Students offer perspectives on campus group that shares faith, history, practices and tradition
By Vinci Halbrook-Paterson
This year marks my 29th year of being involved with people preparing for Baptism into the Catholic Church. When I was a freshman in college, the pastor at my home parish asked if I could sponsor a young woman my age who wanted to become Catholic.
I began attending the weekly RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) and although I was raised Catholic and attended 12 years of Catholic school, these sessions were different. These were people who wanted to be there, sharing their faith, and learning about our history, doctrine, traditions and practices.
That year I decided that I wanted to work with adults in a program like this. I began to make preparations to transfer to UP and get a theology degree.
Every year since then, I have had some roll in this process: Team member, sponsor, presenter, discussion leader, retreat team and coordinator. I have journied with over 200 folks, from age 12 to 86.
Every year it is unique. Each participant comes with their own faith story and perspective. Their inquiry, dedication, questions and determination challenge me to grow in faith and integrity.
This year we have eight students in the Initiation process. Five are preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. The other three are already Baptized in Christ. They will make a profession of faith and be confirmed and receive First Communion.
Here are a few of their Reflections. I asked each of them what made them interested in the Catholic Faith, and where they find support and challenge.
Senior Christina Shelton wrote, "I think for me, my curiosity stemmed from the friends I have here at UP, which led to a general interest in the Catholic faith. Going to mass, retreats, and P&F really made me want to learn more about the Catholic faith, which is why I joined RCIA.
"I have found support in going to mass (both Sunday mass at Chapel of Christ the Teacher, and Villa Hall Mass), retreats (both as a retreatant and team member), P&F, personal prayer and reflection, and friends."
Another participant is freshman Hannah Hoffarth. She says: "I grew up in an interesting situation. My dad was religious but my mom was not very religious. So when they got divorced when I was really young, I had been exposed to the religion through my dad, but I lived with my mom in a nonreligious household.
"I've always felt a connection to the idea of faith in God and although I didn't attend church I still tried to live my live as I thought a Christian should. When I became older I had Catholic friends and I started attending church with them and it just felt that that was the right place for me to be.
"I started working in Sunday school classrooms and those kids just brought out a new part of me. So I have been attending mass each week for a little while now and I just really want to become an official part of the church."
In terms of her support, she goes on to say, "My biggest support comes from my family and friends. My dad and step mom have always been my spiritual supporters. They are there for anything I may need and show me through their daily actions what it means to live for God.
"Also my boyfriend is one of the most saint-like people I know. Despite his rough home life and other issues he still carries on with a positive attitude and his faith in God. He knows that this all must be occurring for a reason and I admire his strength so much.
"My biggest challenge is the fact that in my house there is not religion present, but I still have the support of my mom for doing RCIA, which I feel is a great help."
And here is another, sophomore Sarah Moran: "I went to a Jesuit high school which was where I was first introduced to Catholicism and where I became seriously interested in it. Both classes I took during high school and people I have met have contributed to my interest in Catholicism.
"I find support in my faith mostly in going to Mass and from my close friends, especially my roommate. I would say the biggest challenges come from family but the on-campus community is certainly enough to out-weigh any challenges I might face regarding my faith and my decision to be baptized."
Sophomore Miranda Rickert had this to say: "I was interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith from going to Mass with some of my Catholic friends and really enjoying it.
"I'm supported by friends and Mass, but I find it hard to find time for prayer and to learn more about Catholicism because I've never really attended church before or been spiritual. It's a lot to take on at once!"
The University of Portland is a special place. At our first RCIA session I ask each participant about people that are/were a light to them in their journey of faith.
Many of the answers include YOU: Roommates, bible studies, RA's, Faculty and staff, Hall Mass invitations, FISH, conversations inside and outside of class. The UP community calls, nourishes, supports and challenges all of its members in diverse ways. UP becomes home to all of us. And some of us also find a spiritual home.
Vinci Halbrook-Paterson works for Campus Ministry
