MOE/MND Students Try Out the Marianist Life

The Marianist Life Group has quickly become one of the more popular clubs at Moeller. There are many reasons students are drawn to this club, among which is the opportunity to meet people from our sister school, Mount Notre Dame. Another reason over forty people consistently come back is for the many opportunities to attend retreats. You get a chance to connect with others based off your shared experiences in your small group.

Leaders: Eli Turner 23’, Vinny Tallarigo 23’, Emma Ganz 23’. Grace Campbell 24’

Senior Joe Anastasia had the chance to lead the group this week and said it was a positive experience. Anastasia still goes to every retreat and meeting, saying, “It really gives me a way to meet new people and become closer to God.” Joe understands that in the real life of a Marianist, you have brothers, and you have the chance to see God in your brothers and sisters just like a retreat.

Another senior, Eli Turner, also had the chance to lead the group in the past, which allowed him to hone his leadership skills. Turner explained that “they ask people to volunteer, and they have two Moe guys and two MND girls lead the retreat every week.” These four lead the group in prayer, and each lead a separate small group. It is a great role that you can get a lot out of, but Turner noted that, “just like most things, you will only get out of it what you put into it.”

Meetings for the group are a fun ride. Most people arrive around 7 PM, and for the first fifteen minutes, the group talks and catches up. Around 7:15, the leaders signal the official start through prayer. After prayer, a few games are played, and then around 7:30, the student leaders begin a Q&A with the adult leaders. There were four adult leaders at the most recent meeting, one of whom was Mr. Joebgen. For about thirty minutes, they talked about the ways God had affected them in different parts of their lives. After that, everyone split into different small groups. The student leaders did a wonderful job facilitating conversations. At the end of the meeting, the group went to Graeter’s for ice cream.

The group meets every other Wednesday from 7-8:30 beginning in the CTC. The next meeting is November 16th. Questions can be emailed or asked in person to Mr. Joebgen or Mr. Campbell.