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Longhorn Catholic
Vol. 4, Iss. 2 • May 2008 University Catholic Center
Ministry Team Director Fr. Dave Farnum, CSP ext. 14, [email protected] Associate Directors Fr. Ed Koharchik, CSP ext. 12, [email protected] Michelle Goodwin ext. 18, [email protected] Pastoral Staff Deacon John De La Garza, Jr. ext. 16, [email protected] Director of Development Amber Fogarty ext. 13, [email protected] Development & Communications Coordinator Vanessa Mena ext. 23, [email protected] Business Administrator Ruben Garza ext. 11, [email protected] Receptionist Beth Boren ext. 10, [email protected] Campus Ministry Interns Brandon Kraft ext. 17, [email protected] Chris Babb ext. 15, [email protected] Phone: 512.476.7351
Mass Schedule Sunday Mass 9 &11:30AM, 5 & 8PM
Daily Mass Mon, Wed, Fri: 12:05PM Tues, Thurs: 12:30PM
Touched by Hope in El Salvador On March 10, 2008, twenty-two students and three staff members from the UCC traveled to the Bajo Lempa River region of rural El Salvador with the Austin-based, non-profit Foundation for Self-Sufficiency in Central America (FSSCA). For one week, the delegates collaborated with a local grassroots organization to participate in house construction and solidarity work in agricultural, environmental and art projects. The students also engaged in cultural exchange, social justice education, and spiritual reflection. During the last days of their stay, they traveled to San Salvador to visit the home and chapel of martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero. Below, Marie Granado, a UT Senior majoring in Psychology, shares her personal experiences about the trip.
It has been three weeks since my experience with the Mission Trip to El Salvador. Everyday, the entire journey has played in my mind like a reel of short film clips. In a way, I am still there in those moments. I am still laughing at the most immature jokes. I am still sweating in the high humid Salvadorian heat. I am still crying over the vivid images my mind created when I heard the stories of survivors straight from their mouths and hearts. I find myself holding on to every moment of that one week because I fear that if I forget one memory today, I will lose it forever. That is how profound of an impact the Mission Trip has had on me. Though the entire trip was one remark-
able encounter with God, the most memorable moment for me was when we visited the University of Central America. There we had the privilege of listening to the story of former priest, Chencho. We all sat in the pews of the campus church after walking about and touring the Jesuit seminary and memorial. It was a humble church, though the decorations were anything short of simple. As we walked in to listen to Chencho’s story, drawings of the torture of the Salvadorian people, in representation of the Stations of the Cross, loomed above the entrance. We sat in silence as Chencho recalled his witness to Archbishop Oscar Romero. The encouraging story of Romero’s transformation and assassination was {continued on pg. 2}
Longhorn Catholic {continued from pg. 1}
A MESSAGE from the Director...
Fr. Dave Farnum, CSP
“You should have been there!” I’ve had this thought a lot over the past few months. Especially when I describe the 2008 Easter Vigil to folks.You should have seen the faces of those 8 UT students as they emerged soaking wet after being fully immersed in the baptismal font. They were simply glowing with the promise of new life in the Risen Christ.
I heard “You should have been there!” from our students who traveled to El Salvador over Spring Break. Coordinated through the Foundation for SelfSufficiency in Central America, our students’ Catholic faith expanded as they learned first-hand about building justice and peace through empowerment. This was a life-changing experience for the 22 students and 3 staff members as they walked in the footsteps of Archbishop Oscar Romero. The paschal mystery of Easter is reflected in these words spoken by Romero a few weeks before he was assassinated: “If God accepts the sacrifice of my life, may my death be for the freedom of my people ... A bishop will die, but the Church of God, which is the people, will never perish. If they kill me, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people.” Finally, “You should have been there” echoed from the overflowing Easter weekend Masses out at St. Paul the Apostle Chapel in Horseshoe Bay. The Catholic faith community welcomed Paulist Father Bob Scott back as pastor in grand style. To my knowledge, Father Bob is the oldest pastor in the Diocese of Austin (and perhaps in all the dioceses of Texas!), and without doubt, one of the most loved. You will find his updated contact information in this edition of Longhorn Catholic. May this season of resurrection bring renewed hope to you and yours.
Fr. Davehave d l u o h s You ! been there
UCC ity Ave. s r e v i n U 2010 8705 7 X T , Austin
filled with so much hope and strength. This strength, however, was no match for the most emotional moments that came when one of the missionaries asked about Chencho’s own experience with kidnapping and torture. I was so touched to see how Chencho was able to step back into those moments, though they happened many years ago, and still feel so much anguish. Enough even to cry. Naturally, I cried as well. As he wiped the tears from his eyes, I almost felt like I was suffering the same pain; it was in that moment that I first felt true solidarity. I am so grateful for that one week opportunity. It really changed my life, how I view the world, and how I want to live in it. I never expected to be so affected by the Salvadorian people, culture, and even the missionaries with which I shared all this. Looking back, I would not have changed a thing. I truly believe that this group of missionaries possessed a special bond that no other group could replicate. That bond only made each experience more memorable. Hopefully, that bond, along with the infinite hope and astounding strength of the Salvadorian people, will stay in my mind and influence every action as I go on to live in the world.
To read more of the missionaries experiences, or see a video from the trip, visit: www.utcatholic.org/news.php
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic Alumni Spotlight JP and Aida Regalado welcomed Emma Veronica Regalado into the family on April 6, 2008. JP graduated from UT in 1996 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and again in 2002 with a Master of Arts in Education Administration. Aida graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. Their three boys, John David, Sammy, and Carlos, are excited about their new baby sister. Victor Johnson and Carolyn Gebhard (‘00 B.S. and ‘03 J.D.) were married February 2, 2008, at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Dallas. While at UT, Carolyn participated in several Longhorn Awakenings and was a Lambda Little Sister. UCC alums Tommy Gebhard (‘03 BBA in Finance), Danny Gebhard (‘05 BBA in Finance), Jackie Moreno (‘00 BA in Psychology) and Jennifer Eblen were part of the wedding party. Carolyn & Victor are both Do you want to share your news with Longhorn Catholics? Send it to Vanessa Mena at [email protected]
Stewardship Corner
...offering gifts of time, talent & treasure
The UCC’s 2nd Annual Phonathon—February 7-27, 2008— resulted in almost $22,000 in pledges for the University Catholic Center. For 13 nights, UCC student volunteers called alumni, friends, and benefactors asking them to support Catholic campus ministry at UT—and support us they did! The statistics say it all (at right).
Total amount pledged: $21,811 Number of gifts: 241 Average gift: $90
A special thank you to UCC Staff Member, Brandon Kraft, who managed this year’s Phonathon, as well as Adam Henry, a Senior Mathematics major, who served as the Phonathon Student Manager for the second consecutive year. Without their hard work and dedication, this important fundraiser would not have been possible!
Number of student callers: 49
For those of you we did not reach on the telephone during the Phonathon, there are other opportunities to make a financial gift to the University Catholic Center. The easiest way is to return the envelope enclosed in this newsletter. If you prefer to make a contribution using a credit card, please visit our web site, http://www.utcatholic.org/development. php, and click on Donate Today at the top of the screen.
Student with the most call shifts: Saul Godinez (13)
Number of student hours on the phone: 156 Total calls completed: 1,093 Total calls attempted: 2,580
Student with the most gifts: Saul Godinez ($3,160) Student group with the most call shifts: Catholic Student Association
The UCC is grateful for each and every financial contribution. It takes approximately $2,000 per day to run this vibrant ministry, and your support makes it happen! Catholic Longhorn students rely on the University Catholic Center to be their “home away from home” during their college years. Thank you for believing in the mission of the University Catholic Center and for continually supporting us. If you’re interested in learning about monthly giving or would like to include the University Catholic Center in your will, please contact Amber Fogarty at 512-476-7351 x13 or [email protected].
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
• 100
th
A n n iversary
The University Catholic Center cordially invites you to celebrate a century of Catholic Campus Ministry at the
100th Anniversary Gala Saturday, November 1, 2008
5:00PM MASS Celebrated by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop Gregory Aymond FORMAL DINNER, FOLLOWING MASS AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center
TO PURCHASE TICKETS www.utcatholic.org/anniversary.php FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES / PURCHASE A TABLE Contact Amber Fogarty, (512) 476-7351 x13 or [email protected]
E ve n ts
UCC 100th Anniversary Picnic Gather with the University Catholic Center family of past and present in a casual environment on Sunday, November 2, 2008. Following a commemorative anniversary Mass at 10:30 am at the UCC, we will come together for a picnic at Zilker Park. It will be a time to share stories from the past and create new memories for the future. We hope to see you there! If you would like to be a part of this anniversary event, contact Vanessa Mena at vanessa@ utcatholic.org.
For more information , v i s i t w w w . u t c a t h o l i c . o rg / a n n i v e r s a r y . p hp
Pod casting Blending Mass & Technology
What’s a podcast? Think of it like a radio segment that you can listen to whenever and wherever you like. Were you really sick on Sunday and missed Mass? No longer in Austin and miss hearing Fr. Dave, Fr. Ed or Deacon John? With Homilies from the UCC, you can catch your favorite homilies at home, on the bus, while running on the trail and more. Why a podcast? Fr. Dave started the publishing trend at the UCC in October 2006. Since then, Deacon John and Fr. Ed have also joined the ranks of recorded preachers. The Paulist Fathers, the order that Fr. Ed and Fr. Dave belong to, promote that our Catholic truths can reach more people if we use the most modern technology. The Paulists were one of the first Catholic groups to use newspapers, radio, television, movie cinema and the Internet to spread the word of God. It was in this tradition that the UCC decided to begin podcasting. By podcasting, we are able to reach out to students directly, at a low cost and, most importantly, in their language. Do people listen? Yes! On average, each homily is downloaded over 200 times, and the 2007 Easter homily was downloaded more than 400 times. This year alone the UCC homilies have been downloaded over 5,000 times—this is a media that is constantly expanding.
On February 4, 2008, Father Bob Scott, CSP returned to Horseshoe Bay to serve as pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. As you may remember, Father Bob served as pastor there from 1995 to 1999. We will miss his energy, positive attitude, and warm smile that have shaped the UCC and its community for many years. We invite you to join with us in prayer and warm wishes as we say good luck to Father Bob as he heads on to his next Good Stop! Fr. Bob can now be reached at: (830) 598-8342 St. Paul the Apostle P.O. Box 8019 Horseshoe Bay,TX 78657 [email protected]
Fr. Bob Scott’s Next “Good Stop”
One of the great challenges—and great joys—in campus ministry is the need to be able to reach out to the students using the means that are popular to them. Between the cheetahlike speeds of technological advancement and the complete turnover of students every four or five years, we have to be ready to move forward in ministry using new forms of technology as soon as they emerge as the lingua franca of college students. Through these new technological means, we’re able to evangelize to campus in ways like never before. Listen to homilies and learn how to subscribe at http://www.utcatholic.org/blog/
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
RCIA
&THE UCC † OUR GROWING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY munion of the Catholic Church depends on their background, readiness, and preparation. For this reason, the UCC celebrates the full communion of candidates at various times throughout the year.
Since 2006, close to 70 adults have been a part of this process. Currently, the UCC has over twenty people involved in RCIA at different stages of their formation. Fr. Ed baptizes one of the eight elect at the Easter Vigil, March 22.
Increasing interest in religious formation programs has been a common theme around the Catholic Center. This year alone, the UCC saw a record number of forty students enroll in the adult confirmation program, and the marriage preparation workshop hit an all time high with thirty couples participating in the March 28-29 weekend.
Songs of joy echoed throughout the chapel during the Easter Vigil as eight catechumens celebrated their full initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) and three candidates made their profession of faith and were fully received into the Catholic Church (through Confirmation and Eucharist).
These numbers are just a small representation of the exciting growth and religious formation that continue to take place in the UCC community! (Top right) A few of the newly received—Travis Armes, Nicholas Chu and Juan Camarillo—pose for a photo with Fr. Ed after the Easter Vigil. (Below) Fr. Ed and the newly baptized proudly pose for a picture at the end of the Easter Vigil. (L-R, Back Row: Femi Olasupo, Adam Shendelman, Andre Hui, Fr. Ed, Aliya Baig; Front Row: Vivian Xue, Chi Elliott, Jaime Fink, Nancy Ngo)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process, under the loving guidance of Fr. Ed Koharchik, has been tailored to the unique setting of the UCC. Unlike many parishes that follow a nine-month fall to spring academic approach to RCIA, the UCC offers year-round catechumenate. This schedule is founded on the teachings of RCIA that recognize the need for gradual initiation of the catechumens within a faith community. This approach accommodates the varying spiritual journey of adults influenced by factors ranging from God’s grace to circumstances of time and place (RCIA, 4-5). With this structure, an adult seeking to become Catholic is welcomed into the process at the UCC whenever they express an interest. The process for a catechumenate, one seeking Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, varies from that of a candidate, a person who was already baptized in the Christian tradition. In accordance with National Statues for the Catechumenate set forth by the bishops, the process of a catechumenate extends for at least one year from the time the catechumen celebrates the rite of acceptance until their initiation at the Easter Vigil, and centers on the individual studying his or her initial faith, what conversion means, and committing to journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ. However, these same statutes outline that, for candidates that have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition, their welcome into the full com-
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Permit No. 311
2010 University Avenue Austin, TX 78705 512.476.7351
The University Catholic Center is off to serve again! On May 19, 2008, twenty students and four staff members will be traveling to Slidell, Louisiana for a six-day mission trip. During that time, these missionaries will be rebuilding houses to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please keep this group in your prayers as they spread the love of Christ and make a difference in the lives of folks in need!
See what’s inside!
University Catholic Center • Austin, Texas
RCIA
www.utcatholic.org El Salvador Spring Break
Vol. 4, Iss. 2 • May 2008 University Catholic Center
Ministry Team Director Fr. Dave Farnum, CSP ext. 14, [email protected] Associate Directors Fr. Ed Koharchik, CSP ext. 12, [email protected] Michelle Goodwin ext. 18, [email protected] Pastoral Staff Deacon John De La Garza, Jr. ext. 16, [email protected] Director of Development Amber Fogarty ext. 13, [email protected] Development & Communications Coordinator Vanessa Mena ext. 23, [email protected] Business Administrator Ruben Garza ext. 11, [email protected] Receptionist Beth Boren ext. 10, [email protected] Campus Ministry Interns Brandon Kraft ext. 17, [email protected] Chris Babb ext. 15, [email protected] Phone: 512.476.7351
Mass Schedule Sunday Mass 9 &11:30AM, 5 & 8PM
Daily Mass Mon, Wed, Fri: 12:05PM Tues, Thurs: 12:30PM
Touched by Hope in El Salvador On March 10, 2008, twenty-two students and three staff members from the UCC traveled to the Bajo Lempa River region of rural El Salvador with the Austin-based, non-profit Foundation for Self-Sufficiency in Central America (FSSCA). For one week, the delegates collaborated with a local grassroots organization to participate in house construction and solidarity work in agricultural, environmental and art projects. The students also engaged in cultural exchange, social justice education, and spiritual reflection. During the last days of their stay, they traveled to San Salvador to visit the home and chapel of martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero. Below, Marie Granado, a UT Senior majoring in Psychology, shares her personal experiences about the trip.
It has been three weeks since my experience with the Mission Trip to El Salvador. Everyday, the entire journey has played in my mind like a reel of short film clips. In a way, I am still there in those moments. I am still laughing at the most immature jokes. I am still sweating in the high humid Salvadorian heat. I am still crying over the vivid images my mind created when I heard the stories of survivors straight from their mouths and hearts. I find myself holding on to every moment of that one week because I fear that if I forget one memory today, I will lose it forever. That is how profound of an impact the Mission Trip has had on me. Though the entire trip was one remark-
able encounter with God, the most memorable moment for me was when we visited the University of Central America. There we had the privilege of listening to the story of former priest, Chencho. We all sat in the pews of the campus church after walking about and touring the Jesuit seminary and memorial. It was a humble church, though the decorations were anything short of simple. As we walked in to listen to Chencho’s story, drawings of the torture of the Salvadorian people, in representation of the Stations of the Cross, loomed above the entrance. We sat in silence as Chencho recalled his witness to Archbishop Oscar Romero. The encouraging story of Romero’s transformation and assassination was {continued on pg. 2}
Longhorn Catholic {continued from pg. 1}
A MESSAGE from the Director...
Fr. Dave Farnum, CSP
“You should have been there!” I’ve had this thought a lot over the past few months. Especially when I describe the 2008 Easter Vigil to folks.You should have seen the faces of those 8 UT students as they emerged soaking wet after being fully immersed in the baptismal font. They were simply glowing with the promise of new life in the Risen Christ.
I heard “You should have been there!” from our students who traveled to El Salvador over Spring Break. Coordinated through the Foundation for SelfSufficiency in Central America, our students’ Catholic faith expanded as they learned first-hand about building justice and peace through empowerment. This was a life-changing experience for the 22 students and 3 staff members as they walked in the footsteps of Archbishop Oscar Romero. The paschal mystery of Easter is reflected in these words spoken by Romero a few weeks before he was assassinated: “If God accepts the sacrifice of my life, may my death be for the freedom of my people ... A bishop will die, but the Church of God, which is the people, will never perish. If they kill me, I shall arise in the Salvadoran people.” Finally, “You should have been there” echoed from the overflowing Easter weekend Masses out at St. Paul the Apostle Chapel in Horseshoe Bay. The Catholic faith community welcomed Paulist Father Bob Scott back as pastor in grand style. To my knowledge, Father Bob is the oldest pastor in the Diocese of Austin (and perhaps in all the dioceses of Texas!), and without doubt, one of the most loved. You will find his updated contact information in this edition of Longhorn Catholic. May this season of resurrection bring renewed hope to you and yours.
Fr. Davehave d l u o h s You ! been there
UCC ity Ave. s r e v i n U 2010 8705 7 X T , Austin
filled with so much hope and strength. This strength, however, was no match for the most emotional moments that came when one of the missionaries asked about Chencho’s own experience with kidnapping and torture. I was so touched to see how Chencho was able to step back into those moments, though they happened many years ago, and still feel so much anguish. Enough even to cry. Naturally, I cried as well. As he wiped the tears from his eyes, I almost felt like I was suffering the same pain; it was in that moment that I first felt true solidarity. I am so grateful for that one week opportunity. It really changed my life, how I view the world, and how I want to live in it. I never expected to be so affected by the Salvadorian people, culture, and even the missionaries with which I shared all this. Looking back, I would not have changed a thing. I truly believe that this group of missionaries possessed a special bond that no other group could replicate. That bond only made each experience more memorable. Hopefully, that bond, along with the infinite hope and astounding strength of the Salvadorian people, will stay in my mind and influence every action as I go on to live in the world.
To read more of the missionaries experiences, or see a video from the trip, visit: www.utcatholic.org/news.php
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic Alumni Spotlight JP and Aida Regalado welcomed Emma Veronica Regalado into the family on April 6, 2008. JP graduated from UT in 1996 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and again in 2002 with a Master of Arts in Education Administration. Aida graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. Their three boys, John David, Sammy, and Carlos, are excited about their new baby sister. Victor Johnson and Carolyn Gebhard (‘00 B.S. and ‘03 J.D.) were married February 2, 2008, at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Dallas. While at UT, Carolyn participated in several Longhorn Awakenings and was a Lambda Little Sister. UCC alums Tommy Gebhard (‘03 BBA in Finance), Danny Gebhard (‘05 BBA in Finance), Jackie Moreno (‘00 BA in Psychology) and Jennifer Eblen were part of the wedding party. Carolyn & Victor are both Do you want to share your news with Longhorn Catholics? Send it to Vanessa Mena at [email protected]
Stewardship Corner
...offering gifts of time, talent & treasure
The UCC’s 2nd Annual Phonathon—February 7-27, 2008— resulted in almost $22,000 in pledges for the University Catholic Center. For 13 nights, UCC student volunteers called alumni, friends, and benefactors asking them to support Catholic campus ministry at UT—and support us they did! The statistics say it all (at right).
Total amount pledged: $21,811 Number of gifts: 241 Average gift: $90
A special thank you to UCC Staff Member, Brandon Kraft, who managed this year’s Phonathon, as well as Adam Henry, a Senior Mathematics major, who served as the Phonathon Student Manager for the second consecutive year. Without their hard work and dedication, this important fundraiser would not have been possible!
Number of student callers: 49
For those of you we did not reach on the telephone during the Phonathon, there are other opportunities to make a financial gift to the University Catholic Center. The easiest way is to return the envelope enclosed in this newsletter. If you prefer to make a contribution using a credit card, please visit our web site, http://www.utcatholic.org/development. php, and click on Donate Today at the top of the screen.
Student with the most call shifts: Saul Godinez (13)
Number of student hours on the phone: 156 Total calls completed: 1,093 Total calls attempted: 2,580
Student with the most gifts: Saul Godinez ($3,160) Student group with the most call shifts: Catholic Student Association
The UCC is grateful for each and every financial contribution. It takes approximately $2,000 per day to run this vibrant ministry, and your support makes it happen! Catholic Longhorn students rely on the University Catholic Center to be their “home away from home” during their college years. Thank you for believing in the mission of the University Catholic Center and for continually supporting us. If you’re interested in learning about monthly giving or would like to include the University Catholic Center in your will, please contact Amber Fogarty at 512-476-7351 x13 or [email protected].
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
• 100
th
A n n iversary
The University Catholic Center cordially invites you to celebrate a century of Catholic Campus Ministry at the
100th Anniversary Gala Saturday, November 1, 2008
5:00PM MASS Celebrated by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop Gregory Aymond FORMAL DINNER, FOLLOWING MASS AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center
TO PURCHASE TICKETS www.utcatholic.org/anniversary.php FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES / PURCHASE A TABLE Contact Amber Fogarty, (512) 476-7351 x13 or [email protected]
E ve n ts
UCC 100th Anniversary Picnic Gather with the University Catholic Center family of past and present in a casual environment on Sunday, November 2, 2008. Following a commemorative anniversary Mass at 10:30 am at the UCC, we will come together for a picnic at Zilker Park. It will be a time to share stories from the past and create new memories for the future. We hope to see you there! If you would like to be a part of this anniversary event, contact Vanessa Mena at vanessa@ utcatholic.org.
For more information , v i s i t w w w . u t c a t h o l i c . o rg / a n n i v e r s a r y . p hp
Pod casting Blending Mass & Technology
What’s a podcast? Think of it like a radio segment that you can listen to whenever and wherever you like. Were you really sick on Sunday and missed Mass? No longer in Austin and miss hearing Fr. Dave, Fr. Ed or Deacon John? With Homilies from the UCC, you can catch your favorite homilies at home, on the bus, while running on the trail and more. Why a podcast? Fr. Dave started the publishing trend at the UCC in October 2006. Since then, Deacon John and Fr. Ed have also joined the ranks of recorded preachers. The Paulist Fathers, the order that Fr. Ed and Fr. Dave belong to, promote that our Catholic truths can reach more people if we use the most modern technology. The Paulists were one of the first Catholic groups to use newspapers, radio, television, movie cinema and the Internet to spread the word of God. It was in this tradition that the UCC decided to begin podcasting. By podcasting, we are able to reach out to students directly, at a low cost and, most importantly, in their language. Do people listen? Yes! On average, each homily is downloaded over 200 times, and the 2007 Easter homily was downloaded more than 400 times. This year alone the UCC homilies have been downloaded over 5,000 times—this is a media that is constantly expanding.
On February 4, 2008, Father Bob Scott, CSP returned to Horseshoe Bay to serve as pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. As you may remember, Father Bob served as pastor there from 1995 to 1999. We will miss his energy, positive attitude, and warm smile that have shaped the UCC and its community for many years. We invite you to join with us in prayer and warm wishes as we say good luck to Father Bob as he heads on to his next Good Stop! Fr. Bob can now be reached at: (830) 598-8342 St. Paul the Apostle P.O. Box 8019 Horseshoe Bay,TX 78657 [email protected]
Fr. Bob Scott’s Next “Good Stop”
One of the great challenges—and great joys—in campus ministry is the need to be able to reach out to the students using the means that are popular to them. Between the cheetahlike speeds of technological advancement and the complete turnover of students every four or five years, we have to be ready to move forward in ministry using new forms of technology as soon as they emerge as the lingua franca of college students. Through these new technological means, we’re able to evangelize to campus in ways like never before. Listen to homilies and learn how to subscribe at http://www.utcatholic.org/blog/
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
RCIA
&THE UCC † OUR GROWING CATHOLIC COMMUNITY munion of the Catholic Church depends on their background, readiness, and preparation. For this reason, the UCC celebrates the full communion of candidates at various times throughout the year.
Since 2006, close to 70 adults have been a part of this process. Currently, the UCC has over twenty people involved in RCIA at different stages of their formation. Fr. Ed baptizes one of the eight elect at the Easter Vigil, March 22.
Increasing interest in religious formation programs has been a common theme around the Catholic Center. This year alone, the UCC saw a record number of forty students enroll in the adult confirmation program, and the marriage preparation workshop hit an all time high with thirty couples participating in the March 28-29 weekend.
Songs of joy echoed throughout the chapel during the Easter Vigil as eight catechumens celebrated their full initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) and three candidates made their profession of faith and were fully received into the Catholic Church (through Confirmation and Eucharist).
These numbers are just a small representation of the exciting growth and religious formation that continue to take place in the UCC community! (Top right) A few of the newly received—Travis Armes, Nicholas Chu and Juan Camarillo—pose for a photo with Fr. Ed after the Easter Vigil. (Below) Fr. Ed and the newly baptized proudly pose for a picture at the end of the Easter Vigil. (L-R, Back Row: Femi Olasupo, Adam Shendelman, Andre Hui, Fr. Ed, Aliya Baig; Front Row: Vivian Xue, Chi Elliott, Jaime Fink, Nancy Ngo)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process, under the loving guidance of Fr. Ed Koharchik, has been tailored to the unique setting of the UCC. Unlike many parishes that follow a nine-month fall to spring academic approach to RCIA, the UCC offers year-round catechumenate. This schedule is founded on the teachings of RCIA that recognize the need for gradual initiation of the catechumens within a faith community. This approach accommodates the varying spiritual journey of adults influenced by factors ranging from God’s grace to circumstances of time and place (RCIA, 4-5). With this structure, an adult seeking to become Catholic is welcomed into the process at the UCC whenever they express an interest. The process for a catechumenate, one seeking Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, varies from that of a candidate, a person who was already baptized in the Christian tradition. In accordance with National Statues for the Catechumenate set forth by the bishops, the process of a catechumenate extends for at least one year from the time the catechumen celebrates the rite of acceptance until their initiation at the Easter Vigil, and centers on the individual studying his or her initial faith, what conversion means, and committing to journey toward a deeper relationship with Christ. However, these same statutes outline that, for candidates that have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition, their welcome into the full com-
University Catholic Center
May 2008
Longhorn Catholic
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Permit No. 311
2010 University Avenue Austin, TX 78705 512.476.7351
The University Catholic Center is off to serve again! On May 19, 2008, twenty students and four staff members will be traveling to Slidell, Louisiana for a six-day mission trip. During that time, these missionaries will be rebuilding houses to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please keep this group in your prayers as they spread the love of Christ and make a difference in the lives of folks in need!
See what’s inside!
University Catholic Center • Austin, Texas
RCIA
www.utcatholic.org El Salvador Spring Break
