HUNTERSVILLE — As the Lenten season comes to a close, middle school students at St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville took a day to reflect upon this beautiful penitential season to better prepare themselves for the celebration of Our Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
Throughout the day, sixth- and seventh-graders bonded with their classmates and teachers through team-building exercises, Lenten trivia and met the St. Mark Church Rosary Guild to learn about their mission and help prepare Rosary kits.
Spiritual activities included Mass with Father John Putnam and Stations of the Cross led by students. Dr. John Acquaviva, a Catholic author and Wingate University professor, spoke to students about the importance of virtue and Catholic identity as athletes and fans. Dr. Acquaviva gave great examples on how to balance social and moral virtues such as loyalty/respect, fairness/honesty, teamwork/forgiveness, and perseverance/discipline. He also touched on how to maintain a Catholic perspective on healthy body image based on Scripture and the teachings of St. John Paul II. Dr. Acquaviva reminded students that physical activity and the human body are gifts from God and should be used for His greater glory.
Students in the eighth grade made a pilgrimage to Belmont Abbey College. To start their day, they met with Dr. William Thierfelder, the president of the college, and learned about the Sports in Virtue Institute. Students were challenged to view athletics through a Catholic lens and see sport as an opportunity to develop strong faith connections. Dr. Thierfelder reminded students that even if the outcome of competition does not end in their favor, they should always thank God for the opportunity and ability to compete.
Following their talk, students met the Abbey Advocates for a college tour that showcased all the practical and spiritual opportunities Belmont Abbey College offers in continuing their Catholic education. While eating in the dining room, St. Joseph College seminarian Matthew Stanley — a 2014 St. Mark School alumnus — stopped in to say hello and encourage students to make the most of their time at St. Mark.
— Hillary L. Shores
