Freshmen Begin SJCS Journey With Meaningful Pilgrimage

The SJCS rising freshmen who made the school's annual trip to St. Augustine in late July discovered why the journey is much more of a pilgrimage.

"It was such a blessing getting to see how quickly everyone opened up and started building relationships," said Chase Kennedy, one of nine senior leaders on the trip. "At first, everyone seemed nervous to meet new people, but by the end of the trip, you wouldn't have known that it was a lot of the students' first time meeting each other."

Buses departed St. Joseph's early on the morning of Monday, July 29 and arrived in St. Augustine by mid-afternoon. That day's agenda included a scenic cruise and bowling. That evening, the seniors led small groups on the beach in song and prayer.
 

On Tuesday, the group toured the Castillo de San Marcos (St. Mark's Castle), the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.; and then toured Mission Nombre de Jesus, believed to be the oldest mission in the continental U.S. and the site of the first parish Mass and the first shrine to Mary. There was also time for the beach and the pool.

On Wednesday, everyone attended Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, whose congregation, established in 1565, is the oldest Christian congregation in the contiguous U.S. After a little more beach time, the buses departed for home.

"This year's annual pilgrimage to St. Augustine was one of the best," said Greshan Charlton, the school's Dean of Academic Success and one of several staff and faculty chaperones. "Having the opportunity to accompany the Class of 2028 on this special trip was a true gift."

"I am so happy my rising freshman was able to attend the St. Joseph’s freshman trip to St. Augustine," said Sandra Miller, who accompanied her daughter Shafer as a parent chaperone. "Friendships were born, relationships with God strengthened and a sense of family was evident among all in attendance. I can’t think of a better way to start their high school journey."

PHOTO GALLERY