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
...
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.
...
“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.”
...
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.”
...
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

Texas A and M again

I mentioned briefly Ask a Catholic a Question, a New Evangalization approach of St. Mary's at Texas A and M.

http://marysaggies.blogspot.com/2009/03/ask-catholic-question.html

Monday, April 13, 2009

The Ideal University Catholic

within the next few days I hope to release my ideal model from what I have learned so far

St. Thomas More University of Oklahoma

There is only one Oklahoma, and there is only one St.Thomas More. Catholics are a minority on campus but this parish/college chapel is pouring out great graces on those that who go there.

an adoration chapel open 24 hours a day
daily Mass
a holy Priest
a large tract of land with plans to expand
a student center
a small library
liturgy of the hours
a core leadership team
Mass times on all entrances of the church

I was only there briefly but I met some nice students and parishioners

Saturday, February 28, 2009

LCCS Louisiana Catholic College Students

www.lccsonline.org

LCCS is, on the state level, a lot of what University Catholic is about. A sharing of resources and ideas between colleges and universities for more effective ministry, to save souls and form college students in their faith.
They have conferences and gatherings at colleges around the state which provide opportunities to visit and experience first hand the Catholic life each institution provides.
An event is being hosted at Christ the King right now, and when I was over there I witnessed a large group of students from all over the state praying a rosary together in front of the blessed sacrament. A practice which by itself is able to catylize the conversion and growth of many souls.

On another note I was also involved with a retreat yesterday that had no members of LCCS, and few members in other groups organized from the top down. Just Catholic college students and Catholics beyond college leading a retreat. Both are good, but which way is better, or is there even an ideal.

NO I haven't forgotten about my "upcoming posts" post.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Knights of Columbus

I have recently joined the ranks of the Knights of Columbus and am beginning to learn about the Knights of Columbus college councils. I can think of no better men's group for College Catholics than The Knights. No other organization offers college men the support, fraternity, or practicality as the Knights. The Knights of Columbus give name recognition, service opportunities, and a post-college transition. Once one graduates from college and moves on to bigger things one can find a Knights of Columbus council almost anywhere and begin serving ones post-college Parish. This opportunity is not available with other men's groups.

Christ the King at LSU or new post... finally


Events at Christ the King:
Monday Adoration
REIGN (Praise and Worship)every other Tuesday
Last Lecture Series by catholic professors every other Wednesday
Free Lunch every Thursday (possibly the most popular event... ever)
Rosary- Monday-Thursday 8:30 pm
weekday mass m-f 11:45 am
m-th 6 pm
Discernment group meets every Thursday at 5:30 for evening prayer
Faith, Peace, and Justice- primary Christ the King volunteer organization and has Friday movie discussions
Retreat Team- does an average of 1 retreat a week for high or middle schoolers
Social Planning Committee- oh yes Christ the King has dances...themed dances
Confirmation classes
P-I-G: a pool based game that is highly addictive and can be played by any number of people 2+
Recent happenings at LSU Christ the King:
Men's Rosary for the Women- a wonderful idea spearheaded by the facebook group " 7AM Rosary for Women"
Christ the King leadership council- approximately 10 students meet every week with the pastor to discuss and implement different Catholic events and initiatives at LSU one of their first initiatives has been the highly successful fliers which they pass out in the main thoroughfair of campus all day Monday(mine are crinkled for effect)