward God.
Tolle Lege — Take and Read
As Augustine heard during his conversion: “Tolle Lege.”
Take and read.
Take and reflect.
Take and love.
Take and build unity. Carry these values with you — in your home, in your relationships, and in your heart.
IV. PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY
TOOLKIT
A Resource for Facilitators of the AVI Parent Retreat
The Spirit of Augustinian Prayer
Augustinian prayer is:
Interior – It begins within — in the quiet of the heart, where God speaks.
Communal – We pray as a people, not as isolated individuals.
Honest – Augustine prayed with vulnerability, bringing his real self before God.
Simple – No elaborate formulas — just openness and presence.
Restless – Prayer is part of the soul’s search for God, a longing for truth and peace.
This toolkit helps facilitators create that same spirit for parents.
Opening Prayers
Choose one of the following to begin the retreat or any session.
Restless Heart Prayer
“God of our restless hearts, You created us for Yourself, and our hearts will not rest until they rest in You. As we gather today, quiet our minds, open our hearts, and guide us in the way of Truth, Love, and Unity. Be with us in our searching and bless this time together. Amen.”
Prayer for Community
“Loving God, You call us to walk together with one heart and one mind. Bless our families, our school, and this community. Help us listen deeply, speak honestly, and grow in compassion for one another. May this retreat strengthen the bonds that unite us. Amen.”
Prayer of Openness (Tolle Lege)
“God of wisdom, You spoke to Augustine through the simple words, ‘Take and read.’ Speak to us today. Open our minds to learning, our hearts to love, and our spirits to unity. Help us receive whatever grace You offer in this moment. Amen.”
Closing Prayers
Choose one to end the retreat or a session.
Prayer of Sending
“God of Truth, Love, and Unity, thank You for the gift of this day. Send us forth with renewed purpose, with deeper compassion, and with hearts open to Your presence. May we carry these values into our homes and our community. Amen.”
Family Blessing
“May God bless our families with peace, our homes with love, and our relationships with patience. May we walk together in unity and grow together in wisdom. Amen.”
Tolle Lege Commissioning
“God who calls us, send us forth with the spirit of Tolle Lege — to take and read, to take and reflect, to take and love, to take and build unity. May Augustine’s restless heart guide us always toward You. Amen.”
Contemplative Prayer Instructions
Use these steps during reflection periods.
Step 1 — Become Still
Invite participants to sit comfortably.
Encourage slow, steady breathing. Let the noise settle.
Step 2 — Turn Within
Augustine teaches that God speaks in the interior place. Invite participants to gently bring attention to the heart.
Step 3 — Hold a Word or Question
Examples:
• “Truth”
• “Love”
• “Unity”
• “Restlessness”
• “What are You inviting me to today?”
Step 4 — Listen
Allow silence.
Encourage parents not to force anything — simply be present.
Step 5
— Rest
Close with gratitude. Invite participants to carry the peace with them.
Augustine Quote Library
All quotes are public domain and safe for use in prayer, slides, or handouts.
Truth (Veritas)
• “Return within. Truth dwells in the inner person.”
• “The truth is neither mine nor yours; it belongs to all of us.”
• “Where I found truth, there I found my God.”
Love (Caritas)
• “Love, and do what you will.”
• “What does love look like? It has hands to help others, feet to hasten to the poor, eyes to see misery and want.”
• “Love is the beauty of the soul.”
Unity (Unitas)
• “Let us love one another, for in this way we become one.”
• “In essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity.”
• “We are travelers on the same journey.”
Community
• “No one is a stranger in the household of God.”
• “We are companions on the way.”
• “Take care of each other’s needs with mutual love.”
Restlessness
• “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
• “You were within me, but I was outside.”
• “Late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new.”
Parenting & Care
• “Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
• “Hope has two beautiful daughters: anger and courage.”
• “To love someone is to desire that person’s good.”
Optional Prayer Practices
These can be used during the retreat or offered as take home practices.
Lectio Divina (SimpleVersion)
1. Read a short Augustine quote
2. Sit in silence
3. Ask: “What word or phrase stands out?”
4. Share (optional)
5. Close with gratitude
Breath Prayer
Inhale: “God of peace…”
Exhale: “…rest in my heart.”
Community Intercessions
• A hope
• A gratitude
• A person in need
• A value they want to grow in
Invite parents to name: Keep the tone gentle and inclusive.
Music Suggestions
Music should support silence, reflection, and community.
Taizé
• “Ubi Caritas”
• “Bless the Lord”
• “Nada Te Turbe”
• Soft piano
• Guitar meditations
• Ambient reflective tracks Instrumental
Hymns
• “The Servant Song”
• “We Are One Body”
• “Where Charity and Love Prevail”
Reference Materials for Facilitators and Schools
Short Biography of St. Augustine
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) is one of the most influential thinkers in Christian history. Born in North Africa, he grew up with a devout mother, St. Monica, and a father who valued education and ambition. Augustine was brilliant, curious, and deeply human — drawn to philosophy, friendships, and the search for meaning.
For years, Augustine pursued success, pleasure, and intellectual prestige. Yet he remained restless. His spiritual journey took him through different philosophies and communities until, in his early thirties, he experienced a profound conversion.
The turning point came when he heard a child’s voice say, “Tolle Lege — take and read.” Opening Scripture, he felt his heart transformed. He was baptized, returned home to North Africa, and eventually became a priest and bishop of the port city of Hippo Regius on the Mediterranean coast.
Augustine spent the rest of his life teaching, writing, and guiding communities. His works — especially The Confessions — continue to shape theology, spirituality, and education.
At the heart of Augustine’s life is a simple truth:
We are made for God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
Glossary of Augustinian Terms
Augustinian
Relating to the spirituality, teachings, and values of St. Augustine and the religious communities that follow his Rule.
Restlessness
A spiritual longing for meaning, truth, and connection. For Augustine, restlessness is a sign of the soul’s desire for God.
Interiority
The practice of looking within — reflecting, praying, and listening to the voice of God in the heart.
Community
A central theme in Augustine’s life. We grow in truth and love through relationships, not in isolation.
Veritas (Truth)
The search for wisdom through reflection, humility, and learning.
Caritas (Love)
Love expressed in action — compassion, generosity, and responsibility.
Unitas (Unity)
Harmony rooted in shared purpose and mutual care.
Tolle Lege
Latin for “Take and read.” The phrase Augustine heard during his conversion, symbolizing openness to God’s call.
The Rule of St. Augustine
A short text guiding Augustinian religious life, emphasizing community, humility, and love.
Order of St. Augustine (OSA)
A worldwide religious order inspired by Augustine’s teachings, active in education, parish ministry, and social justice.
Core Values Summary
VERITAS — Truth
Truth begins with interior reflection.
It requires humility, openness, and the courage to seek wisdom.
In Augustinian schools, truth is discovered through dialogue, study, and self-knowledge.
CARITAS — Love
Love is the foundation of all relationships.
It is patient, generous, and responsible.
In Augustinian schools, love shapes discipline, community life, and service.
UNITAS — Unity
Unity is harmony, not uniformity.
It is built through empathy, forgiveness, and shared purpose.
In Augustinian schools, unity creates belonging and strengthens community.
Overview of the Order of St. Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine (OSA) traces its roots to early Christian communities inspired by Augustine’s teachings. In the 13th century, these groups were united into a formal religious order.
Mission of the Order
• To live in community
• To seek God together
• To serve the Church and the world
• To promote education, justice, and spiritual growth
Where Augustinians Serve
• Schools and universities
• Parishes
• Retreat centers
• Missions
• Social justice ministries
What Makes Augustinian Education Distinct
• A focus on interiority and reflection
• A commitment to community and belonging
• A belief that truth is discovered together
• A culture shaped by humility, dialogue, and love
Augustinian schools are not just academic institutions — they are communities of formation, rooted in a 1,600-year tradition of seeking God together.
Augustinian Educational Vision
Augustinian education is built on four pillars:
1. Interiority – Students learn to reflect, pray, and understand themselves.
2. Community – Learning happens in relationships — through dialogue, collaboration, and shared purpose.
3. Restless Search for Truth – Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and pursue wisdom.
4. Love as the Foundation – Caritas shapes the culture of the school — compassion, respect, and service.
This vision forms the heart of the AVI retreat and the identity of every Augustinian school.
VI. SLIDE DECK OUTLINE
AVisual Guide for Presenting the AVI Parent Retreat
This outline provides a slide-by-slide structure for a polished, mission aligned presentation. Schools may adapt images, colors, or layout, but the flow and content should remain consistent across all Augustinian institutions.
Slide 1 — Title Slide
AUGUSTINIAN VALUES INSTITUTE (AVI)
Parent Retreat
Truth • Love • Unity
[School Logo Placeholder]
[Optional: Image of Augustine, school chapel, or community]
Slide 2 — Welcome
• Welcome & introductions
• Purpose of the retreat
• A night of reflection, community, and Augustinian spirituality
Slide 3 — Opening Prayer
Title: Opening Prayer
Subtitle: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” — St. Augustine
(Use one of the Opening Prayers from the Prayer Toolkit)
Slide 4 — Retreat Overview
• Why Study St. Augustine?
• Who Are the Augustinians?
• Core Values: Veritas, Caritas, Unitas
• Reflection & Prayer
• Community Sharing
• Closing Commissioning
Slide 5 — Why Study St. Augustine?
• A seeker, teacher, parent, and pilgrim
• A life marked by restlessness and transformation
• His story mirrors our own search for meaning
Slide 6 — Augustine’s Restlessness
Large quote slide: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
Bullet points:
• Restlessness as desire
• Restlessness as spiritual longing
• Restlessness as a parent
Slide 7 — Augustine’s Conversion
• Conversion as a journey, not a moment
• The Tolle Lege experience
• Openness to transformation
Title: Reflection: Restlessness
Prompts: Slide 8 — Reflection #1
• Where do I experience restlessness?
What am I seeking for myself and my child?
• [Silence cue]
Slide 9 — Who Are the Augustinians?
• A worldwide religious order
• Rooted in community and shared life
• Inspired by Augustine’s teachings
Slide 10 — The Rule of St. Augustine
Large quote slide: “Before all else, love God and your neighbor.”
Bullet points:
• Community
• Humility
• Shared purpose
Slide 11 — What Makes a School Augustinian?
Three pillars:
• Interiority
• Community
• Restless Search for Truth
Slide 12 — The Augustinian Seal
Title: The Seal & Motto
Subtitle: Tolle Lege — Take and Read
• Symbol of openness
• Invitation to transformation
Slide 13 — Core Values Overview
• Veritas — Truth
• Caritas — Love
• Unitas — Unity
Slide 14 — Veritas (Truth)
Large quote slide: “Return within. Truth dwells in the inner person.”
Bullet points:
• Truth as humility
• Truth as reflection
• Truth as learning
Slide 15 — Reflection #2
Title: Reflection: Truth Prompts:
• What truths do I hope my child discovers?
• How do I model interiority at home?
Slide 16 — Caritas (Love)
Large quote slide: “Love, and do what you will.” Bullet points:
• Love as responsibility
• Love as compassion
• Love as the heart of parenting
Slide 17 — Reflection #3
Title: Reflection: Love
Prompts:
• How do I express love in ways that help my child flourish?
• Where is love challenging right now?
Slide 18 — Dinner & Social Time
Title: Community Meal
Subtitle: A moment to build relationships
[Optional: Photos of school community]
Slide 19 — Unitas (Unity)
Large quote slide: “Let us love one another, for in this way we become one.”
Bullet points:
• Unity as harmony
• Unity as belonging
• Unity as the student’s stance
Slide 20 — Song Moment
Title: Song: Ubi Caritas
Subtitle: Where charity and love are, God is there
[Optional: Lyrics excerpt or instrumental cue]
Slide 21 — Reflection #4
Title: Reflection: Unity
Prompts:
• How do we cultivate unity in our home?
• How can we help our children build unity?
Slide 22 — Final Reflection
Title: Final Reflection
Prompts:
• Which value is calling to me most strongly?
• What is one action I want to take after today?
Slide 23 — Tolle Lege Commissioning
Large text slide: “Take and read. Take and reflect. Take and love. Take and build unity.”
Slide 24 — Closing Prayer
Title: Closing Prayer
(Choose from the Prayer Toolkit)
Subtitle: A blessing for families and community
Slide 25 — Thank You
• Thank you for being part of the AVI retreat
• We walk together with one heart and one mind
• Contact information / next steps
Rooted in the Catholic Augustinian tradition, the Austin Prep Parent Retreat invites families into a shared journey of reflection, prayer, and community. Through sacred space and conversation, parents deepen their faith, strengthen relationships, and more fully live the values of Truth, Unity, and Love at home and within the school community.
“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” — St. Augustine
