By Faith Addington, Catholic Editor
On the morning of Oct. 25, 36 Aquinas students began a Campus Ministry retreat with an outdoor mass at the Mary statue on campus. Shortly after that, the students piled into several student cars and made their way to Camp Rogers.
This year’s fall retreat, titled “The Way, The Truth and The Life,” was centered around Jesus Christ through three topics: who is Jesus Christ, how does one encounter Christ, and how does one become disciples of Christ? Each of these three topics were discussed by three students who were elected to give a fifteen minute speech on their experience with their assigned topic. In the first talk, the speaker spoke on the importance of recognizing Jesus in daily life, whether He was that day, He was a Counselor, or Savior, or Friend. Johnny Vanderbaan followed up with the second topic, elaborating on the importance of church— mass itself or the community that comes with it— and how one should always be placing themselves in places where Jesus is most present. The final topic was augmented by Sawyer Shank in which he encouraged students to embrace their struggles, as one can use those to grow in graces that will lead towards sanctification. In the words of Therese of Lisieux, “suffering is the very best gift that God can give to us. He gives it only to His chosen friends.”
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, students partook in a series of community-building activities— such as a hamster-wheel relay and a blind-folded race— as well as community-spiritual building through discussions and lastly spiritual activities. Saturday night finished up with 40 minutes of praise and worship, organized by the Campus Ministry music coordinator, Annalisa Maichele, followed by silent adoration of the blessed sacrament and confessions given by Fr. Bob and Fr. Jordan. The retreat ended with Mass on Sunday night with an after-mass social of a game night at the moose.
“I enjoyed getting to experience a weekend away from the hectic college week and to grow in faith and community,” commented Emily Klein, a junior and member of the retreat planning team. Another student, Anna-Marie, said, “Thanks to everyone that helped with the retreat this fall. They’re always so great! Mike and the friars made some amazing food and they always do such a good job with making it a fun and welcoming environment.”
For those interested in attending the next Campus Ministry retreat, there will be another in the Spring. Please email Mike Ingram at ingramm@aquinas.edu to receive updates as the planning begins for the next retreat.
AQ students have fun at Camp Rodgers on campus ministry retreat – Photos by Emily Bissett
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