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

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.

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)

An Introduction

To those who know their Latin the title of this blog may seem redundant. To those who know their current events the title of this blog may seem oxymoronic. The university system has as its mission truth and in as much as the university system and those in it are true to their mission they approach the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has as her mission bringing the Way, the Life, and the Truth to the world and in as much as the Catholic Church and those in her are true to their mission the Catholic Church approaches all people and in a special way those involved in the university system. It is at the boatyard Christ met the tired, it is at the table Christ met the hungry, it is at the synagogue Christ met the questioning. To each of the three groups he gave Himself. As it were there may be no higher concentration of tired, hungry, questioning people than in the university. The Church has unceasingly offered up prayer for both student and teacher and has loved fervently both. It seems however that every day the devil gains more ground in a fight in which Christ is already victorious.
May people who come to ask questions find answers. May those who wish to take the world by storm, give their hearts to Christ.
The goal of this blog is not so much to teach theology, but to teach the power of the invitation. Let the Catholic Chapels of the world rise from the Catacombs to the Cathedrals, as it rises from the place one takes ones parents to the place one takes ones friends. I plan to make known resources for both parishes and parishioners as I explore and and offer experiences of Catholic programs around the country. The one searching for Christ should not be given the extra burden of searching to find the Church Oratory. As the Father stood waiting for the prodigal son so should the Church stand, pointing the way and welcoming newcomers with an embrace.
The question - which group gets the most from the university experience? - can only be answered one way - those who are received into or return home to the Church - for they have found what they were seeking:the fullness of Truth.

A look ahead

Plans are in the works for the following


In the "Done Right" series I will discuss the successes and successes alone of Catholic programs around the country. The first two are the following universities:
St. Mary's at Texas A & M
Christ the King at LSU

There are three categories of universities: those with a Catholic foundation, those with a public foundation, those with a religious but non Catholic foundation. These will be discussed in detail however there will be a preceding post on the major differences, difficulties, and solutions.

Creative and appropriate methods of advertising will be discussed. Many programs are well planned but have low attendance; solutions will be discussed.

There are many resources available to and for University aged Catholics; these will be explored.

There are many good Catholic books however these can cost a pretty penny. A special post will be dedicated to building up a library and discussing certain books which are book group worthy.

Other topics include:

* Does your Church need a leadership team?
* The rights of the student
* The importance of Reconciliation and Exposition
* Fund raising
* Diocesan Involvement
* Preparing college students for adult life
* Catholic formation houses

I look forward to hearing your comments and would appreciate contributing writers.