The day consisted of Mass followed by a speaker panel, Q&A session, lunch, small group discussions, and games. In addition to learning about pro-life issues, the girls also enjoyed getting to know each other and cultivating friendships, new and old. 

The workshop was designed by the Respect Life Club to provide students with an opportunity to examine life issues with the eyes of hope. “This is the Jubilee Year of Hope,” said Mathematics Master Teacher Jennifer Kilmer, who has led the Respect Life Club through the years.  “The youth are responsible for the future, and are therefore key players in addressing the need to instill hope in others – specifically, the elderly, the homebound, the sick, the unemployed, and all those who feel abandoned.”

The conference welcomed a panel of three speakers, each of whom addressed different aspects of life where the spirit of hope today is lacking and in need of repair. Rosie K. ‘25, an Oakcrest student leader helping to organize the workshop, explained that “the goal of this workshop [was] to bring three speakers who work professionally with people in different stages of life, and to reflect on how we can bring hope to others rather than stay focused on ourselves.” 

AnnaMaria Masteller, BSN, RN, spoke about her experience with other nurses, staff and families in the NICU at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. She highlighted three different stories of babies in the NICU. AnnaMaria stressed that “all your actions matter,” and emphasized caring for both the sick as well as their family members.

The second speaker, Kelly O’Leary, specializes in the importance of caring for the home. Kelly explained that the care of the home gives us an opportunity to sanctify our lives by carrying out the little things of each day with love, especially through tasks that may be more difficult. She advised the girls to “cherish the tasks you do at home,” for it is through these little details, and by living order well, that one can bring peace to all. 

Teresa English Oakcrest Class of 1988 spoke third, sharing her experience serving the elderly and the homeless at Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C. Her work there began as a teenager, when she regularly volunteered for the Little Sisters. She recalls a monk once telling her as a teen, “Go out, learn a skill, and then go and contribute to society.” These words made a profound impact on her and motivated her to become a nurse. She currently cares for the elderly who are often disregarded and abandoned. 

Respect Life Club President Gabrielle M. ‘25 expressed the importance of reminding the youth that fighting for life means supporting all stages of life. “We can easily forget that pro-life principles apply to everyone, not just the pre-born. The speakers will talk about taking care of the sick and the elderly and we hope to emphasize that all life is valued and important.”  

The panel was followed by a brainstorming session in small groups to come up with practical ways that today’steenager can cultivate hope in others. “You can visit a nursing home or simply help at home. These tiny acts can go a long way,” said Rosemary K. 

Finally, Hosea Institute Teen Director Myah Abraham spoke on helping young women to thrive and develop hope through friendships and conversations. After lunch together, the day ended with a Jeopardy game and additional activities in the gym. 

Student leader Suzie F. ‘25 succinctly summarized the conference as a mission “to help our fast-moving generation discover the beauty of human life at all stages and discuss how to instill hope in others so they can glorify God in their life.” 

St. Josemaría spoke often about putting others first: “The task for a Christian is to drown evil in an abundance of good. It is not a question of negative campaigns, or of being anti anything. On the contrary, we should live positively, full of optimism, with youthfulness, joy and peace. We should be understanding with everybody, with the followers of Christ and with those who abandon him, or do not know him at all.—But understanding does not mean holding back, or remaining indifferent, but being active.” (Furrow, #864)

It was a memorable and fruitful weekend for all the students, and we look forward to hosting Montrose again next year.