USC Caruso Catholic Center Campus Ministry Booklet

U S C C A RU S O C AT H O L I C C E N T E R C A M PU S M I N I ST RY

OUR MISSION

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

WHO WE ARE

Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center is a home for Trojans of all ages who wish to learn and live out their Catholic faith.

O U R VA LU E S

We Welcome All

We Live in Truth

Ours is a community that pursues greater purpose together.

If your heart yearns for deeper friendships than what the world seems to offer, you have a place with us. If you desire to make an impact with your life, you have a place with us.

No matter where you are on your faith journey or what’s in your past, we welcome you to join us as we seek greater connection with a loving God. At the Catholic Center, no one needs to walk alone.

We believe that there is a Truth that is real and unchanging, and His name is Jesus. When we are formed in the discipline of Truth, we discover authentic freedom. As Jesus is the Truth personified, we attempt to live the Truth modeled after his life and teachings. We strive to bravely profess what we believe and put into practice what we profess. We speak the truth no matter how uncomfortable or challenging it may be.

We See Christ In You

We Surrender

As we look to Jesus in the Eucharist, we begin to see his presence most intimately in our brothers and sisters. It is in this grace that we discover each person’s eternal worth and reject the notion that a person is only as valuable as their resume, accolades, or accomplishments. We never underestimate anyone’s potential because it is often through the “least of these” that God moves in might.

God calls us to greatness, but that journey begins with surrender. He calls us to put our discomfort, pride, and preferences aside for the sake of His Kingdom. Though we don’t always understand His teachings or his direction, we allow ourselves to be shaped by our relationship with Him.

Love Is Our Refuge

We Are Bold

We believe that Jesus is real, and he left his body in the Eucharist to us as a sign of his never-ending love. No matter how misunderstood we’ve felt in the world that has yet to know God, in prayer we discover the unconditional love of the Father. The Eucharist is the incarnate mercy of Christ, so we go to Him with all our needs.

At times Christ’s call to live with clarity and purpose can feel overwhelming. God’s love is our confidence and His voice is our clarity. God sets us free from shame and fear so that we can embrace our individual calling, no matter the cost. No task is beneath us, no work is beyond us in advancing Christ’s mission. When knocked down, we will get back up every single time. In Christ, we will not fail.

Father of Mercy, Through your generosity, you gave us what is most precious, your beloved Son, Jesus. Thank you for your gift of life and for loving each of us into being. As loving disciples of Jesus, we lead lives that strive to make a difference in the world. Where there is hatred, we live love; where there is despair, we enliven hope; where there is doubt, we share our faith. You call us to be good stewards of your blessings, and unselfish caretakers of the mission you have entrusted to us here at USC. May our faithful and generous hearts bear witness to the love of Christ, your Son, leaving no member of our Catholic Trojan family in doubt of your goodness or mercy. We ask this in the name and love of your Son, Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen.

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Gathering Together

W E LC O M E EV E N TS

We offer quality events and opportunities in order to extend a special welcome to everyone. Those of faith or no faith, seekers & searchers, WELCOME HOME!

"Whether we gather for fun events like Sunday SCupper, ice skating, s'mores, or for more prayerful meetings like bible study or the rosary, the community at the CC offers a testament to the life God is calling us to live right now in college. When I inevitably struggle in my journey of faith, it is the community at the CC that uplifts me and I am humbled by the life of Christ I see in my fellow peers every day."

- Lauren Wehn '25

Intelligence & Cyber Operations

Gathering together at the USC Caruso Catholic Center (CC) not only builds community and fosters relationships among fellow college students, but it also serves as a constant reminder that we are not alone in striving for holiness. Every activity and moment provides the time, space, and opportunity for our students to grow in faith and reveals ways we can love generously and serve each other as family.

S U N D AY S C U P P E R S

Sunday SCuppers provides free meals for students to encounter and build community every Sunday! This Sunday tradition not only offers food but also a space for students to find warmth, companionship, and a sense of belonging at the CC.

C E L E B R AT I O N S AT T H E C C

We are proud to carry out a tradition of hosting annual celebrations at the CC to celebrate our students and their hard work throughout the year. We gather together as a community to celebrate different cultures, enjoy nights of fun with friends, and come together for holidays.

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Growing in Faith

The USC Caruso Catholic Center provides numerous ways for individuals to blossom in their faith life. The community here at USC will meet you no matter where you are in your faith journey. We are here to help create fruitful relationships and experiences with friends, family, staff, and most importantly, God. The tiniest “Yes” to the Lord’s calling can open numerous doors of opportunity to surround yourself in His love.

FA I T H F O R M AT I O N

Faith Formation is a lifelong process of learning, loving, and living our faith. Our Catholic faith entails understanding more deeply what the Church teaches and why she teaches it. This formation group will offer the opportunity to delve into our faith with the aim of allowing it to take firmer root in our hearts.

SMALL GROUPS/ BIBLE STUDIES

Everyone has a desire to be seen, known, and loved. Small group bible studies provide an environment where students can foster an encounter with Jesus through community, the word of God in scripture, and the teachings of the Church. We have groups specific to athletes, Greek Life, ethnic cultures, and LGBTQ+ too!

R E T R E AT S Students step away from campus to get away from the distractions of the world and spend a few days with fellow students to build community, strengthen their relationship with Christ, and find growth and nourishment through the Sacraments of our Catholic faith.

"I joined my first bible study ever during my first semester at USC. From then on, it was like my faith life bloomed from a tiny rose bud into a garden of God's love."

- Melissa Mae Larot '25

Architecture Minor in Nonprofits, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism

C H R I S T I A N I N I T I AT I O N

M E L I S SA M A E ' S S TO RY

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) journeys with Melissa Mae owes a large part of her faith to her peers at those adults who desire to join the Catholic faith and for the Catholic Center, who radiate God’s love and kindness those seeking more information on the Catholic church. and inspire her to do the same. She finds peace through the senior women’s bible study and the Troy Philippines bible study where she can explore the intersection of her faith and Filipina background. "Being a senior now, I realize that being in bible study groups and Bethany Women’s Ministry for the past three years has helped me rely on the Lord throughout my academic career. Without the backbone of support from my fellow sisters in Christ, my faith journey would be nowhere near where it is now."

C O N F I R M AT I O N Confirmation deepens our baptismal life by being "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and strengthened for the N O V A F O R U M service to the body of Christ. It calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, Nova Forum provides students with programs for intellectual formation in Catholic thought, connecting the spritual societies, and the world. life with the life of the mind. Nova Forum offers learning experiences that draw on the Catholic past to speak to topics of contemporary concern in ways that supplement the university.

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Seeking Support

Our goal at the USC Caruso Catholic Center is to form authentic relationships with one another in the hope that it brings us into deeper relationship with Christ. If your heart yearns for deeper friendships than what the world seems to offer, you have a place with us. If you desire to make an impact with your life, you have a place with us. No matter where you are on your faith journey or what’s in your past, we welcome you to join us as we seek greater connection with a loving God.

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP& SPIRITUAL DIRECTION Become paired up with an experienced spiritual guide or director (a priest, religious sister, or lay person) who can accompany you on your faith journey.

M E N ' S M I N I S T RY This ministry for men seeks to provide the formation and tools men need to uphold faithfulness and integrity.

The Executive Mentorship program is a unique opportunity to Through brotherhood, prayer, sacrifice, and service they will meet and network with Catholic professionals who share their build bonds and relationships that will help them become time and expertise for your benefit. The program provides you children of God. a platform to ask your career related questions and listen to how Catholic faith plays into your decisions.

EXECUTIVE MENTORSHIP

"College can be overwhelming and it can be hard to find a place of refuge to feel at peace.

Additionally for many, this is the first time away from home and there is more pressure to succeed and feel accomplished among peers. We are here for you. The USC Caruso Catholic Center seeks to provide a safe and diverse community to understand one’s faith and identity."

- Fr. Joe Kim, OFM Conv.

Director of Campus Ministry

G R A D U AT E S T U D E N T M I N I S T R Y This ministry seeks to connect all grad students across a diversity of graduate programs and schools at USC to support one another, build community, and grow in faith together.

WO M E N ' S M I N I S T RY Bethany Women's Ministry is a place where women can find sisterhood amongst fellow Catholic women. With incredible women of faith as guides we will explore what it means to be a precious beloved daughter of our heavenly Father.

YO U N G A L U M N I Young Alumni aims to continue the development of transformative Catholic Leaders as they begin building their careers and understand how the Gospel speaks in their lives.

E L I Z A B E T H ' S S TO RY As a full time student, Elizabeth did not have the resources and support she needed to receive treatment for her rare disability. Exhausting all other avenues for assistance she reached out to the USC Caruso Catholic Center for help. "Thank you for supporting the campus ministry programs at the USC Caruso Catholic Center. The Catholic Center helped alleviate my burdens which enabled me to focus on my studies and well-being. Your benevelonce has perpetually altered the course of my life and will be reciprocated to all I serve in my public sector career."

- Elizabeth Abreu '24

International Relations Minor in NGOs & Social Change 8

Giving Back

The USC Caruso Catholic Center provides many social outreach opportunities every week in order to give our students the opportunity to put faith into action. Jesus calls us to step out of our comforts and to seek out the marginalized in our society so that we may provide them with the spiritual and temporal necessities they need. In serving, we hope to embrace all humanity with the dignity they deserve and learn to love God and our neighbor.

CASA M I LAG ROSA

Serve breakfast, pack lunches, and help with whatever else is needed at Casa Milagrosa Homeless Resource Center.

Students learn how to offer more than the food they serve; with every encounter with guests, they learn how to love as Jesus loves and restore the dignity of our brothers & sisters marginalized by society.

MEALS ON WHEELS(MOW ) Students prepare and deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles.

MOW has expanded their services to include extra social interactions by weekly phone conversations or through technology devices such as tablets & internet access for clients who lack support and may be at an elevated risk of loneliness or social isolation. For many seniors, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels is a lifeline.

S T. F R A N C I S C E N T E R

Students work to package food pantry boxes, clothes, & essential supplies for the homeless & families experiencing food insecurity.

B R O T H E R A N D R E C E N T E R AT S T. A G N E S C H U R C H

Students work to package food pantry boxes for local families experiencing food insecurity living in our neighboring parish

HOTEL DIEU

Hotel Dieu is a low-income, independent living facility for seniors. Students give through ministry of presence in conversation with residents during mealtime or an activity, helping them to become more active and social.

CENTRAL JUVENILLE HALL

Students spend time with juvenile detainees, emphasizing the promise and humanity they still maintain as children of God.

"Serving in the ministries at the CC has helped me grow in my Catholic faith and my relationship with Jesus in a more intimate way. I’m beyond grateful for the ministries here at the CC because every week we are given the opportunity to really put our faith into action, particularly in serving the vulnerable, where we especially encounter Jesus. This has been not only supplemental but I attribute it as being central to my spiritual growth along with prayer."

- Kylo Mallari '25

Biological Sciences Minor in Science, Health, & Aging

KY LO ' S S TO RY

"What captivated me to start getting involved was how the ministries here at the CC didn’t seem detached from the people served and their volunteers. Having volunteered through other clubs and organizations, it felt like relationships, whether it be with fellow volunteers or the individuals served, were not given much of a priority. I appreciated how the ministries at the CC foster and encourage a spirit of encounter between the individuals served and the volunteers—kind of how each individual is treated not merely as a means but also as an end in themselves. I was drawn to come back and volunteer as much as I could simply because of this welcoming and loving atmosphere. This spirit of encounter particularly has made my overall experience here nothing short of amazing because it has even led me to form relationships with some of the individuals we serve and develop lasting friendships with volunteers."

WEEKEND MISSION TRIPS Students join together for weekend mission trips to Tijuana where they help build houses, encounter Christ, and learn about the life & challenges that our brothers and sisters experience just across the border.

K- 8 M E N TO R S H I P

Students become mentors to K-8 students to provide opportunites to mutually deepen their faith, develop a sense of responsibility for others, and learn how to be advocates for change. Through direct mentor relationships, the gospel message and values are shared and put into action through collaborative service projects to address the needs of the homeless, elderly, and poor families in Los Angeles.

A LT E R N AT I V E S P R I N G B R E A K S

International and local mission trips are offered during USC spring break. Living alongside those in the community, students cultivate a deeper understanding of how the work of social justice extends far beyond our local communities PA R A L O S N I N O S T U T O R I N G and how it is our duty to address inequities around the world.

Students become tutors for local middle school students Students have served in orphanages, schools, refugee (math & reading) and non-traditional high school students camps, built homes, installed water filters, and ministered in (in a variety of subjects) in underserved communities. many other ways on these alternative spring breaks.

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Serving at the CC

Students have the opportunity to lead their peers in growing closer to Christ in a variety of ways. Serving at the USC Caruso Catholic Center invites students to share their insights, experiences, and faith with others, as we help develop them to become leaders and apostles of the Catholic Faith in their future communities and local churches.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

E V A N G E L I C A L C AT H O L I C

C R E AT I V E M I N I S T R Y

FOCUS DISCIPLESHIP

Student Leadership serves the CC community through planning and executing the variety of activities that bring us together to form our Catholic Trojan Family. These student positions include: president, community life & culture, missions, worship, communications, and graduate students.

Creative ministry seeks to unite student artists at the CC and grow in both faith and craft. It is a chance to gather and see how your gifts and talents can be used to spread the Gospel and share Christ's presence through the beauty of art, music, and media.

C AT H O L I C C E N T E R C O M PA N I O N S

Jesus chose to invest in a core group of disciples whom he sent out to seek the lost sheep and make disciples of all nations. Evangelical Catholic walks with students, following Jesus’ mission process, to find, form, equip, train, and support student disciples to send into our CC community.

Discipleship invites students to an opportunity to enter into a mentorship-relationship with a FOCUS missionary or other student leader, in which they strive to live as disciples of Christ and teach others to do the same.

Catholic Center Companions seeks to help incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students see the Church with new eyes and make their transition to USC and the USC Caruso Catholic Center easy and fun. This program welcomes new students into the Catholic Trojan Family before the semester begins by pairing them with a CC Veteran (a student who is a visible witness of faith & family at the CC).

"I serve because I have experienced firsthand the love, hope, and faith that is shared through these ministries at the CC. Through them, I have grown in virtue, built lifelong friendships, and a stronger foundation of faith. I want to help build a community that allows current and incoming students to experience the same graces that I have received in my 3 years at USC."

- Thea Florence Liscano '25

Biomedical Engineering Minor in Sports Business and Management

G R AC E ' S S TO RY "Last year, I was having a rough time, swamped with work, and whenever people reached out, it was to get help with work. I was beginning to feel like most of my relationships were like ‘business’ relationships - I was giving so much of myself and not receiving anything relationship wise in return. Things changed when I went on a local ASB (Alternative Spring Break). The homeless guests we served were such a powerful testament to Christ in the love and joy they have. How willing they were to help each other, offer their coffee to another person, and much more! I began to see service in another way; not out of obligation, but for the love of God and His glory. I started going to EC (Evangelical Catholic) and I like how concrete and tangible it is, making Evangelization feel more real & doable. EC taught me that we can serve Christ in our everyday lives together - we are not alone and we are all friends on the same mission to serve Christ and Grace Tran '25 Mechanical Engineering love others."

L I T U RG I CA L S E RV I C E

C H O I R / M U S I C M I N I S T RY

Students serve as lectors, altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, Our music ministry offers students the opportunity to share ushers, or sacristans to create an atmosphere of prayer, their muscial gifts & talents at liturgies, retreats, worship nights, worship, and hospitality for our Masses. and special gatherings.

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Partners in Ministry

We at the USC Caruso Catholic Center are blessed to have the partnership of many different women & men religious orders, communities, and secular institutes who visit our campus and offer different perspectives & spiritualities to our student community. Their presence provides new and varied avenues for exploration of faith & identity, growth in prayer, spiritual direction, and discernment.

FAT H E R K O L B E M I S S I O N A R I E S O F T H E I M M A C U L ATA

The consecration of our life to Mary, Mother of God, is the basis of our spirituality. The consecration to Mary, when welcomed within us, interiorly transforms us into Mary, in a constant and gradual way, as in the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. This is our greatest desire, our goal, our ideal: to be Mary. No one lived for God and of God more than she.

D A U G H T E R S O F C H A R I T Y O F S T. V I N C E N T D E PA U L

We are a community of women who devote our lives to serving the poorest and most abandoned individuals in today’s society. We are a joyful community that lives, prays, and works together. We minister in the everyday worlds of the poor and the marginalized. We live a life of humility and simplicity dedicated to charity. We are dedicated to reaching and empowering those in need, working at their side in the toughest situations and most deprived environments.

SISTERS OF LIFE

Your worth doesn’t come from what you can do, or how much money you make, or who your friends are. God loves you for you. But in the ups and downs of life, it’s easy to forget that. That’s why Jesus invites you: Come. Look deeper. Re-encounter your own goodness. Receive the Love that frees you to live in the truth of who you are.

C O M PA N Y O F M A R Y O U R L A D Y

Nourished by Ignatian Spirituality, the Sisters of the Company of Mary Our Lady, are contemplatives in action, with a spirit of availability like Mary. Their mission is education in the faith that bears fruit in the works of justice. The dignity of women, attention to their integral needs and their preparation to generate processes of change and social transformation, are priorities within the Company of Mary Our Lady educational ministries.

P O O R C L A R E M I S S I O N A RY S I S T E RS O F T H E BL ES S E D SAC RA M E N T

Consecrated to God with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and life in community, the sisters live their spirituality as contemplative and active "to fuse Martha and Mary, as a one single soul. Our charism is missionary. We are dedicated to the external works framed in a picture of interior life. Our motto is ‘Christ Must Reign’.”

"The sisters and priests at the CC have provided many students, including myself, with a home a safe place to go to, to clear your mind, to find peace. They offer so much of their time that they are everywhere, and available all the time. I could not be more thankful."

- Serena Haber '27

Human Biology

L O V E R S O F T H E H O LY C R O S S

The Lovers of the Holy Cross seek to know, love and offer oneself totally to Jesus Christ by diligently contemplating, remembering, and imitating His sacrificial life on earth. Sisters joyfully offer themselves in the spirit of solidarity with the sufferings of humanity in service of others to glorify God, so that, "in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church."

S I S T E R S O F S T. J O S E P H O F O R A N G E

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange identifies with the self-emptying love and obedience of Jesus Christ. Their mission is to bring all people into union with God and with one another, serving them according to their needs and their own various gifts, through all the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that may be within the power of the congregation.

CA RM E L I T E S I ST E RS O F T H E M OST SAC RE D H E A RT O F J ES U S O F LO S A N G E L ES

Carmelite spirituality speaks to the heart. It is in essence, recognizing the deep desire that resides in each person, the desire and hunger for God, whether they know it or not. Carmelites want to see God now. And prayer is that open door through which one begins to enter in, to see and experience the depths that can be explored within each soul, simply because God dwells in each human heart.

ORDER OF FRIARS MINOR, CONVENTUAL

Franciscan Friars Conventuals give witness to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through living in community by following the life of Saint Francis of Assisi in poverty, chastity, & obedience. The Franciscans imitate the humility of Christ and minister to the least, the neglected, and the forgotten in society.

MILES CHRISTI

It is the desire of Miles Christi to offer to the Church and to the world, religious and priests formed in a spirit of excellence, equipped to respond to the changing necessities of the society in which they must live. “Filled with holy initiatives, he lives only for the sanctification of his neighbor”.

H O S P I TA L L E R O R D E R O F S T J O H N O F G O D

The Hospitaller Brothers foster a deep sense of hospitality which opens them to every person they meet and moves them to do everything in their power to help them in their needs. They consecrate themselves to God and dedicate themselves to serving the Church in the assistance for the sick and those in need, with a preference for the poorest. In this way they show that the compassionate and merciful Christ of the Gospel is still alive among men and we work with Him for their salvation.

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FOCUS

Fellowship of Catholic University Students

The USC Caruso Catholic Center welcomes FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionaries to serve alongside us in walking with our students in the faith. Rooted in Church teaching, prayer, scripture and evangelization, FOCUS missionaries invite students into a joyful life with Christ by sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel with them. Through FOCUS bible studies and small group discipleship formation, students have the opportunity to grow in a personal relationship with Christ and pursue lives of virtue and excellence.

FOCUS GREEK

FOCUS Greek is an intentional outreach to fraternity and sorority students in Greek systems. Because of their roles as leaders, Greek students have a unique influence and ability to help others on the journey to Christ — both on campus and out in the world following graduation.

S O P H I A' S S T O R Y

"Bible study has honestly made my semester so much better. Having a set time each week where I can go and learn and talk has been so helpful and I’m so grateful to have the space and opportunity to do so. All the FOCUS missionaries have been so sweet and I’ve really loved getting to know all of them. They have impacted me in that if I have any questions or just want to chat about anything from the bible, to advice, they have always been there for me. I think especially with having missionaries that were in Greek Life is so helpful because they can relate and have been in the same place. Overall, I’ve seen myself become closer with my faith and I couldn’t have done it without our missionaries and bible study!"

- Sophia Marriot '24

N ATA L I E ' S S T O R Y

Cinematic Arts Alpha Chi Omega

"Bible study has impacted me this semester in such a big way! I have been able to join a community of women who live their lives through faith. I’m very grateful to have met Sandra and Lupita, our bible study leaders, who have pushed me to learn more about Jesus and life as a Catholic woman at USC. It’s been such a great way to strengthen my relationship with God and to be surrounded by women who support each other in everyone’s faith journey."

- Natalie Rosiak '24

N A M I T H A' S S T O R Y

Namitha Nixon '24

Business & Cinematic Arts Gamma Phi Beta

C I C E RO ' S S TO RY

"I am so grateful to have met such "The FOCUS missionaries at amazing, kind, caring, and thoughtful the Caruso Center are amazing! girls through bible study. No matter Specifically getting to know Jackson how stressed out I am with school Fox and Zach Fiedler through the and life, they always make our bible Greek Life bible study has been studies the most peaceful part of a highlight of my college career. my week. When I felt low, burnt out, This bible Study helps me to stay or struggled with living out my faith connected to my faith and also they made me see my life and my meet new people on campus. worries in a new lens. I feel like I’ve Thanks to the support I receive gained so much optimism through from the FOCUS missionaries, I have bible study. My only regret is that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the wish I met these girls sooner!"

Caruso Center and USC as a whole.

Fight On!"

Business Delta Delta Delta

Cicero Aschieris '24

Philosophy, Politics, & Law Minor in Entrepreneurship Phi Sigma Kappa

BIBLE STUDIES / FOCUS DISCIPLESHIP

In bible studies, students encounter Jesus through community, the word of God in scripture, and the teachings of the Church.

In discipleship, FOCUS missionaries invite students (1-on-1 or in groups) into a deeper commitment. They are formed through church teaching and taught how to pray and grow their relationship with God. Students learn how to evangelize and share the gospel to others, to start their own bible study, and to grow in friendship and virtue.

M I C H E L L E ' S S TO RY

"As a transfer and someone whose involvement in my faith fell to the wayside during my freshman year of studying abroad in Europe, I felt God speaking to me through the retreat’s theme of 'entering the Father’s house.' During the retreat, I went to confession for the first time in years. The priest sat there with me, gently and compassionately, for upwards of forty minutes. He is now my first-ever spiritual director, and the bonds I’ve created with other students and FOCUS missionaries further celebrate my Catholic identity at USC. It’s strange to consider that after fourteen years of Catholic schooling, I feel most active in my faith at a secular university because of the Catholic Center and the pure love exuding from the FOCUS missionaries, campus ministers, and USC’s fabulous priests and sisters. I entered the retreat (and more generally the Catholic Center) quietly astonished at how this community around me was smiling all the time. Now I know why, and I’m smiling too."

- Michelle Reilly '25 Mathematics & Comparative Literature

V A R S I T Y C AT H O L I C

FOCUS Varsity Catholic missionaries mentor athletes within their demanding schedules, teaching them to glorify God in their sport and in their daily lives. Through genuine friendship, prayer and sharing God’s message of hope and mercy, Varsity Catholic missionaries aim to raise up disciples of Jesus who are equipped to make disciples of others.

C L A R I C E ' S S TO RY

"Bible study this semester has impacted my life as a Catholic. I prayed for more opportunities to learn and deepen my Catholic faith. God answered my prayers by giving me a space, such as bible study, to achieve these aspirations with two great leaders, Emerie and Mary. I was able to read and learn more about the book of John. I joined a discipleship and made my first virtuous friendship, which is one of my bible study leaders, Emerie. Finally, I have seen improvement in my devotion to my prayer. I started to incorporate bible reading and quiet reflection in my prayer. Overall, I had a wonderful time participating in bible study, and I plan to continue during my time here at USC." - Clarice Akunwafo '25

JA N E ' S S TO RY

Health & Human Science Women's Basketball Team

"In my time being at USC and walking with Emerie, I transformed more in my faith than I ever thought I would. The welcoming, loving environment I joined made me truly look forward to practicing my faith and seeing how much it can precipitate into all aspects of my life rather than being an activity I do on the side. Our bible study sessions were a highlight of my every week because I felt that it was one of the most supportive, positive environments I was a part of in an otherwise difficult year that I was having as an athlete, and my faith became the one place and facet of my identity that I realized I could always rely on and love." Jane will transfer to another school this fall, and as she prepares to step onto a new campus, we pray that she may continue in her journey towards heaven and sainthood!

- Jane Cox '25

M EG A N ' S S TO RY

Art History Women's Rowing

"Continuing to grow my faith in a female athlete bible study with such amazing missionaries this semester has been truly a gift! All of the girls in the group have inspired me in different ways, and I’m so grateful to feel like I have another group of people that are separate from school or volleyball. I feel like I play for God now, where in the past I used to play for myself, and that is all because of the selflessness of Emerie and Mary to include me in the community and teach me new things every day!" Megan is a rising senior on the women's beach volleyball team, who just won it's 3rd consecutive NCAA Championship title. She is interested in starting her own bible study with her team and inviting them into her faith.

- Megan Kraft '24

Accounting Women's Beach Volleyball 16

Support Catholic Life At USC We continously heed the call of the Lord to "put out into deep waters" and continue to look to the current and future needs of our community at USC.

WORKING TOWARDS OUR FUTURE •

Hire a full time Catholic mental health counselor/therapist on staff at the CC.

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Develop a "school of learning" for future campus ministers & parish leaders.

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Establish a ministry presence of 1 full time Campus Minister & 2 FOCUS missionaries at the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) & Keck Medical Center for medical students, nurses, & doctors.

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Establish a Catholic students residence.

Whether you are a student, alumni, parent, friend, or future student...

YO U A R E H O M E !

Through your help, the USC Caruso Catholic Center can continue to change the life of a student by offering opportunities where students can enter into a community that not only truly cares for their well being, but creates a home for them to grow and develop in their spiritual and professional lives. Your support creates a place for students to ask questions, be part of a safe community with no judgments, and enter into a relationship with Christ.

We hope to empower and challenge them to live their faith with courage, compassion, joy, and wonder. Please be part of our mission by making a gift.

You Make a Difference ANNUAL FUND GIF TS ENHANCE T H E C AT H O L I C T R O J A N EXPERIENCE

RESTRICTED GIFTS ST RE N GT H E N OU R M I S S I O N

Our ministry relies solely on the faith and generosity of the extended Catholic Trojan family—year after year—to help our students engage in a life of faith, loyalty, scholarship, skill, courage, and ambition, while also enhancing their margin of excellence. Annual fund gifts enable us to go above and beyond in all that we do.

We are grateful for the generous support designated for specific programs and strategic initiatives.

These gifts allow for more students to benefit from their fruitful experience as a Catholic Trojan, both strengthening our financial foundation and enhancing our beautiful Church and Center.

Priorities Include:

YO U R C O N T R I B U T I O N M A K E S A DIFFERENCE

• • • • • •

Student Engagement & Evangelization Retreats & Intellectual Formation Liturgy & Music Ministry Service & Social Outreach Alternative Spring Break Scholarships Sunday Community Dinners

ENDOWMENT GIFTS OFFER T R A N S F O R M AT I V E S U P P O R T Forward-thinking donors who contribute to the Center's endowment will ensure that every aspect of the Center's ministry will continue to expand Catholic life at USC in perpetuity.

USC Caruso Catholic Center does not receive financial support from the Archdiocese or University–we are 100% donor-funded! You can make a difference by contributing to our ministry at catholictrojan.org/catholiclife or scanning the QR code below.

catholictrojan.org/catholiclife

For assistance in making a gift, or to receive more information, please contact: Nora Morales, Advancement Associate 213-516-3965 | nmorales@catholictrojan.org Rose Ramirez, Donor Relations 213-516-3975 | rose@catholictrojan.org

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S TAY C O N N E C T E D D A I LY M A S S

CONFESSIONS

S U N D AY M A S S

E U C H A R I S T I C A D O R AT I O N

Monday - Friday 12:10PM & 5:30PM 10AM & 5PM

Monday - Friday 8AM & 4:30PM Monday - Friday 8AM & 4:30PM

USC Caruso Catholic Center

PA S T O R

Fr. Richard Sunwoo

CAMPUS MINISTERS Fr. Joe Kim, OFM Conv. (Director) Tricia Tembreull Miguel Mendoza Julia Osiripaibul, FKM Nysa Beliard

844 West 32 nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90007

PRESIDENT Jamie Cappetta

jkim@catholictrojan.org ttembreull@catholictrojan.org miguel@catholictrojan.org juliaosi@catholictrojan.org nysa@catholictrojan.org

213.516.3959 info@catholictrojan.org catholictrojan.org

@trojan_catholic

catholictrojan.org