Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala welcomed approximately 200 freshmen to their annual Freshman Retreat on August 29, 2024. The event included intercessory prayer and a detailed exploration of the celebration of Mass, offering students new spiritual experiences.

Peer ministers from the Servant Leadership class organized the retreat, aiming to foster unity and encourage freshmen to deepen their faith. Activities included small group sessions where students reconnected with old friends and formed new relationships. Older peers shared personal testimonies of faith, urging younger students to strengthen their connection with God.

One notable activity was the “Spider Web Station,” led by peer minister Sadie G. Students used yarn to create an intricate web, symbolizing their relationship with God. Sadie explained, “A web is a foundation for a spider. God is our firm foundation... but when one lets go, the relationship changes.” She emphasized that “everyone matters.”

Sadie noted that this retreat felt different from previous ones she had helped plan at both Trinity Catholic and her parish, St. Paul in Leesburg. “The students truly wanted to be there... I could see some of the kids grow just that day,” she said.

The intercessory prayer segment was particularly impactful. After praying over four students, Sadie observed that they were very emotional and felt cared for. Senior peer minister Kayden M. echoed this sentiment: “It felt more like a community... more like a family.”

Freshman Andy S. described the prayer session as “the most impactful and touching part of the retreat.” He appreciated the positive environment and discovered ways he could contribute at Trinity.

Another freshman, Aina C., felt closer to God during Mass after Father Mark Wajda explained its parts. Students also participated in an exercise where they wrote down past wounds and pinned them to a cross, symbolizing giving their burdens to Jesus.

Theology teacher Alex Feliciano noticed significant changes in student attitudes throughout the day. By the end of the retreat, he observed that students had encountered Jesus Christ through their older peers.

Christopher Rivera, the Diocese of Orlando’s new youth and young adult ministry director, praised the peer ministers for providing opportunities for self-discovery and faith development. He remarked on how well parishes and schools can collaborate for the benefit of young people.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff