Breathtaking, life-changing, emotional and beautiful are just a few of the words eighth-graders all over the Diocese of Cleveland used to describe the 15th annual “Walking with the Spirit” retreat, which took place Oct. 18-19 at Camp Christopher.
The gathering brought together Trinity faculty, staff and alumni with eighth-graders from all over Northeast Ohio to reflect on their faith journey in a fun and spiritual way.
Students arrived at Camp Christopher late Friday afternoon to an enthusiastic ministry team ready to share God's love with each of them. After an opening skit shared the story of the Good Samaritan, the students reflected in their small groups before embarking on the "Lights in the Distance" Night Hike Prayer. Students had a unique experience as they journeyed the campground surrounded by candles and luminaries. The hike ended with a "Bond Fire," where students were moved by a very personal and emotional witness from a courageous Trinity junior. Students then tossed into the fire notes symbolizing what they thought was holding them back from God's love. The burning of the papers signified that this burden was being left behind to accept God’s love more fully.
Saturday morning, the 24-hour retreat continued under beautiful sunny skies. The day included prayers in nature, several witnesses from Trinity students and the popular "Prayer and Praise" where the entire gathering worships through music. Before "Walking with the Spirit" wrapped up, the students took part in the tradition of signing each other's shirts, which always brings smiles to students’ faces as they try and get as many signatures as they can.
Father Lou Miola, pastor of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Maple Heights, concluded the day with an outdoor Mass. He told the students, "When you leave here, may you build our kingdom with those who are moved by the Holy Spirit."
"This retreat was just as moving as it was the first time I came on ‘Walking with the Spirit’ eight years ago. I still get that same wonderful feeling seeing these young kids now being moved by God's love,” said Sara Foley, a 2015 Trinity graduate.
Bill Svoboda, Trinity assistant principal and director of religious formation, summed up the weekend by saying, "‘Walking with the Spirit’ eighth grade retreat is the antithesis to what our youth experience from all the types of media in their worldly journey today: How to Love yourself, love your neighbor and most importantly, how to love God in a loving and caring atmosphere. Camp Christopher and her beauty is the perfect place to retreat and to truly grow in all love."