This past Wednesday December 7th, the class of 2020 gathered at St. William the Abbot in Howell for their freshman retreat. Following the theme that Sister Kathy installed into the St. Rose community this year, the retreat’s theme was dreams. Once all together, the students listened to our school’s new Campus Minister, Mr. Petrillo, speak about two different scriptures that represent the importance of sharing and pursuing your dreams. Also, looking at ways to decide whether or not dreams are of ourselves, or of God. Finally, the importance of pursuing God’s plan because it is ultimately what will bring us fulfillment.

Mr. Petrillo shares his favorite part of the day as, “Sharing my experiences and relationship with Christ with the students. My favorite part of the retreat would have to be the time spent in the Chapel at the end.” Also, letting the students speak and listen to God and having time to meditate was done throughout the day. This allowed students to reflect on their dreams and personal dreams as they embark on their journey through St. Rose.

Another portion of the retreat was spent in small groups. Allowing the students to share their dreams, the small groups also allowed an opportunity for students to connect with those who they may have never gotten a chance to connect with before. According to freshman, Erin Merkler, “My relationship was strengthened with my classmates by talking and listening to each other when we were discussing our dreams. My relationship was strengthened with God when we had the time at the end to reflect and communicate with God.” You could call this quote proof that Mr. Petrillo did an outstanding job running the retreat.

At the retreat the students did more then discuss dreams and strengthen their relationships with God and each other. In between different activities the students had the opportunity to play games. Well said by freshman, Erin O’Dea, “my favorite part of the retreat was when we played“do this, do that”.” Lastly, having free time throughout the day allowed the freshman to relax and most importantly, to have fun!

For the freshman and all students of St. Rose, here are some kind words from Mr. Petrillo, “I pray that the students grew closer together with one another, and also with God. I hope I was able to share with them some aspect of God’s love and care for them and how he manifests Himself in and through our relationships with each other.”

By: MK O’Malley ’17, Staff Writer

On November 22, 2016, the faculty and students of St. Rose gathered in the church to participate in a beautiful Thanksgiving Liturgy in honor of the upcoming holiday. Father Walter celebrated the mass along with Mr. Notaro, deacon. Mr. Petrillo, the Campus Minister, organized the Mass, using the liturgy planned for Thanksgiving Day.

Students from all grade levels helped to make this liturgy a special occasion. Juniors Sheila Magrini and Carmela Cocuzza read while senior Emily Swenarton led the church in singing. The readings came from the book of Sirach and 1 Corinthians and the Gospel was taken from Luke. The Gospel discussed a story about a Samaritan returning to Jesus to thank him for healing his leprosy.

During his homily, Father Walter mentioned that Catholics are called to have an attitude of thankfulness, especially towards parents. As the homily progressed, he explained the significance of the holiday, stating that it is only celebrated in North America. Father compared humans to an empty pizza box, claiming that individuals are empty vessels for God to fill. He even used a model pizza box to show the St. Rose community how barren it is without God. Father ended his sermon by telling the faculty and students to cherish all that they have and treasure every moment with their families.

As the liturgy closed, Father Walter thanked everyone who had contributed to the liturgy. Mrs. MacIsaac also thanked the students for their respectfull behavior during the mass.  Lastly, Father wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Overall, it was a wonderful liturgy that reminded the St. Rose community to be grateful for what God has given them.

By: Caroline Lowry ’17

Thanksgiving is a day that we thank God for all the blessings He has given us and the mercy He has shown us. It is a day spent with family and friends, gathered around a table that is filled with an abundance of food. However, not everyone is as fortunate as we are. As a Catholic Community we are called to service. For example Deuteronomy 15:11 tells us, “For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.” Pope Francis reminds us of this as he has proclaimed this past year to be the Year of Mercy.

Last week, the Saint Rose High School Community took part in the Thanksgiving food collection for the Mercy Center in Asbury. Each year, the Mercy Center creates Thanksgiving food baskets for over 250 families in need. Saint Rose alone, donated over a dozen turkeys and pies along with many other non-perishable foods. On Thursday, November 10, Mr. Petrillo accompanied by a group of students, delivered all of the donated items to the Mercy Center. As a result of the generosity shown by our community, people who are less fortunate are able to experience God’s unending love and mercy.

By: Marjorie Pawlowicz ’17, Photo Editor

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, the seniors of the St. Rose student body gathered at St. William the Abbott Church in Howell for their annual retreat. At the retreat, the students played games, attended Mass, and listened to Mr. Petrillo speak about living as a Catholic teenager in today’s world. The seniors enjoyed a day of relaxation as the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors took the PSATs at school.

The first activity of the retreat was a game involving the entire senior class. As the students moved their chairs to form a circle, seven seniors were selected to initiate the start of the game “Pop Up”. These students went around the circle and performed a series of actions for another student sitting down. Once these actions were completed, the students would “pop up” and switch places. This activity energized the Class of 2017, making the seniors ready for the rest of the day.

After the first game, the students celebrated Mass with Father Walter in the intimate chapel at St. William the Abbott. Mr. Petrillo emphasized the importance of the Eucharist and how it links all Catholics together. The Mass was followed by another activity which involved Legos. The seniors were divided into two large groups, groups A and B, and then into six smaller groups, making twelve groups overall. Groups were paired up and had to work together to rebuild a Lego sculpture. Maeve Tuttle shared, “The Lego activity was my favorite activity that we have ever played at a retreat.”

After the Lego activity the the seniors were given time to reflect before lunch. Mr. Petrillo set aside an hour for lunch, giving the seniors plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Students played football, passed a soccer ball, and walked around.

As soon as lunch ended, Mr. Petrillo spoke about the hardships and stresses when it comes to the college application process and senior year in it’s entirety. “His stories were very relatable, making him easier to connect with,” said Bryn Onoshko.

Lastly, the seniors were given time to once again reflect on their year in the chapel. After a closing prayer, the seniors were dismissed. Overall, the retreat was a success, and each student gained something unique from this experience

By: Caroline Lowry ’17

Kairos is a retreat held at the Marianist Retreat Center in Cape May, New Jersey. Students spend four technology-free days learning more about themselves and how to strengthen their relationship with God.

There are three sessions in which the students have the opportunity to attend: October, February, and May. The fall and winter sessions are for seniors only, however in the spring, juniors who are chosen by the faculty are invited to attend the life-changing experience, along with the seniors.

This fall, nineteen students attended Kairos XLIII along with their leaders Sister Kathleen, Mr. Devaney, Mrs. Pfister-Brown, Mr. Petrillo, and Father Walter. Although the students and faculty who attend change with the season, Kairos is always guaranteed to have an extraordinary effect on an individual.

I attended this past Kairos and it has changed my outlook on many aspects in my life. Due to the confidentiality of the events that occur on Kairos, I cannot speak of how or why I see the world in a different light. However, the element of surprise that occurred each day as I participated in the different events deepened my experience. I truly believe that I have been changed for the better and I encourage everyone to take the opportunity that is being given to them to change their lives, as well.

Many people shared their experience on how Kairos affected them: Julia Swanson said, “Kairos was truly magical. I discovered things about myself that I never knew before. It really makes you realize how much of life is taken for granted. After this experience, I am aware of how much I am loved and I have a new confidence about myself.” Alex Phipps shared, “It made me feel like a new person. I feel so renewed and ready to start building a better relationship with God.” Lastly Sophia Tagliamonte said, “I am so grateful for this experience and those I spent it with. I made relationships with people I would have never expected. I wouldn’t trade the memories for the world.”

Kairos is a time of self-reflection and honesty. It is a time where no one cares about looks, or the typical high school drama. At Kairos, all is forgotten and the main focus is on yourself and on God.

By: Julia Renna ’17

Friday Outreach is one of the many extraordinary activities SRHS offers students each year. Students in varying Religion classes volunteer each quarter to travel to Asbury Park to serve food to those less fortunate in a neighboring community.  Every grade level participates throughout the year and the experience leaves students feeling fulfilled and satisfied.

Hannah Gammond, Class of 2017, shares her experiences from Outreach, “It was an eye-opening experience to see people so close to our community have so little. Everyone has the opportunity to help others, it’s important to take part.”

Friday, October 7th, was the first Outreach trip of the school year.  Several students traveled with Mr. Petrillo, our new campus minister, from the school to Asbury Park with student-donated canned goods. Ciara Thompson, Class of 2017/pictured above, attended the trip for the first time. “I never expected it to be such an amazing experience. The feeling of helping other people is something you don’t feel every day so I am glad I got to take advantage of this opportunity, especially during my last year at Saint Rose.”

St. Rose provides students with opportunities to carry out their faith inside and out of the community; accept the invitation and reach out to help others!

By: Jillian Barry ’17

The annual Baccalaureate Mass was held on June 2, 2016, giving graduating students hope for the future, and pushing them toward new challenges. However, this ceremony is not only to push the graduating class into the future, but to remind them of their past, and all the accomplishments that they have made during their time at St. Rose. The event, combining Mass with an awards celebration, also reminds the students that, no matter how far away they might be from each other, they will always have St. Rose and the Catholic faith to bring them together.

After the procession, the Mass begins. As the homily approaches, the anticipation grows, as the congregation is waiting to hear Monsignor’s wise words. The homily is what sets apart one Mass from another. This Mass was especially unique, from all those in the past, as the priest gave tender advice to his listeners. As adults it is important to “be with the right people,” he said, “and put God, then your neighbors above all else.” This, he said, was the key to success.

After mass the awards ceremony began with an introductory speech from Senior class president Margaret Hull.  Next Maddie Reilly, executive board president, led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.  The next speech that was given was a speech written by one of 2016’s best students, Deirdre Cahill. As class salutatorian, she addressed her peers and reflected on the four years that had gone by. The instituting of the iPads in classrooms, hurricane Sandy and the restoration, and the state championships that put St. Rose on the map. Deirdre Cahill went above calling her class to “change the world” by changing others, by calling them to first, change themselves and model the behavior they want others to follow. The end of her speech was met with the thunderous applause of approval of her classmates, newly inspired by her words.

Later  awards were given out to the well-deserving students for academic, social, and artistic excellence. Awards such as, the top ten, the “800”, President’s Education, Silver, and many others were given for academic achievements. All of the awards given were recognition for a student’s love for something; something that made them go out into the world and share it.

“The whole experience was wonderful,” says Megan Brown, a student in the graduating class of 2016. “They have taught me so much, and we all will really miss them,” Megan Lawson, a Junior attending the mass and awards ceremony, stated. All who were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the ceremony, but were a little downhearted at the realization that the seniors are leaving St. Rose. The faculty and fellow students wished them well as they parted, eager to see what they will do as they become a part of the world. And as Deidre Cahill said, “teach by example” to “change the world.”

By Victoria Canrco ’17