Schools

Bishop Ireton students and faculty form the Frassati Society

Lauren Peckl | Student Correspondent

Members of the Frassati Society hike the hills near Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. KELLI STRAUCH | COURTESY

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Members of the Frassati Society hike the hills near Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. KELLI STRAUCH | COURTESY

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A new club, the Frassati Society, recently began at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria. It has captured a lot of attention from students and faculty. This club is like no other club at Ireton, because the members not only discuss faith and how God is in creation all around them, but get to experience it firsthand through outings and field trips.

The club was inspired by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man who lived a very devout and faith-filled life. He often served the poor and sick, and would even give his bus money to the poor. But alongside living a life of generosity, he was also a great athlete who loved the outdoors and activities such as mountain climbing and skiing. The Frassati Society incorporates Pier Frassati’s love of the outdoors as well as his love of service and faith.

“I want people to enjoy the outdoors as Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati did, but also while we are in the outdoors to understand that this is an experience of God’s creation,” said faculty adviser and religion teacher Caroline Duffy. “And also, through that experience, to lead them closer to God and closer in friendship.”

The club also hopes to do different activities once a month. The first adventure was a hike and Mass at Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md., the weekend of Oct. 1. The students and faculty hiked and experienced the nature around them, and were able to celebrate what they had encountered through Mass. It was a new and fun experience for both the teachers and the students.

“I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated getting to learn more about our students and faculty in the simplest way possible, through conversation with them, in the most natural place possible — the outdoors,” said Chris O’Hara, school counselor.

“It was a great day, the weather was super nice,” said senior Lanie Garlock. “I loved climbing in the woods because it was beautiful and fun to be around my friends.”

The teachers and students have a lot planned for the upcoming year including more adventures such as indoor rock climbing, ice skating and service activities.  

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