By John Petty, Catholic Editor
From March 20-22, Aquinas College Campus Ministry held the “One Flock, One Shepherd” spring retreat at Camp Maranatha in Muskegon.
The retreat weekend began with evening prayer at the Mary statue, followed by a meal in Wege Dining Hall. After the meal, retreatants split into carpooling groups, and traveled to Maranatha.
The retreat activities began with small group introductions, as well as some games. One game included participants guessing about personal questions relating to the friars. Further, there were two rounds of rock paper scissors. Afterwards, everyone gathered for a brief prayer before evening free time. That evening, retreatants enjoyed themselves, with some gathering at the beach and others playing basketball and pickleball.
Logan License, Samuel Elder and Odin the Otter – Photo by John Petty
Michael Shaw enjoying the evening at the beach – Photo by John Petty
The next morning, students gathered together for breakfast and morning prayer, followed by the first peer talk of the weekend given by freshman Joel Warren.
Warren began his talk on disordered forms of community, where there is loss of focus and unity. Warren began speaking about his experience as team captain of his high school water polo team. Warren shared that after a particularly successful season, their team had lost several senior players, as well as their coach. Warren found himself as the new captain of the team, and spent the year trying to maintain what was left. Warren noted the importance of understanding that community does not only involve the actions of one person.
Following small and large groups, Mass was held, followed by lunch. Afterward, junior Logan License spoke about his experience encountering Christ at Aquinas College, and how many of his friends were there for him during difficult times. License noted that authentic community involves being there for another, and recognizing that one may too need help from others in addition to what they give. Following small groups and large groups came the transition into free time.
During free time, many of the students went and jumped into the icy-temperatures of Lake Michigan. Men joined together in praying the Hail Mary to endure the cold conditions. After exiting the water, retreatants returned to the retreat building for other games and leisure activities. Some retreatants enjoyed a game of capture-the-flag in the Maranatha parking lot, with junior Bonfils Matenga successfully winning the game for his team.
“I learned that community is both what you put into as well as what you get out of it,” said junior Zoebelle Bean. “And playing capture the flag during free time was definitely a highlight as a new activity this year.”
Following evening prayer at the conclusion of free time, students enjoyed a pizza dinner. Following dinner, eucharistic adoration was held, as well as confessions for anyone who wanted the opportunity. Some students took the opportunity to enjoy nature, and took the time to view a sunset over Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan sunset – Photos by John Petty
Following adoration and benediction, the rest of the night was free. Some students enjoyed building a bonfire, joined together in card games, while others took advantage of the opportunity to play minigolf.
Warren poking the fire – Photo by John Petty
Students enjoying the fire – Photo by John Petty
Tomas Rampe analyzing the green – Photo by John Petty
The following morning began with morning prayer and breakfast, followed by the third peer talk given by senior Annalisa Maichele. Maichele spoke about how after she began attending Aquinas in the footsteps of her brother, she encountered other Christian students at prayer night. Maichele noted that after she had woken up late the morning of a retreat one morning, the coordinator texted her in order to ensure that she was okay. Maichele shared that this seemingly small act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Her talk focused primarily on the importance of being sent in order to bring others in the community.
Followed by group discussions and reflection time, students began to clean and prepare for departure. After the usual post-retreat photo, students gathered as much food as they could take back with them to Aquinas.
“At the retreat, I was reminded again that we need to actively follow Christ as our shepherd, not passively, but with an open heart and quiet mind,” sophomore Mitchell Chaprek said. “I get scared a lot about what God asks of me, but I know that his way is the best for me, so I need to follow.”
The Saint 