RICKETTS GLEN STATE PARK – On a cloudy, overcast Saturday morning with rain expected in the forecast, twenty young adults from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered undeterred by the gray skies.
With rain jackets packed and rosaries in hand on Sept. 6, the group came together for a Rosary Hike along the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, a 3.2-mile loop featuring 17 breathtaking waterfalls.
Their goal was simple: to hike, pray, and connect – with God, with nature, and with each other.
“We stopped along the way at beautiful waterfalls and prayed the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary,” said Katie James of Christ the King Parish in Archbald, who is currently serving in the Diocese through the ECHO program at Notre Dame University. “It’s really easy to see this beauty and take it in, and really be able to recognize the beauty of God’s creation and how He is present in our lives.”
The hike, organized by the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, brought together young adults from 16 different parishes.
Even though rain eventually fell, some in the group embraced it, even finding spiritual symbolism in the experience.
“A lot of people would consider the rain as a negative,” Jacob Federo of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Hunlock Creek, said. “But when you’re praying the rosary, there was something really special about it and the rain really didn’t matter. Honestly, I think it made it better!”
While Federo has taken part in other young adult activities, he made new friendships this time around.
“I got to meet three new guys who I’ve never met in my entire life before,” he added. “It was really great to meet with them, share our stories, and help pray for each other.”
That kind of connection – spiritual, personal, and communal – was exactly what Bridget Guarnieri, Family Life Program Coordinator for the Diocese hoped to achieve.
“Our goal in young adult ministry is to encourage and help people understand that faith doesn’t just happen at church on a Sunday,” she said. “Faith can, and should, be involved in every aspect of our lives.”
Guarnieri added that choosing to pray the rosary during the hike was intentional.
“Like a hike, the rosary is both active and contemplative,” she explained. “As you actively move through each bead, and you’re praying and meditating on the mysteries, it’s so much like a hike.”
For Patrick Cullen from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Dushore, the hike was a meaningful opportunity to build community and grow spiritually.
“I think it’s great to have the ability to develop community and relationships with young adults throughout the Diocese. It’s a great way to get out there and meet people and do something fun,” Cullen said.
Following the hike, the group gathered for fellowship at Crooked Creek Pub and Restaurant, continuing conversations sparked on the trail.
“I loved every moment of this day. I loved meeting new people and I’m grateful to all the young adults that came out for this hike,” Guarnieri stated.