Navigating a Hostile College Environment to Thrive as a Catholic

By: TreeFrogClick, Inc.
 
CLEVELAND - Aug. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- So many young people are hading off to college this fall, so I thought I'd give you some tips on staying Catholic there, and even discerning your vocation. Are the below questions your own?

1. How does one listen to God on campus amid all the noise?

It's not easy! It can be hard enough to stay firm in your Catholic faith in college, and even harder to discern a religious vocation amidst all the distractions. In fact, Bl. Mother Teresa said, "We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence." Distractions abound, and the quiet that is found in prayer is irreplaceable for anyone seeking God's will.

However, prayer should be an essential part of our life because it fulfills our desire to love and be loved, to talk and be heard. Talk to God about your day, remain in his presence for few moments before you go to bed. Give Him an opportunity to mold your heart. Find time to read Scripture for at least five minutes every day, attend Mass, and experience God's forgiving love in confession.

Do not forget to approach Our Lady. As you walk the campus, pray a decade of the Rosary or as you fall asleep, imagine that you place your head on her lap, and like a little child falls peacefully asleep on his mother's bosom, fall asleep on Mary's lap. Find a spiritual director. Sometimes it is hard to discern how God is working in our souls, and we need someone to help us be objective. Building the foundation of your spiritual life disposes your heart to better hear the call of God. 

2. How does a Catholic college student survive an environment that is often hostile to a moral and religious life?

The college scene provides challenges to our faith, but is also an opportunity for growth. You will sometimes face opposition for being Catholic once you graduate, so build a strong foundation now by learning why you believe what you do. "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you, to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander" (1 Peter 3:15-16 says).

It has been said that you are who you surround yourself with. Make your best effort to associate with friends of character and fellow Catholics. Many schools have Catholic centers and organizations, so take advantage of these.

3. What campus organizations or contacts are available?

Newman Centers and similar clubs are available, found mainly on non-Catholic campuses. These organizations minister to Catholic students and provide fellowship, community, and encourage spiritual growth. The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS)is present on campuses in thirty-one states, and their missionaries lead campus Bible studies and evangelization outreaches. Their campuses can be found at http://www.focus.org/on-campus/focus-campuses.html.

4. Should a student find a spiritual director? How does one find a good one at either a Catholic or secular college?

Any Catholic can benefit greatly from spiritual direction. Finding a good spiritual director is the trickier part! The first step is to talk with the priests at your school or a nearby parish. You may already have a good confessor in mind or you may ask the opinions of others in finding a qualified priest who is willing to work with you.

Four qualities should be present in your spiritual director. He should be educated in philosophy and theology, and have an understanding of both the call to holiness and of the obstacles that present themselves along the way. He should be prudent in offering practical suggestions. He should have experience in traveling on his own journey of holiness. Finally, he should be holy, setting an example of virtue.

Best wishes and God's blessings in finding your vocation! Know that we pray everyday for the children and youth, especially for those young people who are discerning God's will in their lives.

The work of our Sisters and charisms of our Order can be found on the Mercedarian Sisters' website. Photo albums on the site show some glimpses into our community life. Whether it is working in the kitchen, praying as a community at Mass, or teaching in the schools, we strive to live with the joy of Christ.

If you think you may be called to become a Mecedarian Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, take our simple Test Your Call survey at http://mercedariansisters.org/Formation/TestYourCall.aspx and receive a personal response.

Also, why not like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mercedarians.
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Source:TreeFrogClick, Inc.
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Tags:Catholic Church, College, Focus, Mercedarian, Vocations
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Location:Cleveland - Ohio - United States
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