School usually centers around the three R’s of “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.” The junior class of Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, recently traveled to Jackson to get away from the daily rigors of school life and to concentrate on the “three F’s” of friends, family and faith. 

The retreat, held in St. Aloysius Parish March 3, was lead by Father Scott Shaffer, pastor; Father Matthew Riedlinger, parochial vicar; Tom Ball, St. Aloysius youth minister and Gina Corrao, music director.

Getting off campus for a day and escaping to a relaxing parish setting was just what the students needed to have an authentic retreat experience.

“Some of our past retreats felt cliché,” admitted TCA junior Carlie Schwartz.  “This year’s retreat was relevant to each one of us. The activities got us involved with classmates with whom we might normally not have worked. There is no doubt that we left the retreat much more bonded as a class than when we started.”

Along with several group and individual activities, class members participated in several discussions and ended the day with a prayer service. 

“The presentations on friends and family made me rethink many things and helped me prioritize what is important,” said Josh Jenei. “We’re maturing and looking differently at ourselves and others. What we heard and discussed at the retreat will make a lasting impression on my life and the lives of my classmates.”

Both students remarked at how the architecture of the new St. Aloysius Church set the tone.  “The Church was peaceful and beautiful –  just the right place for us to be,” said Jenei.

“It was a religious retreat that will help us with real life,” added Schwartz.

While the students clearly benefitted from the experience, Father Shaffer said it was a boost for the parish as well.