Article by Phoenix writer Paulina Barnjak ’24:
On Saturday, January 14th, members of the Adele Club and Junior C.R.O.S.S., accompanied by Mr. Krug, Mrs. Page, and Mrs. Gaspe, attended a retreat for “A Weekend for Single Women” hosted by the Little Sisters of the Poor, at their novitiate house, in Queens Village. The students were permitted to ask questions and learn about the ministry of the Little Sisters from them firsthand.
The retreat day encompassed witness talks from Bicycle for Babies Missionary, Sophia Mittman and Little Sisters Novice, Sister Amanda. Then the students had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation after celebrating Mass.
The afternoon speaker was Susan Middleton who spoke about unleashing the power of hope with a powerful personal witness. Susan’s daughter, Maria Middleton, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 17. She was a very dedicated and brave young girl who was actively involved with charitable causes. She had created a Hope-a-Thon at her school and a fundraiser for Bringing Hope Home and Drew’s Hope Research Foundation. Though she passed away in October of 2020 before the official event could come to fruition, she significantly impacted and continues to impact all those who knew her.
At the conclusion of the day, students volunteered to lead the rosary prayer service and offered their intentions with candles in the beautiful chapel with the sisters. Mrs. Gaspe said, “I hope the girls have learned not to be selfish in life. We get rewarded by helping others and there is power in prayer.” The retreat was a great experience for the girls as they left knowing more than when they entered.
