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Ministry's SEARCH Program Enlightens High School Students
 February,
2005—Campus
Ministry's SEARCH program gives students the opportunity to volunteer
their time in the Worcester community by giving retreats to high
school students, many of whom are preparing for the sacrament of
Confirmation. Recently, two teams of SEARCH volunteers helped facilitate
overnight Confirmation retreats for St. Rose of Lima parish in Northboro,
MA, and St. Luke's parish in Westboro, MA. The students who volunteered
had a tremendous experience, while making a real difference in the
lives of the retreat participants from the two parishes. Here's
what some of the Assumption volunteers had to say:
"I thought the St. Luke's Retreat was one of the best experiences
I've ever had. It is definitely the best thing I've done since I've
been at AC. The kids were so responsive and really listened to everything.
I really felt that I made a difference to them." —Kathryn
Pietrosimone '08
"This past retreat was nothing less than amazing. Simply seeing
the impact we as college students have on high school kids never
ceases to amaze me, but this weekend it was so much more. Not only
did we help run this retreat, but we were also accepted as "one
of them" by the students; they welcomed us into their
lives. In particular, I cannot begin to explain how moved I am at
the stories shared by my small group. From stories of hope to despair,
the kids of the St. Luke's parish have such a great grasp on their
faith, and they still know how to have fun with it! For example,
for anyone that has seen the newest trend movie Napoleon Dynamite,
my small group name was the God-Tots, and we introduced
ourselves with Bette Midler's song "The Rose."
The Napoleon theme never ceased throughout the entire weekend! In
conclusion, this past weekend I was so moved by the students, and
seeing the Holy Spirit within them, that I have been re-inspired
to continue working with high school students. They offer so much."—Steve
Pagios '06
"I like these retreats because you are able to watch these
high school kids develop right before you. The change is amazing
and leaves both the retreat team and the kids looking at their life
in a new and meaningful way. Some come who are just beginning the
foundation of their faith, and others come
just looking to strengthen it. It's good to just break up your daily
routine. Either way, the students leave as better people. They make
strong friendships with diverse people. They laugh and have more
fun than they expected each time. It's a great way to meet people,
God, and to help those making the same faith journey that you have."—Colin
Potter '06
For more information about the SEARCH program, please contact Stephanie
McCaffrey, director of Retreats, at 508-767-7476.
Campus Ministry's website can be viewed at: http://www.assumption.edu/dept/pastoral/pastoralactivity.html.
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