March 18, 2015

By Mike Lynskey
Contributing Writer

In high school I never even considered joining a Campus Ministry organization in college.  Since joining Newman Club at St. Lawrence University in the Fall of 2014, I have only regretted not joining the group sooner.

As a member of the academic community and a confirmed Catholic, I saw Newman Club as a mediator between my textbooks and my faith.  Is it wrong to believe in evolution? What qualifies as a sin? Is there a prayer I can say to help me with my studies?

Here is where I could finally ask any question that had been bothering me, without judgment.

Here is where I could not only be around a supportive group of people that consistently strives to uphold a moral standard, but also be a supportive member and help inspire others.

Just the feeling after attending the meetings and seeing the smiling faces of fellow Catholics creates an atmosphere that fosters internal peace and at the same time a renewed spark of faith.

The meetings open up topics for discussions that are sometimes controversial, unify students in the name of Christ, and apply our faith to related world events.  Campus ministry was the answer to my prayers; it was a place that allowed me to separate myself from the college atmosphere, reflect, and find Christ.  

Going into the first meeting, I had forgotten some of the more basic prayers and felt out of place. However, by the end of the first meeting, I felt at home.   The ministry greets newcomers with open arms. Within the first couple of weeks, I found myself carving pumpkins with newly made friends. Before I knew it, I was becoming considerably more comfortable. I participated in a Christmas trivia night, went on a Campus Ministry Retreat, started going to confession again, attended a taco dinner, and felt more at home in church every Sunday.  I am looking forward to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day trivia night so I can redeem myself after losing on Christmas trivia night. The end of the semester spring barbecue is always something to look forward too as well.     

As a student desiring to go into the field of medicine, some meetings are of particular interest. Just last week, the discussion on medical moral theology enlightened me about where Catholicism stands on controversial topics such as assisted suicide and euthanasia.  While attending a secular university, I sometimes am oblivious to the truths that the Catholic Church has to offer.  Campus ministry is a way to be reminded of those truths.  In pursuit of being a moral and faithful physician, going to the Newman Club meetings assists in my desire to have an unwavering conscience and be a well-rounded individual.  In our current society being a doctor is difficult, but being a member of Newman Club has given me the tools to go into the medical field and still be the Catholic that I aspire to be.

In today's world, following the Lord is not easy, especially during college years.   Campus Ministry is leading the way toward Christ, one prayer, one bible verse, and one member at a time.