Academics
The culmination of the Assisi Scholars Program is a pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, Italy during the senior year. Rooted in Franciscan tradition, this is a unique opportunity for Roger Bacon students that no other area high school can provide. The Pilgrimage is a great way for students not only to travel the world, but to live and witness the teachings of Saints Francis and Clare.
"The most valuable part of the trip for me was going up into
the mountains and sitting in peace and quiet with all of our inner
thoughts. We could
be there with God alone and were surrounded by all his
creation and admire all of its beauty and all the good things in our
lives."
- Lindsey Ballinger
"My favorite part about the trip was when we were given time
for personal growth in faith and spirituality. We were given a lot of
time in silent
reflection in different locations, and that helped me to
look deeper into myself and really think about what my purpose was on
the pilgrimage."
- Kelly Brenner
"While in Assisi, Italy, we were given many opportunities to
have personal quiet times in various churches. My relationship with God
grew during
these times, which has helped me since I’ve been back home."
- Sydney Cardwell
"The most impactful experience I had in Assisi was going up
to the top of Mount Subasio above Assisi and hiking around the friary on
the side of
the mountain. It was very peaceful and something I won’t
forget."
- Thomas DeWees
"The most impactful part of the pilgrimage was sitting in St.
Mary of the Angels Basilica by myself, thinking and praying in pure
silence. That
was the most calm I’ve been in a long time."
- Haley Fulton
"My most memorable experience on the Assisi trip was seeing
the original San Damiano cross in St. Clare’s basilica. This cross gave
me a sense
of peace with the world and reflective time with myself to
talk to God, as well as a humbling feeling but also a sense of pride in
my own worth."
- Mia Grooms
"The most impactful part of the trip was being able to walk
in the same steps as St. Francis, St. Clare, friars, and the many
pilgrims that came
before us. I was surprised at the way our group grew as
individuals but especially as a community together because by the end of
the week I
had many so many new relationships and fostered new
friendships that I would have never expected."
- Anna Janzen
"The most memorable moment for me was being in the cupola on top of St. Peter’s Basilica and being able to see all of Rome."
- Charles Johnstone
"Being able to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St.
Clare allowed me to reflect on my own calling in life and how I can grow
in my Catholic
faith."
- Anna Juengling
"The most meaningful part of my experience on the Assisi
Scholar Trip to Italy was the opportunity to build closer relationships
with the people
within the program and make new friendships with my own
classmates, the students from Oldenburg Academy, and the leaders."
- Rose Kaetzel
"The most impactful moment was being in St. Francis’ Basilica
and seeing how important and impactful St. Francis was to the Catholic
faith."
- Bryan Koch
"The Assisi trip was a real time for bonding within our
Assisi Scholar group. Having the chance to travel to Italy to truly let
go and enjoy life
without other burdens was a privilege that we worked very
hard for over the last few years."
- Miriam Kolis
"The trip as a whole was a much needed spiritual journey. In
the different churches and historical sites we visited, it allowed me to
reflect on
who I am and what things I can do to make myself a better
individual."
- Josiah McGee
"The most meaningful part of our trip to Assisi was how close
we all became on our pilgrimage. Returning home does not mean our
pilgrimage is over;
it’s only just beginning."
- Reiko Hargis-McGuirt
"The friendships I formed and the people I grew closer to was
the thing I will take most from this pilgrimage. The experience of
touring the holiest
places in our faith with my peers is something I will
forever value."
- Annabelle Merz
"The most memorable part of the Assisi trip for me was
praying in front of the San Damiano Crucifix. Realizing the Francis
actually prayed in front
of this cross was an unbelievable experience."
- Patrick Mulcahey
"The most impactful thing from the pilgrimage was having Mass
every day. I am not the type of person who goes to Mass every day, but
having Mass,
especially in different places with different culture was
the most impactful. It was impactful because it opened my eyes to how
Mass can be
fun and how much praying affects my life."
- Karley Niesen
"The most memorable experience was going to the dome of St.
Peter’s.It was a long trek, but worth the view to see Vatican City from
the highest
point."
- Megan Shooner
"Assisi was a surreal experience. My favorite times were the nights we spent outside, having fun and taking in the experience."
- Lucas Strunc
"The most impactful part of the trip to Assisi was serving
for the mass at St. Clare’s chapel. I had never served before and I was
very anxious
about it, but during the mass I really felt like God was
speaking to me through serving."
- Rebecca Mae Spears
"One thing I would take away from the trip is going to the
roof of the hotel building and getting to see the beautiful view while
spending time
with my closest friends."
- Pablo Veran
"The most memorable part of the trip was when we went up to
Mt. Subasio. I thought it was really fun and nice to get to be by myself
for a little
while and think about whatever came to mind."
- Ryan Wissel
"On the Assisi Scholar trip, we further grew as a
community by learning about St. Francis and building strong
relationships with one another."
- Wongelawit Yohannes