On any Saturday morning, school hallways are typically empty, but not at Monsignor Edward Pace High School. Campus Ministry leaders and Pace alumni, Andres Novela, Patricia Stout-Swanson, and Jeanette Victoria, gathered with 35 students on Saturday, September 14, for a Peer Ministry Workshop.
During this unique opportunity, phones were collected as a way for everyone to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. The workshop provided a comfortable environment where students learned how to be effective leaders for the school's various annual spiritual retreats.
Icebreakers began the day, allowing students to get to know one another in a more relaxed and fun way. Different speakers led talks about effective Christian leadership and the importance of spirituality in students' lives.
The students took notes and participated in discussions. A prayer service led by Novela, ended the four-hour workshop and students left fulfilled, ready to be effective leaders for the school.
"The workshop was refreshing," said senior Christy Piña. "It was like a mini-retreat. We got away from the outside world and it was just us, my fellow peer ministers and me."