THE GOOD WORD

December 2021

Dear Alumni, parents, and friends,The fall semester has ended, and I'm happy to share with you some of the events from the past few months. Having had an eventful semester, I look back with much appreciation for the Catholic Center students who make the community come alive every day. To see the students pray, study, and the way they live their friendships is really beautiful. They are really striving to grow in their faith and in life. I especially love seeing their joy after Mass, and hearing the questions they ask from their Bible Studies and their lives in general. To see this place as something that allows people to live life with greater awareness and intensity is powerful. I see how the CC is such a gift for them. It's a big deal for me to walk with students as they grow in their Catholic Faith. This semester brought events new and old. We had a beautiful community retreat which lead to more than 50 students in attendance. Our community events were plentiful, and the population of freshman and sophomore students is growing, which makes me hopeful that we will continue thriving in community life in years to come. There is so much to thank God for amidst the chaos that is around us. I'm grateful that I get to serve and walk with the students in this time of their lives, to see the way they encounter beauty, and grow in discipleship with one another. Thanks to all of you who support us, and for those who participated in our IGiveCatholic campaign. We raised enough money to replace our floors, and I'm excited to share an update with you once that's complete in the new year! I'm grateful for your loyal support of the Catholic Center. Truly, thank you for the many ways you think of and support us. I pray that this last week of Advent is a time of drawing near to our Lord for you. O come, let us adore Him! Know of my prayers for you and your families.Sincerely, Fr. Branson HippChaplain

Flag Football Champions!

The Catholic Center co-rec flag football team led an undefeated season, beating all fraternity, sorority, and other co-rec league teams on campus. They competed in the championship game against SAE/ADPI and won by a landslide! They were cheered on and supported by loyal fans near and far. The team victory was led by Liam Byrne ME '21(offense captain) and Connor Sweeney CE '21 (defense captain).

Community Retreat

The Catholic Center hosted a community-wide retreat with great success. The retreat was a splendid time of fellowship, prayer, singing, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. We all were able to step away from the demands of school for a short time to get back to our roots and discover again the joys of simple living. Thanks to the help of our FOCUS missionaries, Chaplains, retreat coordinators, small group leaders, and Hidden Lake staff, we were able to step fully into a weekend of formation, rejuvenation, and fun! -Maddie McDonald BME '22

The Holy Family Has Entered the Building

Last month, we received our 7-foot statues of Mary and Joseph from an artist in Peru. We had been anticipating their arrival for quite some time and consider it timely that they arrived before the year of St. Joseph ended. They have been blessed and placed in our chapel. We are praising God that they arrived in good condition!

Fall Formal

The Catholic Center hosted its first Fall Formal as a community-wide event. The dance was hosted off campus at Holy Spirit, which allowed for more dancing space. The turn out was better than expected--over 100 students danced the night away!

Introducing...

We're thrilled to announce our NEW Lackey, Matthew Artall! Matthew is originally from south central Louisiana, Archdiocese of Lafayette. He currently studies Mechanical engineering and is excited to take on the role of the new Lackey. Matthew loves serving God, his friends, and the homeless. He currently enjoys swing dancing, cooking wood working, and learning about space and rocketry.

Consider supporting the Catholic Center

There are multiple ways you can make a big impact on the Catholic Center before the year ends. Everything you see in this newsletter is made possible because of the generosity of donors. You make all the difference in the day and the life of the CC. We appreciate your faithful support!

Our Fedaral Tax ID number is 45-3659617

How can we pray for you?

If you would like for us to offer a Mass for a loved one or special intention please feel free to use this link to submit your request. You will be contacted once the Mass is scheduled with the specific date and time.