Hi! I am Claire Schaefer and I am currently a sophomore at Columbus Catholic High School. At CHS, I am involved in sports and activities, such as Theatre, Speech, Cross Country, Soccer, Mock Trial, and Student Government. My faith, family, and education are very important to me, and what I love about attending Columbus is the tight knit community and the emphasis on giving students the opportunity to grow their faith.

My sophomore year has marked two very significant events in my spiritual journey: my Confirmation in October of 2023, and a month later, the National Catholic Youth Conference. After both of these, I can say that I am closer to God than ever before, and more in touch with the ways that God is at work in my life. These experiences have ignited a fervent interest in my Catholic faith as well as for involvement in my parish and school.

This year, I am being given a very special opportunity to go on a nine-day spiritual retreat called Life on the Edge: Colorado; (LOTEC) for short. This is a trip offered by the Archdiocese of Dubuque and is a way to deepen my Catholic faith through spiritual, physical, and catechetical challenges and experiences alongside a group of my 11 peers and four adult chaperones.

In preparation for the trip, my teammates and I will be training for 13 weeks and are committed to take on leadership roles at school, parish, and other communities. LOTEC will be an amazing way to grow closer to God and to encounter God’s grace in a whole new way, and I couldn’t be more excited. Any prayers and financial support would be greatly appreciated as I prepare to take my next step on my faith journey!

The cost of the trip is $1400. I have personally committed $150 towards these costs and will be fundraising for the remainder of the fees. Donations will be used to cover my registration fee which includes lodging, transportation, and meals.

☀️🌄THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS! 🙏✝️

Claire Schaefer