Catholic Trojan Summer 2022 Newsletter

CatholicTrojan Prayer. Hope. Courage. Trust.

Summer 2022

Dignity of Life with the Sisters of Life P12 FOCUS on Evangelization P16 Reading Augustine at USC P8

M A D E FO R G R E AT N E S S : C AT H O L I C T ROJA N S

CATHOLIC TROJAN CONTRIBUTORS Editor: Abbie Brucelo is the Director of Marketing at OSP CCC.

Writers: David Albertson is Associate Professor of Religion at USC. Javier Lugo '17 is a graduate of Viterbi School of Engineering.

Megan Pavy '22 is a graduate of Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Julia Rozolis-Hill '22 is a graduate of USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Claire Robertson '19, GRD '21 is a graduate of USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.

Sr. Kathy Schneider, ODN, is a member of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady.

Tricia Tembreull is a Campus Minister at OSP CCC.

About the Cover: On January 22, 2022 Catholic Trojans helped lead the March for Life through the streets of downtown Los Angeles. One Life LA is an annual event that promotes the beauty and dignity of every human life from conception to natural death.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH OSP CCC Visit us online

@USCCarusoCatholicCenter

MISSION STATEMENT

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catholic_trojan

catholictrojan.org

OSP CCC

Our vision is to invite the USC community into a transforming relationship with Christ and one another, empowered to make a lasting impact on the world.

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Baccalaureate Mass, May 2022

IN THIS ISSUE

OSP CCC STAFF

4 Meet Francis Cabildo 6 Megan’s Story 8 Dignity of Life with the Sisters

Fr. Richard Sunwoo Pastor

of Life

12 FOCUS on Evangelization 14 Faith & Intellect 16 Reading Augustine at USC 18 Nova Forum Joins Network of

Institutes of Catholic Thought

20 Young Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Felix

21 Alumni Profile: OSP CCCPatti Staff& AJ 26 Catching up with the Catholic Trojan Family

Jamie Cappetta President Abbie Brucelo Director of Marketing & Public Relations Yvette Cardona Business Manager Ricky Cruz Digital Media Manager Fr. Joe Kim, OFM Conv.

Campus Minister

Rudy Lowe Manager of Operations & Hospitality Miguel Mendoza Campus Minister

Dcn. Paul Pesqueira Parish Deacon Rose Ramirez Donor Relations

Nora Morales Advancement Associate

Sr. Kathy Schneider, ODN Spiritual Mentorship Coordinator

Xochitl Nisbet Database Manager

Tricia Tembreull Campus Minister

Chris Patao Manager Marketing Design

844 West 32nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007 Phone: 213-516-3959 info@catholictrojan.org Follow us online: catholictrojan.org Disclaimer: Catholic Trojan is published twice a year for our alumni, parents and friends. Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the entire USC Caruso Catholic Center community.

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F r o m t h e Pa s t o r ’ s D e s k

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pray, now more than ever, that this newsletter finds you in excellent health and in a spirit full of hope.

Firstly, I want to thank each of you for your prayers and financial support to keep our mission progressing forward for the care of our students here at the University of Southern California. I had originally hoped that we would be well past the pandemic by the time of this publication, but it is certain that God has other plans. Indeed, by now, you have discovered that we must surrender to the Plan of God. We have experienced our smallness during this pandemic, but even more certain of the greatness of God our Father as seen through the heroic acts of kindness and generosity of our Trojan Catholic Family. Each and every one of you who have been a part of our Masses, both in-person and online, and all of those who have contributed financially to our survival, gave witness to me and our staff that no one is alone. For these and many other reasons, I can only say thank you.

A special thanks goes out to our precious students who, throughout the pandemic and up to today, have remained steadfast in their faith and grew in holiness and prayer. I speak for all of us when I say that seeing you at Mass, in small groups, in service, in study, in spiritual direction, on retreat, and at morning adoration is an inspiration and proof of the importance of faith on our campus – you will discover the creative genius of God within each of these experiences. Although each encounter is different and diverse, they are unified by our profession of our faith in Jesus Christ, His Church, and in our Sacraments.

Each person on staff played an integral role in our success to re-evangelize our student community. We have leaned into our Catholic identity as a source of inspiration and strength, and the students are responding – and in increasing numbers! Our God continues His salvific work even with the broken crayons left after the pandemic. While some are not brave enough to create, seeing the borders of the canvas and paints as limitations, others, with the grace and inspiration of God, continue to create Picassos with those same tools. We are painting Picassos!

Finally, let me say a special thank you for all of our donors who make our mission possible. Your gifts communicate your trust and confidence in our mission and stewardship of your gifts. We are so grateful! I hope that you see how your generosity is helping to make a difference.

With every fatherly affection, I am Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Fr. Richard Pastor

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Trojan Catholics volunteer to restore a home in south Los Angeles in partnership with Habitat LA, March 2022.

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MEE T

Francis Cabildo

NE W WORS HIP DIREC T OR FOR O U R SAV IOR PA RI SH & U S C C A RU S O C AT HOLIC CE N T E R

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On His Journey as a Worship Leader

On His New Role as Director of Worship at USC:

I grew up Catholic and went to Mass with my family every Sunday, but my faith wasn’t exactly alive or active. It wasn’t until my mom signed me up for a week long summer retreat going into my senior year in high school that I began a relationship with God. Soon after that retreat I started getting involved in my parish attending youth group and eventually found myself joining the choir. My youth minister was also a musician and he inspired me to learn how to play guitar.

What excites me the most is the opportunity to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to help our students and community to truly be a part of the heavenly banquet by their active participation in the Mass.

Helping students discover their giftedness and to see them offer that back to God is exciting as well. One other thing that is exciting to be part of a team that aims to bring students into a relationship with God and that they would know that they are loved by God and that they can be saints now.

When I was 20, I was called to serve with NET Ministries and was chosen to be the music leader for my team. My year on NET taught me a lot about ministry and how to lead people in prayer through music. After that year with NET, I went back to my parish and started serving as a music minister and youth minister. The Lord then called me to serve as a worship leader for camps, conferences and other events for local parishes, catholic organizations and other dioceses throughout the country.

I’ve made so many mistakes along the way and I’m grateful for them because I grew, and learned from those missteps. God has definitely guided my journey and has been with me all along.

On Defining Worship Worship is pretty simple. I would say worship is giving or ascribing ultimate value and worth to God. Worship is not about singing or music. It’s about sacrifice—giving or surrendering of yourself to and for God. Jesus is the perfect example of this. That’s why the Mass is the highest form of prayer and worship because it is Christ, principally, who offers himself to the Father. And the beautiful thing is that we, the mystical body of Christ, are invited to offer ourselves along with Jesus, who is the Lamb of God. Music and singing can aid us and help us in the offering of ourselves through praise and prayer.

I have enjoyed the growth of the choir and musicians. I truly am grateful for their commitment and love for God and the Church. I am encouraged by the growing participation in singing but also in the faith and sacramental life here at the CC.

On Wisdom for Gen Z They have what it takes to be a saint because they have the Holy Spirit.

On His Favorite Bible Verse And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NRSV)

@franciscabildomusic is a singer-songwriter, worship leader and speaker from Southern California. He is passionate about loving God, family and the people of God. Francis has served the Church as a youth minister, music minister, high school campus minister and inspiring speaker. He and his wife Nicole are raising 5 boys and he serves as the Director of Worship at USC Caruso Catholic Center.

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Megan’s Relationship w ith Christ

C

oming in as a sophomore transfer, I had essentially no sense of direction. I was excited to be here in a new environment at USC but had absolutely no idea what this next phase of life would bring me. I spent my freshman year at UC Davis and while I enjoyed my time there, I really struggled to see my worth outside of academics.

I was involved in the UC Davis Newman Center, which was fairly active, but I didn’t know my faith deeply or have a close relationship with God. When I got to USC, however, all of that changed. I went to the New Student Encounter Retreat and quickly realized that the Caruso Catholic Center was going to be a constant throughout the next three years. I started getting to know the FOCUS missionaries, attending their bible studies and community building events. Adoration and Daily Mass became a normal part of my routine and I began to meet some of the people who have had the most positive impact on my life thus far. For the first time in my life, I had a community of people who encouraged me to pursue a life of holiness and a life rooted in Christ. And for the first time, I felt like a greater sense of purpose--my worth was far more than how I was doing in school.

S TORY

I think something that is so unique about the Caruso Catholic Center is the abundance of resources and opportunities we offer to students to grow deeper in their faith. Not only do we have so many ways to encourage students to go to Mass or pray, or learn more about Catholicism, we also offer a community that allows students to feel valued for who they are, rather than how they can perform academically.

At our center, I believe that we should be a real, authentic representation of the Catholic Church, and allow students to experience Christ’s abundant love through a deeper relationship with their faith. For me, growing and learning more about Catholicism has allowed me to see beyond the things of this world and understand why our faith is the truth. More than anything else, my faith has given my life an immense amount of purpose that I didn’t realize I lacked until I started getting more involved here at the center.

Megan Pavy ’22 served as the 2021-2022 USC Caruso Catholic Center Student Executive Board Chair.

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THE DIGNIT Y

L

of

ife

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A podcast interview hosted by campus minister Tricia Tembreull

with Sister Mary Concepta, Sister Lumen Gloria and Sister Maria Michela, from the Sisters of Life

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ne thing our students continually ask us to clarify is the Churches teaching surrounding Pro-Life. This is an exerpt of our first episode in our pro-life series podcast, and we asked the Sisters of Life to join us. In Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life), then Pope John Paul II, coined the phrases “culture of death” and the “culture of life.” Before diving into specific areas of the Pro-Life movement, we wanted to root ourselves in what a culture of life looks like, and how we can enter into dialogue with men and women to cultivate a culture of life.

What brings you to USC? Part of our ministry as Sisters of Life is bringing the Gospel of Life and the Gospel of Love to young people on college campuses. And so the good pastor here father, Richard Sunwoo, had reached out to us last spring and invited us to come and just spend three days on campus supporting the students in their faith, walking with them, having meetings, with one on one meetings with young women and doing outreach on campus to just be a visible witness of God’s presence in the world, and seeing what kind of good we can do out there among the greater student body.

As Sisters of Life, all of our works are around the sacredness of the human person. So we're religious sisters, who take the three vows that all religious sisters would take: poverty, chastity, and obedience. But we, as Sisters of Life, take a fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life. We serve women who are pregnant, we serve those who are suffering after the experience of abortion. We have a retreat center where we have retreats that build upon what John Paul II called the culture of life—helping people to get renewed and refreshed in the Lord and to know their own goodness. To know the worthiness of their life, and that they're irreplaceable.

That the world needs them.

When we say “Dignity of Life,” it may be a phrase a lot of people — Catholics and non-Catholics alike—do not understand. On the USCCB (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) website, the definition includes the proclamation by the Catholic Church that all human life is sacred…that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society…that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. What stands out to you when reading this?

John Paul II and our founder used to talk a lot about how the measure of a society is how they treat the most vulnerable among them. I think we all know that we’re experiencing a crisis in this because we’re not upholding the elderly and the unborn as they should be. They’re the most vulnerable and deserving of the most protection and reverence because of their lack of being able to defend themselves and protect themselves. Our Declaration of Independence says that we all are equal and deserving of inalienable rights, the first of which is the right to life.

I think what strikes me is just how much I love being Catholic and how it doesn’t follow along bipartisan political lines.

We belong to Jesus, and that transcends any political party.

Abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, immigrants and the

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poor—these topics might be considered issues that different political parties would not agree on. The beauty of belonging to Jesus—to the church—is belonging to something bigger than a political system. We don’ t have to fall into one box or another. But that our box is Jesus, and the vulnerable, and human life.

How have you witnessed the Holy Spirit moving in your apostolate—on college campuses, or on the streets that you serve?

We see so much of God breaking through into people’s lives in miraculous ways, and beautiful and unexpected ways. Whether it's a pregnant woman who thinks there's no way that she can make it with one more child in her circumstance, and watching everything just come together for her and watching her make the act of courage to say, “Okay, I think I can do this. I've got support, I'm going to try.” Or on the on the flip side, if it's a woman who's suffering after the experience of abortion, to see Jesus break in with his mercy, and to bring hope and light into a woman's life that she never thought was possible for her. It really is like watching a resurrection. And it is magnificent.

How do you help college students understand their worth and dignity as sons and daughters of God? In John Paul II’s encyclical Evangelium Vitae he talks about the “contemplative outlook.” It is a call to a new vision in how you look at every single human person, to realize when you're looking at someone, that they are the summit of everything in creation. The most glorious sunset, or the most majestic mountain range, or any and all the beauty that God has created, is nothing compared to the creation and infinite love that he put into the creation of a single human person.

It takes the life of prayer, honestly, to be able to see Christ and every human person to know that. It's not like sisters of life are perfect at it. But ultimately, we just want to delight in somebody's goodness, and find that little spark in them, that we can allow our hearts to be moved by what we see in them.

That’s where it begins — through the life of prayer, through Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, that we first see Christ in the Eucharist. And that is what allows us to see Christ in every human person.

For the full interview, and more fascinating topics, follow the Catholic Trojan Podcast available on all streaming platforms.

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The beauty of belonging to Jesus—to the church—is belonging to something bigger than a political system.

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FOCUS ON

EVANGELIZATION USC YOUNG ALUMNI ANSWER CALL TO BECOME MISSIONARIES FOR THE FELLOWSHIP OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS The USC Caruso Catholic Center is now in its eighth year with FOCUS, and the partnership continues to bear good fruit for many students and young alumni. Five USC alum have committed to serving as FOCUS missionaries!

Claire Robertson ’19, GRD ’21

the person in front of me, and I am extremely grateful for how God blesses me through others.

1. What was your dream as a young person?

4. What do you enjoy most about your current/most recent assignment?

As a kid, I wanted to be an actress or a lawyer! I love making other people smile and these careers seemed like great ways to do so.

The people of South Dakota are so kind! I love how family-oriented and generous this community is. A Midwest goodbye is no joke: add on an hour or two to the length of time you’d like to spend with a friend, since they’ll enjoy your company for as long as you let them!

2. What has FOCUS meant to you?

Javier Lugo ’17

FOCUS was a huge part of my conversion as a junior in college!

Missionaries loved me so well, and their Bible studies deepened my faith immensely. FOCUS demonstrates to me the length to which Christ goes to pursue us, through the generosity of the young adults who choose to serve for years as missionaries. It is a profound honor to serve with the same organization which altered the course of my own life.

3. How would you describe your experience as a missionary?

My experience as a missionary is hard to describe! Every day is different, but I have the privilege of leading Bible study and spending time with students one-on-one throughout the week. There are a lot of opportunities for meaningful encounters with God through

1. What was your dream as a young person?

I was born and raised in Nicaragua and my family used to own a hardware store called “Ferreteria Lugo.” My dream as a kid was to one day become the manager of the hardware store to follow in my dad's footsteps. In my childhood, I worked many summers packing up nails and screws and learning a few things about the store to get some experience in the store. Before finishing High School, I was committed to getting a degree that would help me get prepared

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for that job so I went and got a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering at USC. Who would have thought that I was going to be called to live a life of radical mission instead of a life in the engineering world.

2. What has FOCUS meant to you?

I am starting my fourth year as a missionary with FOCUS and let me tell you, each year gets better! I am so thankful for the way the Lord has made Himself present through every experience I’ve had with this organization. FOCUS has truly transformed my spiritual, professional, social, and professional life. It is hard to put into words how much my life has changed for the better through this leap of faith I took 3 and a half years ago. From the amount of people I have met, the formation I have received, the places I have traveled to and the time I have spent in prayer to all of the different challenges and setbacks I have experienced in the different communities I have served at. Everything has been so formative!

3. How would you describe your experience as a missionary?

My experience as a missionary has been the most sanctifying thing I have ever experienced. I still cannot believe my job is to bring the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to college students. It is a challenging job because you will encounter a lot of rejection and indifference from the people you encounter and invest in. It is easy to get discouraged, but the moment that you are reminded that you may be the only person in their college career who will ever talk to them about Jesus and will offer them real and true friendship, makes it all worth it. A constant and faithful life of prayer is indispensable to be fruitful on campus.

FOCUS stresses the fact that our Divine Intimacy with the Father is the most important pillar in our work as missionaries. Without a life of prayer, everything else will crumble. I am so grateful that part

of my job is to pray and intercede for every single person I encounter.

I would not be able to bring Jesus to others if I didn't put my life of prayer as my number one priority.

4. What do you enjoy most about your current/most recent assignment?

I just got assigned to be the new Team Director at the University of Miami. This is my first assignment that reminds me of my Alma Mater! Both schools have very thriving campus ministries, passionate student leaders and very loving spiritual fathers. The community is very welcoming, and they have a large Catholic student body that is striving for holiness and wanting to grow more in their faith through prayer and fellowship. It has been such a busy semester so far but I am loving every part of it. The Lord has been very generous, and He is allowing me to encounter many souls on this campus. Please pray for all the students at the University of Miami, especially those who are fallen away Catholics, so they come back to the faith. Additionally, I love that I am only 2 hours away from my parents’ house and that I am now able to invite them into this mission with me. They have been able to meet my teammates, students and the staff members at St. Augustine Catholic Church (our parish here at UM). Now, they have a better understanding of the mission of FOCUS and they know how to pray for me and all of the students that I am intentionally investing in.

FOCUS was founded in 1998 and invites college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church, inspiring and equipping them for a lifetime of Christ-centered evangelization, discipleship and friendships in which they lead others to do the same. For the 2021 – 2022 academic year, nearly 800 FOCUS missionaries are serving at 205 locations, which includes 22 parish venues across the U.S. and seven international campuses.

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Faith &

INTELLECT

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CREDO

BY SR. KATHY SCHNEIDER, ODN

T

his academic year, the Catholic Center, in partnership with the Nova Forum Institute at USC offered a twelve-part series on Catholicism known as Credo: Exploring the Catholic Faith. Its objective is to offer a basic catequesis of the faith for our students at the Center, but at a level that they would be accustomed to in their classes. The program addresses a need we have found that many students need a stronger foundation in Catholic teaching in the areas of theology, anthropology and ethics. While Credo does not seek to answer every question, we seek to provide students with the tools to pursue a faith that seeks understanding; to grow in their desire and enthusiasm to delve more deeply into the richness of the Catholic Church and all that it offers.

Dr. Matthew Thomas from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology opened the series with an excellent talk on the Catholic approach to the Bible. He explored how Catholics understand the truths contained within and that we are to employ our moral reasoning when reading its pages. Lastly, he showed how God's very presence, as in the Eucharist, is contained in His word throughout scripture. To

illustrate this, Prof. Thomas quoted St. Jerome, "And when he says: whoever does not eat my flesh and drink my blood (Jn 6:53), even though these words can also be understood of the [Eucharistic] Mystery, Christ’s body and blood are really the word of Scripture, God’s teaching."

Fr. Timothy Peters, a professor at St. John's Seminary, joined the Catholic Center for the second presentation that focused on Christology. Fr. Tim explored three themes: the mission of Jesus, the Paschal mystery and Jesus' resurrection. He showed how the New Testament needed to be taken in its totality in order to better answer the question: Who do you say that I am?

Fr. Tim reminded us that all of scripture is written with the goal of furthering our salvation.

We delved deeper into the teachings of the faith through topics ranging from the Eucharistic mystery, the role of tradition, the dignity of the human person, and Mary, Mother of the Church.

The series ended with a presentation that challenged listeners to take the next step as Catholic Christians called to holiness and mission.

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READING

Augustine

AT USC

BY DAVID ALBERTSON, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF RELIGION (USC) AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NOVA FORUM

W

hen you enter Our Savior, if you look toward the altar and gaze up at the stained-glass windows above, you can catch a glimpse of St. Augustine of Hippo. He stands shoulder to shoulder with other doctors of the Church, between St. Peter Canisius and St. Teresa of Avila. Silently he peers back at us beneath the golden apse—an uncharacteristic silence, given how much he taught and preached, lectured and confessed, debated and praised, first as a young adult convert, then as a bishop, and still now as the greatest mind of the ancient Catholic faith.

A passionate, energetic young man, Augustine grew up in what is today Algeria. At 17 he moved to the port city of Carthage, delighted to be far from his mother and father, about a four hour drive away. There he latched onto some questionable friends, pursued questionable relationships, and only after a few years took charge of his life. He bought into a faddish spirituality, an episode he later found embarrassing to recount. Then the young man took a serious turn, reading all the ancient philosophy he could find. He got a job teaching. He broke up with his girlfriend, and his best friend died. Still, he was restless, full of ambition and hope for a meaningful life, but unsure of who he was and if anything mattered. If this story sounds familiar, that’s one of the reasons I love teaching Augustine’s Confessions to USC undergraduates, as I have in every Fall semester since I arrived in 2007.

During this transitional period as a young adult, Augustine met a handful of Catholic mentors who impressed him with their intellectual sophistication and holiness of life. He learned how to read the Bible not as fairy tales for children

(as he had thought), but as an indispensable guidebook for thinking adults, the code that unlocks the meaning of human desires. After months of turmoil, Augustine broke down in tears of repentance and put his life in God’s hands. At the age of 33, he was baptized into the faith on the vigil of Easter 387 in Milan. By his early 40s, he wrote his classic memoir, Confessions, which tells the story of his conversion, openly and frankly for fellow Christians to read, laying bare his inner struggles, desperate prayers, wincing regrets, and ultimately his joy in God’s mercy.

Augustine’s Confessions is one of the greatest works of Latin literature ever composed and for good reason is studied in Classics departments at the finest secular universities. But that book, I tell my students, is more than a spiritual autobiography or literary exercise. It is a philosophical breakthrough: a new account of what it means to be human, to be a creature with a Creator. Augustine’s experience of becoming Catholic opened up for him a vista on the human condition that surpassed what the ancient world had mustered to date in Plato, the Stoic sages, or Cicero.

Augustine depicts us human beings as bundles of fragmentary, conflicting desires who deceive ourselves about our motivations and hopes. In his college days, he wrote: “the single desire that dominated by search for delight was simply to love and to be loved.” But after his conversion he realized that only God’s love sufficed: “You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Most of all, we humans are not God; we are born into the flow of time and live locked within its limitations. We make mistakes we cannot repair, stuck on the conveyor belt that turns past into future. We

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do things we cannot account for, and we pain those we love for reasons we can’t comprehend. “I had become to myself a place of unhappiness in which I could not bear to be; but I could not escape from myself. … Where should I go to escape from myself?” Augustine says his innermost self was but a “tremendous question” to be answered.

If he was the question, the answer was the Word. The very medium of language, he came to see, ref lects the divine Word who is Jesus Christ. Like words in a sentence, each human life passes to make room for the next, under the caring eye of the God who speaks to us. Stretching the limits of language, the spiritual exercise of “confessing” submits our humble words in service to our Creator: either what

This month I’ve been reading Augustine with Catholic students from the USC Caruso Center. In 2020, just before the pandemic crisis emerged, we launched the Nova Forum for Catholic Thought at USC (see novaform.org). This new initiative invites undergraduate and graduate students to encounter the Catholic intellectual tradition during their studies. We challenge them to integrate the life of the mind they pursue in their classes with the life of faith they pursue as Catholics. We offer seminars and colloquia on poetry, classics, politics, theology, and art.

In our own small way, Nova Forum introduces students to the greatest minds of the Catholic tradition. Besides Augustine we’ve been reading Dante, St. Thomas More, Pope Benedict XVI, and many others. We provide an open space where Left: Dr. Albertson facilitates Nova Forum's visit to see Catholic Art at the Getty Museum in Malibu, September 2021.

Augustine calls the confession of praise—speaking God’s greatness—or the confession of sin—speaking our weakness.

Together both “confessions” travel the full distance between creature and Creator, measuring the finitude of human beings. Ultimately it is God, the divine Beloved, who seduces Augustine away from his petty infatuations. “Late have I loved you, Beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you,” he sings at the end of the memoir. “You were with me, and I was not with you. You called and cried out loud and shattered my deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, and you put to f light my blindness.”

students can encounter Catholic faculty mentors and ask the big questions. They learn the art of thinking with Catholic tradition and learning about their childhood faith, now as sophisticated young adults preparing for leadership in the marketplace and academy. In doing so we not only convey the riches of Catholic thought and culture to Catholic students. We also begin to share its wisdom with USC itself, as testimony and as a gift, as the university struggles to understand the meaning of creation. As Augustine writes: “God did not create and then depart; the things derived from him have their being in him. Look where he is—wherever there is a taste of truth.”

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Grant of $3.65 million will fund network of institutes of Catholic Thought

BY LAURA IERACI, CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

A

national network of institutes of Catholic thought will soon launch as part of a new $3.65 million grant, issued by the John Templeton Foundation Feb. 1.

The In Lumine Network will include six Catholic institutes, located at top university campuses across the country, to start.

They include the Lumen Christi Institute at the University of Chicago; the Nova Forum at the University of Southern California; the Collegium Institute at the University of Pennsylvania; the St. Anselm Institute at the University of Virginia; COLLIS at Cornell University; and the Harvard Catholic Forum at Harvard University.

Each of these institutes operates independently of the university, but serves the secular university's faculty, students and staff with programming that sets a range of disciplines in dialogue with the Catholic intellectual tradition and forms participants in that tradition.

The entire grant was awarded to the Lumen Christi Institute to administer over three years. In addition to establishing the network, funding will support science and religion programming—some open to the public—at each of these institutes.

Members of the In Lumine Network also will receive training and workshops on sustainable nonprofit management,

including strategy development, fundraising, marketing, program management and evaluation, event planning and campus engagement.

Michael Le Chevallier, acting executive director of the Lumen Christi Institute, said the network will expand after its first year to welcome new members from across the United States, including ecumenical partners. "The founders of these institutes were frequently on parallel learning curves, treading the same ground, with limited budgets and little outside guidance," explained Le Chevallier. "A support network was needed, so each could more efficiently and effectively promote their programming, share ideas, build on the successes of others and amplify impact. The network will also allow collaboration between these institutes in advancing their shared mission," added Le Chevallier.

All six institutes were inspired by the same vision of Catholic layman Thomas Levergood and Catholic scholars at the University of Chicago—to bring the Catholic intellectual tradition to the secular university.

Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago backed the vision, which resulted in the founding of the Lumen Christi Institute in 1997. For 25 years, Lumen Christi's mission has been to engage students and faculty at the University of Chicago in an ongoing and thoughtful dialogue between the sciences

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and Catholic thought. This mission is carried out through conferences and seminars with top academics at the university, such as Bernard McGinn, Father David Tracy and Jean-Luc Marion, and from around the world.

The idea soon caught on. In 2000, Levergood assisted in establishing the St. Anselm Institute at the University of Virginia. He offered guidance in the creation of the Collegium Institute in 2013, introducing its founding board to key financial backers. He similarly advised the Nova Forum and the Harvard Catholic Forum in their founding in 2020, and COLLIS at Cornell University in 2021.

Delaware. "This is due to myths and confusions that far too often have been allowed to go unanswered. Fortunately, this is beginning to change, as Catholic scientists, scholars and a variety of new Catholic organizations, like Lumen Christi and others, have risen to the challenge" of addressing the gap, he said.

David Albertson is the founding director of the Nova Forum and associate professor of religion at the University of Southern California. He earned his doctorate at the University of Chicago, where he said his participation in Lumen Christi events had a lasting impact on his Catholic faith life and his vision for the Nova Forum.

"Many people think that they have to choose between the Catholic faith and science"

As executive director of the Lumen Christi Institute for 24 -Stephen Barr years, Levergood also supported the creation of several Catholic think tanks and professional associations that address issues in the areas of science, economics and criminal justice. Levergood died last August at age 58 after a brief battle with cancer.

This year's Templeton Foundation grant cements his vision and ensures his legacy, said Le Chevallier, who worked with Levergood for 10 years.

Le Chevallier explained that the science-and-religion focus of the In Lumine Network is a response to the "enthusiasm" among students and faculty "to probe deeper questions emerging from the application of new technologies and the growing tech-oriented programs of the university."

As part of the grant, Lumen Christi also will organize a national science and religion summit in the project's second year.

Stephen Barr, president of the Society of Catholic Scientists, says the new Templeton-funded projects will help dispel the myth among Catholics and non-Catholics that a chasm exists between science and religion. The Society of Catholic Scientists is an international organization that has grown since its founding in 2016 to 1,600 members in 50 countries. Its mission is to "foster fellowship among Catholic scientists and to witness to the harmony of faith and reason," according to its website. Barr had worked with Levergood and the Lumen Christi Institute, which helped organize and fund the society's first annual conference in 2017. "Many people think that they have to choose between the Catholic faith and science," said Barr, a professor emeritus of physics from the University of

"The Catholic intellectual tradition has a tremendous amount that it can, and should, offer as a gift to leading, private, secular universities," he said. "As today's universities struggle to connect teaching and research, ethics and the marketplace, culture and the common good, Catholic intellectuals bring new resources, perspectives and energy to their schools."

Albertson said being part of the In Lumine Network will allow his institute to organize new programming with science students and faculty on campus." So far, Nova Forum has engaged the humanities and the law school at USC," he said.

"I hope our longer Catholic perspective will provide a platform for all disciplines to focus on the indissociable moral and religious center of all human scientific enterprises, which is being and remaining human," he added.

20

YOUNG ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Taylor Felix McAllister '13

BY JULIA ROZOLIS-HILL '22

T

aylor Felix always knew that she wanted to be a Trojan. While growing up, her dad would take her to school and play the Trojan march. When Taylor reached high school, she officially knew that she wanted to go to USC. Her dad is Michael Felix, a trustee of the university, and two years ago, was Chairman of the Board for the USC Catholic Center.

off-the-field/court digital sports features and going live on social media. She even has her own cooking show Taylor’s Table on YouTube. She attributes her Catholic faith as “1000%” what got her to where she is today.

“Anyone who knows me knows how important my faith is to me… If I can't sleep at night, I say the Rosary. If I get discouraged, I firmly believe God has a plan for me and I need to trust in His plan.”

Taylor is a multimedia host & reporter for FOX Sports West #XTRAPOINT. She provides viewers inside access for all of the FOX Sports West team partners, including the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Clippers, USC & UCLA. In the future, Taylor looks forward to potential opportunities in more prominent nationally recognized roles in both the Sports and Entertainment industries.

“My experience was incredible. Truly the best four years of my life. I met my husband and best friend from USC, was a part of the song girl program, and in a sorority.”

When looking back at the times here, she couldn't help but think of the USC Caruso Catholic Center. The Catholic Center was a significant part of her time here. She would go to Thursday mass at 5pm and it was in the lecture hall, not in the church that we know and see today. Her parents had taught her from an early age that when going through tough times, to lean into God. Taylor experienced a lot of self doubt when trying out for Song Girls, but she immediately found solace as she went to Mass everyday. Taylor leaned into her faith and the Catholic Center was always there.

“I hope more students get involved. The Catholic Center can carry you throughout college!”

Taylor was a stellar student at USC where she majored in Sports Journalism. She is currently working at Valley Sports SoCal, and creating entertaining content including more fun

21

ALUMNI PROFILE

PATTI & AJ

M

eet Patti Johnson '78, member of the Newman Guild's Leadership Committee. In her highlight, she reflects on a shift in her priorities and the serendipitous result.

When Patti Johnson was a student at USC in the late 70s, she knew the Newman Guild as the “nice ladies” who did a lot of things behind the scenes for the then-called Newman Center.

About seven years ago, Patti became one of those nice ladies, and, in fact, she served for three years as President of those nice ladies. How did that happen?

1978

2019

Patti grew up in a Catholic family in Long Beach.

Unfortunately, at USC, her Mass attendance plummeted. She went once to the nearby St. Vincent de Paul parish, but it did not seem like a good fit, and she didn’t go back. In her junior year, Patti moved to the new Troy Hall Apartments across the street from the Newman Center. She would pass the Center on her daily bike rides to campus, but never stopped in.

This was the case until her senior year, when the death of a classmate shook Patti to her core and caused her to evaluate her priorities. She decided to do the best thing she could think of. She got off of her bike to see what the USC Newman Center was all about. Well, it was about Masses, upbeat music, Bible Studies, new friends, service opportunities, and dances. Patti had found a home. In the spring, the Center’s Servite priests encouraged her to sign up for the Snow Retreat, to be held in Wrightwood.

And so, on March 3, 1978, 30-40 young adults filled the rented school bus, and they headed off. She started making friends even on the bus. Lydia, Susan, Dennis, Mitchell, a guy named AJ. They rode the freeways and mountain roads, not in snow, but in pouring rain. Rain that didn’t stop until Sunday afternoon. Rain that fit into God’s plan.

Because everyone was stuck inside all weekend, they did everything together, from talking, eating, praying, putting on skits, making music, celebrating Mass, and laughing. Patti found herself spending considerable time talking with the guy named AJ. For the next several months, Patti went to Mass, attended parties, served doughnuts, played on the Center’s softball team, and made what is turning out to be life-long friends. Her faith blossomed. And that guy, AJ? Patti and AJ, teammates on the softball team, were married on August 18, 1979, 42 years ago, at Our Savior parish. The Newman Center had become home for them. Their Catholic Trojan Family.

Today, the Newman Guild members continue to work behind the scenes to support the students physically and spiritually.

Patti joined about seven years ago because she wants more students to find this place. Lives. Are. Changed. Here. Lives that are changed here go out to change more lives, from downtown, to the dorms, to the sorority and fraternity houses, to classrooms, to the entire USC community, and beyond.

Our students are going out and changing the world. What a blessing to be a part of this ministry. May God forever Reign.

And Rain!

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Newman Guild THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE The Newman Guild Leadership Committee members include: Beth Petak-Aaron, Lynn Busia, Kathleen Campos, Patti Johnson, Christine Ofiesh, Stephanie Paggi, Linda Swick, Melinda Tamkin, Kelli Vieweg, and Kandi Wopschall. This group is supported by our amazing and tireless staff at the USC Caruso Center: Nora Morales, Xochitl Nisbet, Rose Ramirez, and of course, Fr. Richard!

NEWMAN GUILD MEMBERSHIP We welcome new members and invite you to renew your existing membership with your 100% tax-deductible, $250 annual membership dues. These funds go toward our mission of feeding our students at USC, if not their stomachs, then their souls. You are also invited to make any additional financial donation to help sustain the nonprofit efforts of the Newman Guild and to fund our endowment. Please join or renew your membership either online at http://www. catholictrojan.com/newman_guild, or by contacting Rose Ramirez at rose@catholictrojan.org / 213.516.3975 at the Caruso Catholic Center.

Above: Rose Ramirez and Beth Petak-Aaron '80

Newman Guild Spring Luncheon The Newman Guild is a women's group supporting the mission of the USC Caruso Catholic Center and Our Savior Parish. This past March, they held the annual spring luncheon joined by Gretchen Harris from The Music Ministry, and Joan Luise Hill co-auther of The Miracle Collectors.

Upcoming Signature Event Innovation in Stained Glass - Coming Soon David Judson, author of JUDSON: Innovation in Stained Glass, discusses Judson Studios, the legendary stainedglass artisans whose handcrafted works have been family tradition for five generations. Join us for a chance to learn about the spectacular pieces that adorn Our Savior Parish and the USC Caruso Catholic Center.

23

DONOR PROFILE

Legacy

CHIP CALDWELL’S

I

am a proud graduate of the Class of ’62 Business, and continuing the legacy beginning with my mother, Class of ’38 (who was also Helen of Troy that year!), and three sisters, all who attended USC in the ‘60s. The Catholic Center is such a welcome addition to the campus to further expand on what was an obscure Newman Center in my days. It is a welcoming icon on the corner of 32nd Street and Hoover.

As people enter the campus they have to be struck by its prominence and architectural beauty; very welcoming to all.

Being so overwhelmed by its architectural significance and Romanesque style, I felt the need to be part of the Center. The Rose window, created by Gayle Roski, immediately captured my attention with all its pastel panes of water colors which was so unique to stained glass.

My hope is that the Catholic Center will continue to attract USC students of all religious beliefs to discover the opportunities that exist there to find the true light of Christ.

Visit the Center and they will be moved by the power and beauty of the entire community that calls itself the Catholic Center - a long overdue addition to the USC campus.

MAKE A BIG IMPACT WITH A FUTURE GIFT

When you include Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center in your estate plan, your generosity provides

a place for the Trojan Catholic Family to gather, encounter Christ and transform hearts. Thank you for ensuring that the Catholic Center can make a difference on our campus and beyond through our ministry programs well into the future.

Including a gift in your will or trust to Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center is an easy way to make a meaningful difference. It doesn’t affect your current cash flow or assets, and it is simple to amend if your circumstances change. Best of all, you have the satisfaction that comes with leaving an enduring legacy.

To discuss your legacy gift, please contact Rose Ramirez in our Development Department at (213) 516-3959.

24

THE USC CARUSO CATHOLIC CENTER CAMPAIGN

We

are inviting you, or someone you know who would be interested to support our mission to continue to prepare the next generation of Catholic Leaders with a financial gift. We have several ways to participate, including naming opportunities (see below), or starting a Family Endowment at USC for the amount of $100K and up, for the USC Caruso Catholic Center's benefit.

25

NAMING OPPORTUNITIES

TOTAL GIFT

O U TDO OR The Grotto at USC New Courtyard Water Feature Courtyard Lawn

$7,500,000 $5,000,000 $1,000,000 $500,000

INSIDE THE CHURCH Eucharistic Chapel Sacristy Grand Entry Door Ambo Cantor Stand Monstrance

$2,500,000 $500,000 $250,000 $50,000 $50,000 $30,000

INSIDE THE C ARU SO C ATHOLIC CENTER Student Lounge Pastor’s Office

$250,000 $250,000

ENDOWED P OSITIONS & MINIS TRIE S Christmas Tree Lighting Pastor Religious Named Endowment (Alternative Spring Break) Named Endowment (Student Retreats) Named Endowment (After Mass Meals)

$2,500,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $100,000+ $100,000+ $100,000+

We do not receive financial support from either USC or the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and rely on parents, students, alumni, and foundations for support each year. Your tithes and offerings are 100% tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and count toward your giving at USC. Tax ID 95-2017225

A gift to the Center counts as giving to USC with USC Associates benefits. So if you are an Associates member, when you make your donation, please think of the Catholic Center. You still get the credit at USC. For more information, visit the Campaign website or contact Rose at Rose@catholictrojan.org / 213.516.3975.

26

CATCHING UP WITH THE CATHOLIC TROJAN FAMILY

Above: Pandemic heroes are honored during the 9th Annual Tree Lighting at the Catholic Center, December 2021.

Left and Above: Runners completed the first-ever CC 5K Spirit Challenge, February 2022.

Above: Students enjoy free meals every Sunday after the 5pm Mass.

Above: Mentor Nancy Novokmet '83 and mentee meet during the last Executive Mentorship Program gathering of the year, April 2022.

Above: The Carmelite Sisters join in the fun for a karaoke night with our students in Newman Hall at the Catholic Center.

at

27 Far Left: USC Students serve Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic during Alternative Spring Break, March 2022.

Left: USC Athletic Director Mike Bohn poses with Rudy Lowe during a visit to the Catholic Center.

Left: Trojan Catholic men enjoy a hike during a camping trip.

Above: Megan Pavy '22 and Joseph Bioche '22 pose with Bishop Robert Barron at the Cardinal's Award Dinner, February 2022.

Above Right: OSP CCC President, Jamie Cappetta, after his investiture as Knight within the Order of Malta. Pictured with Trojan Catholics Dr. Willa Olsen '58 '62 and Jackie Connor '73 '76.

Lower Left: Attendees attend monthly Mass on the Grass at Alumni Park.

Left: Storm Troopers encounter the Carmelite Sisters during the CC's Disney Day at Disneyland, May 2022.

Above: USC Alumni priests celebrate Mass during Homecoming Weekend, October 2021.

Below Young Alumni meet at University Village after Mass.

Above: Students enact the Live Stations of the Cross on campus during Good Friday, April 2022.

28

2022 Trojan Saint Award

Honoring Dr. Willa Olsen and Tom and Julie Condon ✝

O

ver 250 guests attended the USC Caruso Catholic Center's 2022 Trojan Saint Award Dinner held at The California Club on May 19th.

Dr. Willa is passionate about our mission and we are blessed by her generosity, leadership, and being an ambassador for our Catholic Trojan Family.

Tom has been a great friend and distinguished member of the Catholic family at Our Savior for several decades, and we are blessed to recognize his beacon of leadership and support.

Julie was a proud Dame in the Order of Malta as well as many other groups. We are proud to honor her as our Trojan Saint.

The evening started with Mass, followed by a silent auction.

Cocktail hour concluded with the world renowned USC Trojan Marching Band, leading guests into the main dining room.

The event was emcee'd by renowned sports journalist, ESPN's Mr. Bernardo Osuna. Mr. Osuna is also an active parent in our parent association, and father of our current student, Sammy Osuna '23, president-elect of the 22-23 Catholic Center Student Leadership Board.

29

OUR SAVIOR PARISH AND USC CARUSO CATHOLIC CENTER ADVISORY BOARD Ex officio: Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles Most Rev. Edward Wm. Clark, Auxiliary Bishop of Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region Rev. Richard Sunwoo, Pastor Board of Advisors: Yvonne Bogdanovich Joseph Boskovich, Sr. ’75 ’77 Marc Caruso ’89 Rick Caruso ’80 James Childs, Jr. ’61 Jacqueline Connor ’73 ’76 Tim Dunn ’80 Michael Felix ’83 Bridget Harris Lewis Horne ’80 Michelle Katnik ’88 Susan Leonis-Jensen Kathleen McCarthy ’57 Nancy Novokmet ’83 Dr. Willa Olsen ’58 ’62

Joseph Rich, Jr. ’86 Kevin Shannon ’81 Michael Uranga ’86 ’95 Kevin White

STAY IN TOUCH with OSP CCC

@USCCarusoCatholicCenter

Honorary

Thomas Condon Edward Roski Jr. ’62

Young Alumni

trojan_catholic

Joel Ojeda ’11 Larissa Purnell ’16 Elizabeth Rojas ’17 ’19 Michael Wurth ’13

catholic_trojan

OSP CCC

VISIT US ONLINE CATHOLICTROJAN.ORG For more information, please email info@catholictrojan.org or call: 213.516.3959

NON PROF I T ORG U. S . P O S TAGE

PA I D

L OS A NGE L E S , C A

844 west thirty second street los angeles, california 90007 t 213.516.3959 info@catholictrojan.org catholictrojan.org

Prayer. Hope. Courage. Trust.

PER M I T NO. 2 8 4 2