I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
St. Thomas More Newman Center The Roman Catholic Campus Ministry for The Ohio State University
Cardinal Newman
64 West Lane Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43201-1098 phone: (614) 291-4674 • fax: (614) 291-2065 mailbox@buckeyecatholic.com www.BuckeyeCatholic.com Winter 2021
CATHOLIC A publication for members and friends of the Newman Center at The Ohio State University
“I LONG TO SEE YOU SO THAT I MAY IMPART TO YOU SOME SPIRITUAL GIFT TO MAKE YOU STRONG—THAT IS, THAT YOU AND I MAY BE MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED BY EACH OTHER’S FAITH.” —Romans 1:11-12 Many students don’t feel strong enough in their faith to share it with people outside of the Catholic Church. That was the case for third-year student Annie O’Friel before coming to Ohio State. “I didn’t feel confident enough in my faith to have the courage to be open about it with people outside the Catholic community.” But, through her involvement with the Newman Center and St. Paul’s Outreach (SPO), she is now the president of the Buckeye Catholic (BCAT) student organization, she speaks to students about the faith and why it is important, and she organizes opportunities for students to grow in their faith every week. Annie O ’ Fr iel s t ar te d g et tin g involved at the Newman Center the first opportunity she could—the student involvement fair her freshman year. Drawn to the Newman Center’s booth through the giant “Catholic” banner on the Oval, she met people who invited
Annie (left) with other Buckeye Catholics at the Newman Center for Mass pre-pandemic
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her to Catholic Rush Week events and became her close friends. From that moment on, she became involved with Buckeye Catholic Student Nights, Buckeye Awakening retreats, and playing cello for the music ministry. At the end of her freshman year, a member of the BCAT executive board suggested she apply for the position of BCAT treasurer. Much to her surprise and delight, she was offered the position. “Someone reaching out to tell me I should apply got my confidence up,” she says. ”It showed me that not only did I have a place in the community and at the Newman Center, but also that people cared about me and took notice of me to think I had the ability to take on a leadership role.” This year Annie serves as the president of BCAT, a position that keeps her heavily involved with the Catholic community at Ohio State, as well as with students who join virtually from other schools and those who watch the recorded talks on YouTube. During the pandemic BCAT has been moved to an all-virtual format, but that doesn’t stop Annie and the rest of the BCAT team from providing students with presentations that enrich their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, praise and worship music, and opportunities for building connections and fellowship through small group discussions. Through friends she made at the Newman Center, Annie was introduced to St. Paul’s Outreach, where she became involved in a dormhold and household. “Without Newman and SPO,” Annie says “my relationship with the Father wouldn’t be where it is now.” Through the people,
Annie O’Friel, President of Buckeye Catholic (BCAT) Student Organization
the programs, and the retreats at the Newman Center, her faith life has been radically changed. “Before college, I would have described myself as a practicing Catholic, but I had no idea what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus. That has completely changed now—I know what it’s like to live in the Lord’s love and love him back.” As for her academic life, Annie is majoring in International Studies with a minor in Russian. After graduation, she wants to move to the Washington D.C. area to work in government while also continuing her involvement in young adult ministry. Finding the Newman Center and the OSU Catholic community in college has furthered her desire to keep a closeknit faith community part of her life in the future, regardless of her location. “A strong community is so important to me, and in the transition from college life to true, adult independence, I know that having a vibrant Catholic young adult community will be so beneficial.” Written by Sarah Gibson, Peer Minister for Development & Communications
St. Thomas More Newman Center is served by the Paulist Fathers, Missionaries to North America since 1858.
