On this Earth, we are simply pilgrims on a journey, a journey to experience the heights of relationship with God and fullness of life.
An adventurous life. A courageous life. A life begun at Baptism, forever changing our direction; answering the cry of our heart for fulfillment, purpose, meaning, adventure, and greatness.
This is the Christian life and you are personally invited. The Father is calling, will you answer?
An adventurous life. A courageous life. A life begun at Baptism, forever changing our direction; answering the cry of our heart for fulfillment, purpose, meaning, adventure, and greatness.
This is the Christian life and you are personally invited. The Father is calling, will you answer?
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Inspired by Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, l’alto provides a path for high school students to convert their lives - seeking the heights of relationship with the Father to answer His call to become living saints.
While not for the faint of heart, sainthood is attainable and is our goal. In our pilgrimage toward sainthood, we look at the Saints who paved the way before us - especially the life of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian who lived his life “verso l’alto” - to the heights. See, Pier Giorgio didn’t do anything incredibly spectacular - he didn’t start a religious order, he didn’t die a martyr, nor did he go off to a foreign land and convert thousands. But, what he did was extraordinary - he lived a life that was not his own. He lived a life of prayer - often waking up before the sun to walk to Mass in the mountains or spending all night in adoration. He lived a life of fasting - giving up the many goods afforded to him as a young, rich, Italian (such as riding first class or living a wealthy lifestyle) in favor of ‘simpler’ things. He lived a life of almsgiving - using his allowance to feed and take care of the poor and those around him, sometimes giving them the shirt off his back or the shoes from his feet. |
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And yet, he was a “normal” guy who lived an adventurous life. Often seen hiking in the mountains with his friends, betting them in a game of pool to come to Mass with him (which he always won), or forming the Tipi Loschi society - “Shady Characters” - with his friends which encouraged joy and a love for the outdoors, Pier Giorgio did many of the things you and I enjoy, but he did them knowing he was a pilgrim on a journey to the heights - towards Heaven - and he wanted as many people as possible to join him.
The Church offers us countless examples of teenagers doing just this - living a saintly life here on earth. These stories of teenage saints continue to inspire the saints of today to live a life that is not their own. The teens of St. Gertrude are no exception. |
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Here, we come to a fork in the road. L’alto invites you on the path to live a life in abundance.
AN ADVENTUROUS LIFE. A COURAGEOUS LIFE. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
Will you respond?
In short, l’alto is a dynamic spiritual journey which encourages teens to move into Christian adulthood by providing:
- Christian Mentoring - Adult mentors who are formed and trained to support and encourage teens.
- Companionship - l’alto encourages consistent, honest, and open Christian friendship.
- Formation - l’alto formation pathways foster real-life Christian living -- through relevant content, support for daily prayer, and the like.
- Ascetical Practice - Jesus was a disciplined man and his disciples learned a disciplined life. Throughout l’alto, teens will be encouraged to take on ascetical practices, certain self-disciplines, to concretely conform their lives to that of Christ.
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