David Stein
Mat Wenzel
ENC 2135
26 July 2019
Finding Christ in Tallynasty
Since I can remember the Catholic Church has been a huge part of my life. Attending a catholic elementary school from kindergarten to grade eight and then again for highschool, I was brought up in the faith. I would attend weekly mass and try to go to confession as much as possible. However with highschool coming to an end and the imminent stress of college I began to take time away from Church. I want to make certain that I do not let the distractions and school work in college lead me astray from Christ. Leaving behind Melbourne Florida to begin my collegiate journey at Florida State University in Tallahassee was daunting to say the least. With an onslaught of information relayed during orientation, becoming a college student was starting to feel real. Selecting classes, understanding campus policies, and navigating around the impossibly immense buildings were intimidating tasks. There were gyms, classrooms, restaurants, 3D printing hubs, libraries, and everything else one can imagine. However, there was something missing that I needed to find; that being a Catholic community. With the last day of orientation upon me, it was imperative that I found a group that represented the Cathoilic student body on campus. In this final day of orientation a small club fair was held; I began walking around hoping to find this desired community. About fifteen minutes in, I noticed a booth set up in the back left corner. It was the Catholic Student Union. This was when I knew that the CSU would be the community I would join in order to maintain an active faith while in college. Joining this community will grant me not only the chance to grow in faith, but to also create relationships with people of similar interests. Maintaining the Catholic lifestyle that I worked all my life to gain is a desire of mine and the CSU will help me to achieve this. The CSU is a new parish, a new family, and a new journey.
Cream walls, immense stain glass windows, and the smell of incense burning. This was my first experience entering this new Church. Oak pews cover the floor of the Church surrounding the altar. These pews are set up in three different sections; left, right, and in front of the altar. Each section has lights hanging which resemble lanterns. All of these feelings and sights brought a wave of tranquility over me as I entered. Glancing around again, my eyes peered up to the grandiose ceilings and followed it until they reached the front of the Church where a beautiful crucifix of Jesus was situated. Briefly after this view, I was greeted cordially by an usher who welcomed me to the parish. As soon as mass was underway I knew that the Catholic Student Union at the Co Cathedral of St. Thomas More Parish was the community that I would be joining for the next four years of my life as a Nole.
Noticing the people around me during mass was inevitable. I was looking curiously guessing who was a student at Florida State University. Then I noticed a group of people who looked to be around my age. I realized that they must have been the Catholic Student Union (CSU) who I had previously met at orientation. As mass came to an end I went over and introduced myself to them. They immediately welcomed me as if I had always apart of the parish. In meeting these people I exchanged my email with Michael Lopez, a four year, active member of the CSU. He was extremely friendly and discussed the many events and opportunities that this community presents. He asked why I was interested in joining and I explained to him my religious background and how I wanted to keep the faith between Christ and myself secure. I also mentioned that staying in contact with the Catholic Church was an important factor in college because I have plans to continue my faith in the future. He was thrilled to hear this and explained that this was the perfect place to fulfill this.
Following this mass, I scheduled an interview and asked him many questions that were prevalent to this community. I began by asking him questions about the CSU from his favorite activities to favorite memories. “There's a lot we do in the CSU, but my favorite thing to do is men's group on Thursday nights. There is a religious talk that breaks down into smaller groups where each member gets to know each other better” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019). He described to me how each member feels welcomed and heard. Other on campus activities that he described included tossing around the frisbey or football on Landis Green at various times throughout the week. Michael also discussed the benefits of entering into this community. “Joining the CSU gave me basically all my friends. Coming into FSU I only knew my cousin. The CSU was a great place to make friends; they were open and easy to talk to” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019). This led me to my next question “how large is the CSU?” Michael responded, “Hundreds. We are probably the greatest religious community on campus” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019). The fact that the CSU is so large also has its perks. This amount of people means an increased chance to meet new people: this is one of my goals in joining the CSU. Following this question I asked him about events within the CSU. “As for big events there are river trips and retreats in which all members are welcome. Tubing trips take place at various times throughout the summer” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019). The CSU went to the Ichetucknee River for tubing and gospel. Basically there are formal and informal events that happen weekly; larger events happen generally bi-monthly. One of his favorite events was a retreat. “Once a semester we have a retreat with no technology; it’s a place called Camp Cherry Lake. Adoration, small prayer, and confession are the main events on Saturday night” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019). This is just one of the numerous places that the CSU takes the members. Holidays are also a great time to enjoy what this community has to offer. For example on this past Fourth of July the CSU met at St. Thomas More and carpooled to the springs together. At the springs they celebrated with barbeque and other food. Even though these events are exciting they are not the reason for my joining. I discussed with Michael the many distractions college can present how I am glad that this community will be a place where I feel grounded and connected to something larger than myself. A group of people, such as the CSU, who share common core values will be a splendid group to achieve these hopes. Since this first meeting with Michael, I have returned to this parish every weekend to grow in this community.
The ability to join the CSU, and any other religious club at Florida State, relates to the Catholicism idea of freedom. Religious freedom within each individual is a crucial part of what the Catholic Church preaches. Regardless of what religion one desires to join, the Church claims that when the goal is global peace and unity it does not matter the group. The belief exists that if this freedom to choose religion is present for all people, a possible hate free society will form. (O’Mahony). The CSU highlights this idea in their teachings and retreats. Inclusion of all is a gigantic part of how this community is defined. Regardless of background the CSU welcomes anyone who has an active interest in growing in the faith.
This freedom can also hurt college students as well. When attending any college choices are presented. It is in these choices that individuals can either make or break their future. Night clubs, money, sex, and drugs can lead students down a path that is often times hard to get out of. The goal of religion in one’s college life is to show a life with fun, yet in a respectful and appropriate amount. Catholic culture is not about just being faithful to God. It promotes a positive way of living where peace and love are two attributes placed above all else. However, it is clear that many students mean well yet lack the knowledge to join communities or extra curricular activities that lead to eternal peace (Ackerson). The CSU is a great example of one of these groups. From mass to retreats, the CSU takes time to sit back and enjoy the points in life that really matter. A great working text in this community are the readings that are presented at each meeting and or gathering.
Each gathering for the CSU starts off with prayer. During this time there are three stages of reflective prayer. The first is group time. In this, everyone who has attended the meeting will listen to someone speak; this varies from members, priests, or other religious figures. These talks are usually similar to a homily in mass and discuss anything from life in college to being stewards of God. Following this, everyone breaks up into smaller groups of usually about five or six. In these smaller groups, we discuss the difficulties of daily lives and how to overcome these challenges. These are often times helpful to people in the group because they offer real advice from people in the same part of life as them. It is also a great way to get to know the members of the CSU on a more personal level instead of just having a giant gathering. From here we break into individual group meditation. This is the time where you read the notes from meeting and reflect on how you can implement it into your own life. This is the working text within my community. Discussing different points about God and then placing them into each individuals life can be a great way for people to understand the work of the CSU. At other meetings, members of the CSU are invited to come up and speak about hardships in their daily lives. From this other members give advice as to what they would do along with support for the individual. To wrap up some of the meetings, song and worship is performed. In this, members sing songs that relay the message that was heard in the meeting. All of these actions done over the course of each meeting are a crucial part of what the CSU is trying to accomplish. From large discussion, to private conversations, the CSU has forms of praise and aid for all members.
The beauty of the CSU’s working text is that it can be interpreted by all in a different light. Two people might be having their own different personal problems in life and hear the same scripture reading. Even though these issues are different, they can have individual effects that apply to each person directly. Regardless of the situation, God’s message to all is to promote unity and peace within one’s life. It is in the interpretations of these that makes each working text unique and helpful (Tarrech). Relaying this essential message is what is done at all gatherings within the CSU. Taking this information and applying it directly to life is how teaching is done. With any luck, the person who was influenced by the reading or message will take it and share it with someone else. These working tests are a huge part of what the CSU does. Essentially they take these messages, which is the true essence of the CSU, and make it entertaining for the members through various activities. As Michael said, “The CSU is a group of people who want to have fun and learn about Christ. They take it a level deeper than they would have in high school. People in this community already have a faith and want to deepen it” (Lopez, Michael. Personal Interview. 17 Jul 2019).
One specific genre that is extremely important in the Catholic Church and the CSU is obituaries. In the Co Cathedral of St. Thomas More Parish and the majority of Churches in the world one will find statues or rembrandts of prior important people in the Catholic faith. These people are known as saints. Their lives are followed and worshiped by many. Each holds their own important memories associated with their lives. Each has their own obituary that highlights how they lived and how they became a saint. It is through the pasts of these people that we understand and grow in the faith. Without these people, the Church would not be the same. This genre is so important that it is a giant part of what the Church is comprised of. In fact when a member of the Church is confirmed, you chose a saint to guide and protect you. This is a symbol that allows for a true connection to be made between an individual and the Church. Saints obituaries remind us all of how honorable and prestigious these people were. They provide a constant reminded that when you live a truly hoy life, the Church will eternally honor you forever in the form of a saint. This genre can be found in almost all Churches on the walls or on tapestries. It can also be found within readings and scriptures that are present in the CSU. The CSU also discusses their importance during discussion and small talks. Michael Lopez told me that each person chooses a saint at their time at FSU that they think embodies them.
Within organizations such as the CSU, students are often times caught up with their day to day lives. This can result in members becoming disinterested or even bored with the community. This is where Matt Zerrusen, the founder of The Newman Connection, comes into play. The Newman Connection focuses on connecting college students to the message of God all while keeping them interested and connected. Often times students lose sight of what they did in high school such as attend Church; this outreach is designed to avoid this. Reaching out to the students before they are hit with the struggles and courses of college, is crucial in recruiting students for catholic communities. This means communicating with incoming freshman while they are still in high school. Zerrusen claims that if they can get students interested in the ministries that are presented to them on campus, they have a much higher chance of actually participating in these communities along with attending Church (Beale). The CSU is one of these many ministries that hopes to grow the faith within each member. Finding exciting ways to communicate God’s message to incoming students is key as well. Ventures such as retreats and trips to rivers for a terrific day of tubing are ways that students can connect all while basking in the presence of God. This brings together the world of God and friends.
Undertaking adventures and explorations are wonderful ways to have excitement in the faith, however preaching the message of God, regardless of others' criticism, is a key in growing in the Catholic faith. John Howard Yoder, a theologian in the Catholic faith, promoted the peace within the Church. He claimed that hostility would be prevalent in his daily life. He knew this and yet he still preached. He spread the message that all people should have a specific way of living that related to God (Nikolajsen). While the CSU is not this strict, they do promote the spreading of God’s message. Inviting a friend to tag along to a meeting or gathering is one way in which God’s word is relayed. Yoder also believed that the word of God was so pure that his stories should be told over and over again; all people should know how powerful his work was (Nikolajsen).
In order to spread the word of God, one person must deliver the information to another. Before the internet this was done verbally, however as time changes, the Cathiolic Church has adapted and so has its branches. The CSU has another working text in the form of a website. This site gives a splendid overview of the work and objectives of the CSU. It gives updates on community work, weekly activities, and larger events. It also provides new students with the chance to see how the members of the CSU live their lives with this organization; this is done in the form of multiple videos that highlight the worthy moments in the group. It contains an alumni section and a new student section. Each with the goal of spreading the faith and the community. The website is a great tool for interested students and reminders on upcoming events (Catholic Student Union).
Leaving my parish at home meant deciding what to do with my faith. I was nervous as to how I was going to continue my journey in Christ while still having time to focus on school and have a social life. This confusion made the answer unclear and honestly a little stressful. Then, at orientation, I found the Catholic Student Union. Luckily for me, the CSU will be a terrific place to strengthen my faith whilst getting to know people in the community. Understanding that the CSU is a community that gives each member time to themselves was crucial in my decision to join the community. Seeing people such as Michael Lopez gave me a much greater comprehension of how the community worked. Through the CSU I plan to meet many inspiring people who will relay the message of God in a way that is exciting and adventurous. The CSU combines the daily life of a college student with that of someone who truly care about their faith into one. The concern about my faith will be suppressed as I continue to meet new people in the faith and keep Christ as a main focus. The Catholic Student Union is a true blessing and will continue to show me how one can attend college while still remaining in the faith.
Works Cited
O’Mahony, David. “Religious Freedom: The Catholic Approach.” Ecclesiastical Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 41–49. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1017/S0956618X16001083.
Ackerson, Betsy V. “The Influence of Catholic Culture Type on the Spiritual Lives of College Students.” Journal of Catholic Education, vol. 21, no. 2, June 2018, pp. 133–163. EBSCOhost, doi:10.15365/joce.2102062018.
TÀRRECH, ARMAND PUIG I. “Interpreting the Scripture from a Catholic Point of View.” Sacra Scripta, vol. 15, no. 1/2, Jan. 2017, pp. 30–50. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=130035383&site=ehost-live.
Nikolajsen, Jeppe Bach. “The Formative Power of Scripture. The Church as a Hermeneutical Community.” European Journal of Theology, vol. 27, no. 2, Oct. 2018, pp. 130 138. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=132716563&site=ehost-live.
“Catholic Student Union.” Catholic Student Union, www.fsucatholic.org/.
Beale, Stephen. “College Students' Lifeline to Faith.” National Catholic Register, www.ncregister.com/daily-news/college-students-lifeline-to-faith.
Annotated Bibliography
MILLER, MAUREEN C. “Introduction: Material Culture and Catholic History.” Catholic Historical Review, vol. 101, Jan. 2015, pp. 1–17. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1353/cat.2015.0031.
Catholics have a centrally rooted belief in the sanctity of objects. This can vary from the bread and wine of Christ, which can be received at every mass, to the tabernacle. These are symbols that have been prevalent since early Gospels. Objects that held religious meanings in Christianity began to grow as the Church advanced into the Protestant Reformation. Churches became decorated with ornate objects that began to correlate with status and power. Some of these objects even had jewels and other rich elements to them. Traces of these objects can be drawn back to early times of the Catholic faith. Religious artifacts, and in some cases bodies, can be passed along throughout generations and preserved by different communities. Religious artifacts each hold a deeper meaning than what means the surface; they show an insight into the lives of the people that surround each object. The Catholic faith is defined by religious symbols which are clearly presented in the celebration of the Church. The foundation of the Catholics Churches beliefs is based on sacred objects such as the crucifix; this is a sign to all followers.
O’Mahony, David. “Religious Freedom: The Catholic Approach.” Ecclesiastical Law Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, Jan. 2017, pp. 41–49. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1017/S0956618X16001083.
In the Catholic Church, religious freedom is a massive part of the faith. The Church claims that every man should have the right to select their own groups and beliefs. This includes starting, joining, and attending religious classes. It is more than this, however. The right to have religious freedom lies within one's surroundings. Outside influences have a great impact on one's decision to be a part of a certain group. Regardless of the influences the choice must be made under no major threats. The individual must willingly accept God in their life and act in accordance with his will. In more up to date statements, the Catholic Church advocates against extremists and condemns this type of lifestyle. The goal of religious freedom within the Catholic Church is to promote the unity of peace across the world. If all people have religious freedom, extremists would not be partaking in violent acts on behalf of their beliefs. The Catholic Church upholds the idea that this freedom can create a society free from hatred or distrust amongst cultures.
Ackerson, Betsy V. “The Influence of Catholic Culture Type on the Spiritual Lives of College Students.” Journal of Catholic Education, vol. 21, no. 2, June 2018, pp. 133–163. EBSCOhost, doi:10.15365/joce.2102062018.
Religion, in the United States, is a belief that is held by many. It is a moral code that many people hold dear to their hearts. However, the Catholic Church faces a problem. The possibility of losing students as parishioners and advocates of mass. This is where the Catholic culture influences the students. This culture can show the students a spiritual side that would otherwise be left out of their academic experiences. This is taught through a variety of Catholic clubs, organizations, meetings, events, and other after school ventures. These practices strengthen faith and a more generous view on society. They are the building blocks on which one's religious identity is formed. The influence of Catholic culture in college also to help create meaning in an individual's life. This influence is mostly to lead students on a correct path in life. Regardless of their religious decisions, although active participation in the Catholic Church is highly recommended, the goal of this culture is to grow the individual in a spiritually way which will hopefully lead to eternal bliss.
TÀRRECH, ARMAND PUIG I. “Interpreting the Scripture from a Catholic Point of View.” Sacra Scripta, vol. 15, no. 1/2, Jan. 2017, pp. 30–50. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=130035383&site=ehost-live.
Biblical readings are communicated in a plethora of ways. Each of these readings and or scriptures have different meanings hidden within; metaphors, similes, and analogies are a few. These meanings are often hard to decipher and understand. However, one point is clear. Eternal bliss with Jesus Christ is the end goal. It is in Catholic tradition and faith that one believes that Christ will be at the waiting for us in heaven. Regardless, Christ wants people to reexamine and interpret the scriptures in their own way to make it known to all. The main interpretations all result in the same general message; respect and honor God with all your heart, mind, and soul as well as love one’s neighbor. Translating the scripture into ways that current society can understand is also prevalent in the deciphering of the testaments. Preaching to all at youth groups, large crowds, and Mass all are ways of interpreting God’s essential message. No way is truly the right way because God planned for scripture to be determined in many ways.
Nikolajsen, Jeppe Bach. “The Formative Power of Scripture. The Church as a Hermeneutical Community.” European Journal of Theology, vol. 27, no. 2, Oct. 2018, pp. 130 138. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=132716563&site=ehost-live.
Hermeneutics is the understanding and translating of work; this is specifically applied to religious scriptures. This facilitates the communication of the meanings that are in the bible. John Howard Yoder, a defender of Catholic pacifism, was a theologian who helped to promote the importance of peace within the Church. Essentially, he knew that the Church would receive hostility and rejection from many yet, he continued to profess how the word of God must be spoken. God’s work is so powerful that one must retell the same story to make known to all his great historical achievements. Stressing the importance of spreading the gospels and bibles teachings through one's interpretation is also a key part of Yoder’s beliefs. The Church, and its followers, live a life that should resemble that of God. Each person should have a holy way of viewing society and all around them. Scriptures and the Church are very tightly correlated. This means that in Church and other religious settings, the spread of scripture is sharing Christ’s thoughts with all.
“Catholic Student Union.” Catholic Student Union, www.fsucatholic.org/.
The Catholic Student Union (CSU) at Florida State University encourages the growing in faith through community activities on and around the Florida State campus. Keeping the faith alive in college is an active goal of this organization. Promoting Christ with weekly scripture readings, bonding activities, and retreats is how the CSU keeps students active in the religious community. There are also private communities for women and men; these groups mostly meet together however, there are different undertakings for both genders. The outreach program in this extends to all students who are interested in fortifying their faith; the CSU has multiple social media platforms that spread the news about their community. The CSU also takes trips to places for specific events such as the March for Life in Washington D.C. After time at Florida State, there is also an alumni base that has an annual retreat. The goal of this is to stay connected to the CSU long after one’s graduation from FSU.
Beale, Stephen. “College Students' Lifeline to Faith.” National Catholic Register, www.ncregister.com/daily-news/college-students-lifeline-to-faith.
Keeping student interested in the Catholic faith in their collegiate years is a common challenge in the Church. Matt Zerrusen, the founder of The Newman Connection, is a researcher in brainstorming ideas about outreach projects and connecting faith to college students. Finding ways to communicate with students before they are bombarded with the pressure of school work and other extracurricular activities is key in this program. Getting incoming Catholic freshman students interested in on campus ministries is crucial to their participation in the Catholic Church. Taking the first step to get someone interested in these programs allow for a possible real connection. Many Catholic students come to college and do not attend mass. Out of these students that attend mass a little more than half are active in the campus religious groups. These are the students who come from a catholic background already. Their faith is strong and is ready to be taken to the next level.
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