Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Kansas University

From what I hear on the streets KU is one of the premier Catholic campuses. Let me present "Ask me Why I'm Catholic."

“I thought it was a very non-threatening way of evangelization, and I liked that.” -Father Steve Beseau
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Some (questions) are tougher than others — like the one from a Muslim student trying to understand how a human Mary can be the mother of God. Others are far less challenging, like the student who walked up and said simply, “I’ve got a question for Catholics: What’s your favorite candy bar?”
The questioners are as diverse as their questions, ranging from devout Catholics to cynical atheists, and include students and professors alike.
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“That’s why we have our catechetical classes here,” added Father Beseau. “The students are coming in and they don’t know their faith when they get here. So we have these classes where they can learn their faith, and they’re able to put that into practice immediately.”
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By any measure, Red Tuesday has been a phenomenal success. Thirsty for knowledge, college students are sometimes finding their classes are leaving them with more questions than answers. An open invitation to dialogue in the heart of campus is, well, a godsend.
“We’re really amazed at the amount of discussion of religion on a secular campus,” said Father Beseau. “It’s brought into classes all the time. What’s even more amazing is how misunderstood the Catholic Church is. And it’s not even a difference of opinion — it’s just factually wrong what these professors are literally pontificating on in the classroom.”
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Father Beseau said Red Tuesday’s success has far exceeded his expectations. It has satisfied the goal of bringing visibility to the St. Lawrence Center. But it has also proven a great teaching and sharing tool and has built community among Catholic students who are growing in faith as they witness to others.
“Campus ministry on a secular campus is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the church,” he said. “This is where 90 percent of our future parents, teachers, and priests are coming through.
“There are still a lot of young people out there that haven’t turned against the faith as much as they never learned it or experienced it. This is an opportunity for us to invite people to come back or to learn more.”

http://www.theleaven.com/V30/v30n36jayhawker.html

1 comment:

  1. I've seen this program on campus and for the most part, it seems to have generated much positive feedback. KU has a great Catholic Center and Father Steve is excellent.

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