On January 24, the sophomores went on a class trip to learn about vocations. They went to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore City.

On the trip, they had a class Mass, and attended a Vocation Awareness Program sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The trip’s goal was to provide an engaging experience for the sophomores. The trip connected JC’s mission with their second-semester religion curriculum. The class was accompanied by

Director of Mission and Ministry Kenneth Goedeke, Service Learning Coordinator Kate Webb, and several other teachers and staff members.

On the trip the sophomores split into two groups based off of their gender. The boys went to St. Mary’s Seminary while the girls stayed at the Cathedral.

The girls participated in the “Take a Journey” program. The program introduced sophomores to the various vocations that the church offers. While the girls were at the Cathedral, a panel of religious women talked to them, and told them many stories about being sisters.

At the seminary, the boys participated in activities led by priests and seminarians from within the Archdiocese. They talked to the seminarians, who told them all about their lives.

After the panel, the sophomore girls had lunch then got a tour of the building.

Mia Castellano said, “My favorite part of the tour was the Lady Chapel because I liked the bright blue colors and how the stain-glass showed the story of Mary.”

Not only were students looking forward to this trip, but so was Mr. Goedeke. He said, “Programming aside, both sites we visited are rich in history and speak of the story of God’s people through their art and architecture. We not only learn from reading and listening, but we learn from experiencing.”

This trip was a learning experience for everyone.

This trip taught sophomores about their vocations and helped them deepen their connections to the church.

Mia Romano said, “I learned that they are many different covenants and orders that sisters can join.”

Jenna Magness said she had a fun time on the trip. Jenna said, “I was surprised by the fact that they had a cardinal and other bishops buried in the crypt under the church; it was a very fascinating thing to see.”

Aaron Bailey said he enjoyed his time visiting the seminary. “My favorite part of the trip was getting.” He said this was his favorite part because “it was very interesting to see how they lived every day.”