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"The community at the Catholic Center at the University of Vermont became a monumental aspect of my discernment experience. Members of this thriving Catholic community have radiated the faith in so many ways, and in turn, have inspired others to want this spiritual gift. It was in this setting that I discovered the beauty of the Sacramental nature of the Church and the rich history of the Catholic tradition. The community encouraged me to live my faith every moment of every day and to foster a prayerful foundation on which to grow. Without this environment I am almost certain that I would not have been able to respond with such confidence to God’s call to begin seminary studies."
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DAN
Class of 2011 |
dan
class of 2010 |
"The Catholic Center is that rock that students can hold fast to while trying to navigate the insanity that often characterizes UVM, as it was for me. If one does not see the need to entrust one’s life to God through Holy Mother Church while a student, it is unlikely that such an individual will see the need for the Church as a young professional, married person, or retiree. Students, clergy, and staff of the Catholic Center alike know this and do everything in their power to help students not eschew their faith at such a critical time in their lives. The formula is simple and time tested; students at the Catholic Center are entreated to form a habit of frequenting the sacraments, of cultivating a steady prayer life and devotion to our Blessed Mother and the Saints, and developing in discipline to avoid those near, and very real occasions of sin, especially those prevalent on University campuses. In this way students are better prepared to re-enter a world where the Church is at best treated with indifference and more often hostilely opposed. In all this I have been an unworthy recipient. It is thanks to God’s work at the Catholic Center that I emerged from University as joyful Catholic. I would have been another soul lost at the hands of the academy without them! I am currently a graduate student studying plant systematics at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in the greater Los Angeles area and I know that, thanks to the Catholic Center, I have entered the world with the proper tools to grow in holiness as I move on to the next phase of my life."
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"The Catholic Center was a second home to me. It was a place I could go on campus and just be myself and not worry about what other people thought. It gave me some of the best friends ever and was able to teach me many lessons about how to live my life and be the best I can be. The Catholic Center helped me to know that I am not alone in my Catholic faith and that my faith can get me through anything. It was also a great place for quiet studying and just having fun with friends. It was not just a place for Sundays it was a place for everyday!
I am now an Oncology Nurse and give people chemotherapy every day and my time at the Catholic Center definitely gave me many of the interpersonal tools that I need to deal with situations in life and at work. I still keep in touch with many of the people from my days at the Catholic Center and know that we are always there for each other. I am so grateful to the Catholic Center for helping shape the person I am today!" |
emily
Class of 2008 |
peter and wally perkins
class of 1954 and 1957 |
"In 1953 when Peter enrolled at UVM, there was no Newman Center. He and other Catholic students attended Mass at the chapel on the first floor of what was then the DeGoesbriand Chapel. It was a very convenient location to stop in for visits, prayer and reflection. Wally, who had returned to UVM for graduate school in 1956, was in the process of becoming Catholic after being raised in a Quaker and Methodist background. She met Peter at the fall Newman Club dance and were later married. After a busy life of teaching and raising a family of five children, three of whom are adopted, they returned to Vermont for retirement and became active in volunteer work. Both of them are amazed at how the Newman club of the 50’s has evolved into the Catholic Center of today. “It’s physical presence is so beautiful and the availability of so much spiritual and personal support for the students is such an improvement over our day.”
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