Freshman Spotlight: Lucas Smith
“T
here was not really one big thing that brought me to the Catholic faith, but many genuine moments that led me down the path to joining the Church.” Lucas Smith, a freshman sports journalism major from Bloomington, Illinois, joined the church just over two years before starting at Mizzou. After growing in his faith at Central Catholic High School, Lucas knew that maintaining his faith life in college was important to him. “When I was looking at colleges, the faith aspect became more and more important. When I visited Mizzou, I got an impromptu tour from someone at Newman. I knew this was a place where I could be challenged in my degree field and the faith aspect was there too.” Lucas’ first experience of the Newman Center was during Welcome Week, where he attended the Newman BBQ. From there, he went to all the other welcome events. “There’s a feel about the people here at Newman. I see genuine smiles and joy. I can tell they want me to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They earnestly want me to grow in my faith.” With your support, Lucas was able to participate in many of the ministries offered to new students who come
Lucas with Newman friends after Ephesians 3. From left to right: Jaynie Vanatta, Andrew Slater, Mitchell Sedgwick, Lucas Smith, and Jordan Layton.
to Newman. Throughout the first few weeks of school, Lucas joined a bible study, attended Freshman Overnight, and participated in Ephesians 3 Weekly Fellowship. “I also just spend a lot of my time at Newman studying and hanging out.” Though he’s found a community here, Lucas knows it’s still hard to maintain a faith life in college. “Sometimes that Lucas with mom, Mendy (MU’94), during MU Family ten minute walk across campus to get to Newman Weekend in September. seems like a lot. But I know there are people there. It’s a lot easier to maintain those relationships when I know there are others there to help me. Everyone has been so generous with their time and getting to know me as a person.” Your support has created the space where Lucas can come to experience a community which gives him so much. “Really, the intangible aspects these people bring to me is unfathomable. It’s been about five weeks and I know the people I’ve met here are going to be in my life forever.” Lucas’ favorite part about being Catholic is Adoration. Since coming to college, he attends Power Hour (an hour of music and Adoration on Monday nights) and Holy Hours during the week. “At every mass, we see Jesus and I know I sometimes take it for granted. In Adoration, He’s right there - sometimes just a couple of feet away from me - and it’s the most beautiful thing on earth to sit at His feet. It’s our life goal to end up at Jesus’ feet and Adoration is a way for us to experience that in this life.”
Our students & missionaries are gearing up for this great conference... are you? On #GivingTuesday, help our students get to SEEK - let’s fund the busses! Will you be there? Contact JoAnn at joann@comonewman.org to learn more about the CoMoNeman Reception on Saturday at the Indianapolis Granite City Brewery!