By John Petty, Aquinas Reporter
On Saturday morning, Sept. 27, 2025, Campus Ministry embarked on a morning hike at Seidman Park, located in Forest Hills, Michigan. Campus Chaplains Fr. Robert Keller, O.P., and Fr. Jordan DeGuire, O.P., along with Campus Ministry Director Michael Ingram, led the expedition.
Group Picture – Photo by Mike Ingram
After meeting at the Library and then carpooling in three separate vehicles, the groups met together in the parking lot at the beginning of the trail. Before hiking, Keller led the group in a morning prayer, beginning the new day in thanksgiving and praise to God. Afterward, Keller led the way on a dirt trail into the woods, beginning the hike. DeGuire wore the white Dominican Habit in spite of the elements, and walked out of the hike relatively unscathed. During the hike, the participants engaged in conversations about nature, as well as everyday life.
Calm pond – Photo by John Petty
Radiant flowers – Photo by John Petty
Fingerprints of God – Photo by John Petty
One of the hikers, Ryan Maddock remarked: “[The hike] is one of my favorite campus ministry events. It’s a great way to start the day: prayer and then seeing God’s creation in all its beauty. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, to pray and experience the beauty of the Earth. The fall colors are truly beautiful and it is so easy to experience God in everything we see”.
“I had a wonderful time on the hike last Saturday,” said Trista Cridler, Coordinator of Social Media for Campus Ministry. “It was really fun spending time with everyone… and appreciating nature together.” The hike was an experience where the participants grew in fellowship with each other and God.
This opportunity for prayer and fellowship highlights that simply interacting with the created universe, recognizing the fingerprints of God, is one such way of encountering the beauty of the divine creator.
The Saint 