Fall/Winter 2023 Newsletter

FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

Dear Friends,

I cannot remember being so fervent about composing a Ram Campus newsletter! I am excited because of the terrific message I will share with you about the priestly fruits of the Ram Catholic ministry.

As we approach the Season of Lent in 2024 and prepare for the Lenten Appeal, we have been endeavoring to obtain the remarkable testimonial of four men who are also Ram Catholic alums. Two men are now ordained priests; another will be ordained to the priesthood in May, and the third will be ordained as a transitional deacon during the Lenten season. I hope you can understand my excitement!

The four Ram Catholic alums are:

1. Father CJ Mast, who is serving as the Chaplain at Denver’s Bishop Machebeuf High School.

2. Father Tony Davis, who is serving as the Parochial Vicar at Saint Stephen’s Church in Glenwood Springs.

3. Transitional Deacon Owen Limarta, who will be ordained as an Archdiocese of Denver priest in June, and

4. Jose Delgado, who is in formation at the Saint John Vianney Seminary in Denver and, will be ordained as a Transitional Deacon during the 2024 Lenten Season.

In a few weeks, we will share a video in which you will see and hear the inspiring testimonials of these men. All the testimonies are as beautiful as they are different, except that their time at Colorado State University and involvement in Ram Catholic are common denominators. I pray your interest is piqued!

As you see and hear from each of these men, please remember the vital role your generous support to the Ram Catholic ministry has had and continues to have. Quite literally, the miraculous ordination of these holy men would not have been possible without you.

God Bless You,

Fr Joseph Lajoie

MASS ON THE GRASS

By Adrian Duputat

My name is Adrian and I am a junior at CSU, studying mechanical and biomedical engineering. Ever since my freshman year, Mass on the Grass has been an annual staple to kick off my year with Ram Catholic. My freshman year was when I first heard of Ram Catholic through Mass on The Grass and ever since then, I have been involved in the church.

Incoming students, parents, families, and parishioners around Fort Collins come to this Mass every year. The fact that we are able to celebrate Mass open, on campus, in Colorado State’s beautiful outdoor venue speaks multitudes to the faith being alive in college.

Ever since my first Mass on The Grass, I’ve been involved with altar serving and was able to serve at this year’s Mass on the Grass. The turn out this year was fantastic! While serving side-by-side with the students I have known for years, it was a blessing to be able to provide the same experience that I was given my freshman year and open the doorway for new students to know God through Ram Catholic. Glory to Jesus Christ!

It was the fall of my sophomore year, and I heard the message of Ram Awakening for the second time. Ram Awakening: the first retreat of the school year. The event heralded by campus ministers and FOCUS missionaries, with the beautiful message of encountering the Lord and growing in Christ-centered community. I hadn’t heeded the message before, but this time I was struck by the depth of the message. I’d been on a Ram Catholic retreat before, one for women, but I’d never been to Ram Awakening. Signing up and awaiting the day filled me with excitement for the retreat.

The retreat, which always takes place in the fall semester, took up a Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. We drove from Saint John XXIII in Fort Collins to the YMCA of the Rockies just outside of Estes Park and settled in the cabins on the YMCA campus. Ram Awakening is an incredibly special retreat,

WRITTEN BY: MADELEINE GILLETT

as those who have already gone to Ram Awakening are given the opportunity to staff the retreat by leading small groups, praying with attendees, and supporting staff in putting on events. Upon arrival and dinner at the YMCA, the event formally begins with the assignment of attendees to small groups and the commencement session, which includes a welcome talk. The small groups function as home base for the retreat, as teams for games, and as a small community within the community, where conversation, prayer, and individual connections are made.

Ram Awakening is built around individuals encountering the Lord and drawing nearer to Him through the return to the simple and beautiful - a main reason for the retreat being held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The second day of the retreat is full of talks given by campus ministers and FOCUS missionaries, who, in their pursuit of the Lord and His Truth,

have been given an opportunity to share with the college students their experiences with the Lord’s mercy, and love, and to guide students in their pursuit of Christ. The end of the second day of Ram Awakening is highly anticipated by attendees and staff alike, as it holds the great event of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament guided by the liturgy put on by the student-staffed music team. Attendees of Ram Awakening sit in the camp hall and sing, pray, and experience the love of the Lord as He meets them right where they are. The third and final day of the retreat dawns with joy as retreaters gather for Sunday Mass, come together for a final talk, and wrap up games of the weekend. Strengthened by our encounters with the Lord and sharing the messages He has written on our hearts, we drove back to the church and to college life - but as different people than we once were. We returned down the mountain with dignity restored, with joy shining from our faces, with the message of calling each person by name to the Lord’s mercy and goodness.

Before signing up for Ram Awakening, I knew my relationship with Christ was in need of work, but I didn’t know what I needed or even where to start. I had few expectations going into the retreat, and I was even discouraged as it began, as my anxieties and fears about His love were affecting my trust in Him. But He did

not hesitate to redeem my every fear about His love for me. The most impactful moments of the retreat were of this exact nature - one where, during a small group talk, when I was expressing my fears, my small group leader turned to me and shared the pivotal words which Christ speaks to all of us: “I would rather die than let you go.” The second most impactful moment was in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where, as I was expressing my fears to the Father, He answered my questions with the simple phrase, “Daughter of the King.”

At Ram Awakening, I received so much more than my expectations and so much more than what I thought was best for me. I was affirmed in my daughtership, I was met with His mercy in the Sacraments, I was solidified in my friendships and given the great gift of an authentic and Christ-centered community. I have been impacted so lovingly by Ram Awakening, and while the retreat is a different experience for everyone, God, in His love, exceeds any expectations we might have. Because He knows what we need so much better than we ever can, He showers us with the exact graces we need, tramples the lies we might believe, and lovingly leads our hearts to closer relationship with Him and His people, whom, just like each one of us, He calls by name to His love.

PHI KAPPA THETA

By Alex Duputat

My name is Alex Deputat and last fall was my first semester at Colorado State University. One of my deciding factors in choosing CSU was the Ram Catholic ministry. Having an older brother involved in Ram Catholic gave me insight into the positive influence that resulted from an organization that is designed to bring college-aged students together in order to develop and strengthen their faith

Knowing that college offers a wide range of opportunities and distractions, it was important to me to connect with Catholic peers at Saint John XXIII. I hoped to learn what it was like, being a Catholic student at CSU and navigating the social pressures at a public university. As I got more involved, I was introduced to the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and it became clear to me that it was through fellowship and brotherhood that I could further develop and strengthen my commitment to my Catholic identity.

I accepted the invitation to join Phi Kappa Theta as an associate member in order to find role models of responsible men who have found a path to pursue a college education

without compromising their Catholic faith. Unlike what many people think of when they hear the term “fraternity”, the Phi Kappa Theta brothers prioritize mentorship of new members. “Phi Kapps” are a group of men who sincerely want the best for one another and are willing to make personal sacrifices of their time to support their brothers and charitable organizations. I observed their commitment to their faith when attending Mass at Saint John XXII and their willingness to reach out to fellow college students to make them feel welcome.

During the fall semester, I participated in a memorable Phi Kappa Theta fundraiser, called, “Mac N Stache”. This event was held in the narthex of St. John XXIII to raise money for the Movember Foundation, an organization aimed at raising awareness of men’s health issues. Our fraternity was divided into teams to compete in a macaroni and cheese cook-off. This event highlighted what Phi Kappa Theta stands for - service and teamwork. Together, the event organizers needed to plan the event, schedule the time and location, advertise and promote the fundraiser and manage other logistics to

PHI KAPPA THETA

make it a success. During this process, we had a lot of fun and built camaraderie with each other, and ultimately, used that bond for something deeper - service to others. For me, this exemplifies that the strength of Phi Kappa Theta and what it can accomplish lies in its strong focus on bringing men together to be authentic with one another in order to build each other up.

Overall, the most important thing I’ve gained from joining Phi Kappa Theta is realizing how genuine its members are. In my first college semester, which is often considered to be mentally and emotionally challenging, I have grown alongside my fraternity brothers. I have developed supportive friendships and have tried new things that align with my Catholic faith and challenge me to become a better person. I am grateful to both Ram Catholic and Phi Kappa Theta for making my fall semester one of personal and spiritual growth.

ADORATION

By Cailtin Wilde

Before college, Eucharistic adoration was something I experienced a few times a year at retreats in High School. That meant my attitude around adoration was that it was a special occasion, only to be experienced at retreat centers surrounded by dozens of other people. It wasn’t until coming to Saint Johns that I was given the opportunity to visit Jesus in the blessed sacrament as often as I answered his invitation. I signed up for a weekly Holy Hour my sophomore year, and slowly kept wanting to come to adoration more and more. It has been a whirlwind. Sometimes I go in and all I can think about is myself and the things I do not need to worry about. Other times, I am mesmerized by the beauty of Jesus in the Eucharist, and I am filled with awe and a deep longing for my heart to be like his. I have heard time and again that all Jesus asks of us is to show up. If His true presence is enough, our presence to Him is enough. It is a great desire of mine to be able to just sit in the Lord’s presence in adoration, gazing upon Him like the gaze of a child.

A recent connection to adoration comes from an experience I had at Mass. In the pew directly in front of me was a baby in a carrier, facing in my direction. Sitting

next to him was his dad. Throughout the entire Mass, the baby did nothing except gaze up at his father. There was something unique about his gaze. It wasn’t filled with anything strong, not even a sense of wonder. After a time, the word came to me. It was a gaze of peace. All the child did was rest, and look up at his father with peace. Even though from my point of view it was hard to see the look the father gave his son, I could see it reflected in his son’s response. The key is that God first looked at us. I must be like that little child when I go to adoration, and receive the gaze of God and look back with the gaze of Peace. I do not need to actively ponder anything or try to muster up pious prayers. I need only the security of looking towards the One who at every moment, is loving me completely. I think God will bring me there. I know this because I feel drawn to return to the adoration chapel no matter how yesterday’s prayer went. There’s something so special about Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, that it feels like a familiar treat when I stumble upon a church with adoration that I didn’t know had it going on. I wasn’t wrong when I viewed adoration as a special occasion in High School. I just didn’t realize it is a special occasion meant for every day of my life.

The Byzantine community will still be available to students but is moving to Fort Collins Parish, St Elizabeth Ann Seaton where they will have a permanent designated chapel.

MASS

@ SAINT JOHN XXIII

St John XXIII parish is home to many parishioners of various traditions and backgrounds which, due to the unceasing emphasis on reverence of the Eucharist, nurtures, strengthens, and deepens the faith of every person who reverently attends a liturgy here. The students arrive hungry for God, the full time parishioners build lasting communities, and we are all nourished by the holiness of the liturgies and people present. The variety allows each person to be cared for while continually bolstering the faithful and reminding us of the gift we have in the Sacraments and worship we owe Him each time we celebrate a liturgy.

The Masses that I first began attending were the Novus Ordo Masses which are held daily. These are what I was most familiar with growing up, but at St. John XXIII, it was clear that each person attending was not doing so for an obligation, but out of love for Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist. I remember my first time at

B y J ames B erg

Candlelight Mass where I was surrounded by students who were all basking in the beauty of the Mass we were celebrating. The reverence I experienced when we sang the Salve Regina after Mass and proceeded to kneel for an extended thanksgiving, something I had never done before, was astounding! It left me desiring more and pushing me to dive deeper into my faith.

After a while, I decided to attend a few Traditional Latin Masses (TLM) held on Sundays as I was curious about what a more traditional Mass might entail. Unintentionally, I happened to attend a High Mass the first time I went. While I was utterly lost concerning the form and order of the liturgy unfolding before me, I was struck with awe at the beauty of the choir’s chants and the deeply intellectual sermon which was given during that Mass. I began to see how the TLM had clearly bolstered the reverence of those attending the Novus Ordo Masses at John the XXIII; simultaneously, I recognized that if it had not been for my upbringing in the Novus Ordo Masses, I would not have understood anything of what was happening at the Altar. After attending the TLM for the first time, I strove to strengthen my own reverence towards the Mass and better understand the liturgy, further explore scripture, and begin to read some of the writings of the saints.

Beginning this last year, I began to occasionally attend the Byzantine Vespers and Divine Liturgy held on Saturday evenings. I was caught up in the splendor of the liturgy and was deeply moved by the traditions which were so foreign to my Latin experiences. The Liturgy was deeply personal, fostering intimate prayer between the congregant and Jesus Christ. The approach to spirituality was very different to what I was used to, but it allowed me to understand my faith in new ways which I would have missed had I never gone. The veneration of the Blessed Mother, the Theotokos, was incredible to me and encouraged me to deepen my devotion to her. I began to see her and her intercession in a new way and began as never before to adopt her as my spiritual mother. The approach to faith in the Byzantine rites and intimate reverence of the Theotokos has clearly bled into every liturgy held at St John XXIII and the parish would not be the same without it.

Each full-time parishioner and each student who frequents St. John XXIII all carry their own experiences of the liturgies which help us to strengthen each other in areas where we lack. The facets of God’s glory are on full display in the conversations I have with the various students and parishioners here. I am deeply grateful for the ways in which the various Mass and Divine Liturgies have nourished and strengthened the faith of everyone here!

WOMEN’S NIGHTS

By Marisol Garcia

Ram Catholic Women’s Nights typically consist of talks, activities, food fit for queens (usually charcuterie boards), and a community of genuine women who want to share life together on our journey to heaven. This semester, we are led by Olivia Berlingeri and Erika Richard.

My experience with Women’s Nights has been filled with nothing but gifts. Every woman that attends has something to bring to the table, whether that be profound wisdom to share in small groups or delicious snacks, there is always something to gain. The missionaries and leaders of Women’s Nights have sparked many deep conversations and stirrings of the heart when it comes to better understanding our faith. Two talks that stand out to me are ones about the graces of singlehood given by Olivia and of freedom given by Camille. The prayers of Be Satisfied With Me and the Litany of Trust, respectively, are ones these ladies had us reflect on. I ponder over these prayers often and share them with others, as they provide so much wisdom and truth.

Some of the greatest gifts I have received from Women’s Nights are the friendships and proof of authentic sisterhood. Those who attend Women’s Nights are after the same goal: heaven for us, for our brothers, and for our sisters. We want to better understand our purpose and missions. We want to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ. I have made some of the best friendships of my life with the women of Ram Catholic, and thanks to Women’s Nights, I have really been able to foster these relationships into something worthy of my full gratitude.

MEN’S NIGHTS

By Adrian Duputat

After first, coming to CSU, I wanted to find friends, specifically other men that would be there for me throughout my journey towards my career. Looking in the dorms, my classes, and the other traditional places students will find friends allowed me to find some people. Though I had some fun times, I looked at what these people were doing and eventually realized that I didn’t want to be formed by the activities they partook in. Eventually, I came back to St. John XXIII parish and got involved in a Bible study. This Bible study led me to some of my initial virtuous friendships in college, and for the base of what was to become men’s night.

Since mens nights founding, all the different guys from around the church have sat down and had barbecues, firesides, and several other weekly activities that allow us to bond in brotherhood and virtue. Something which has been particularly helpful for me is being able to get to know our parish fathers more. It has led to a profound change in the way that I live my day-to-day life in prayer and fasting, as well as allowed me to explore the different facets of the religious life and how to live a lay Catholic life.

Overall, men’s night has become my primary place for men’s community and allowed me to open my personal life to men, seeking virtuous friendship. Because of men’s night, I am more prepared for what life throws my way, and how to form friendly relationships in faith with other men.

SILENT RETREAT

BY EVAN KAFER

On December 15th, five young men from Ram Catholic organized our own private retreat at Jesus Our Hope Retreat Center in Littleton CO. The goal was three days in brotherhood, prayer, and a lot of silence.My name is Evan Kafer, I’m 21, I moved to Loveland with my parents and sister about a year and a half ago; and while I’m not a student at CSU, Ram Catholic has been an amazing community for me. While finishing my associates degree online last year I came into an encounter with community at Ram Catholic in the form of a small group of young men. We first met as a group briefly at SEEK 23’, but became close when we started playing D&D (a board game) together. We discovered how fruitful it can be when a group like this continues to help one another strive for holiness and grow in relationship with Jesus.

I recently made a successful discernment out of the seminary and was telling my friends about the amazing experience of the three day silent retreat in seminary that made my discernment possible. The main focus of a silent retreat is to make all else quiet so you can hear the movements of your heart and recognize the presence of Jesus constantly near you, dwelling in the innermost chamber of your heart. The silence is the key that unlocks our ears to hear and our eyes to see where Jesus is calling us into deeper relationship. When the guys heard about this they were hooked. We immediately started planning our own retreat.

The plan was to set aside a weekend to unplug and disconnect from the world for as long as we could. It was a bit of a roller coaster getting there, but we didn’t give up. The retreat itself was an exercise in brotherhood and rolling with the punches. We drove to the retreat center on the afternoon of the 15th and settled into the beautiful house and the stillness of the mountains around us. We entered into silence after dinner with vespers. The silence itself lasted for about 8 hours total; due to the circumstances that was about all we could make happen. Despite the short time, each man there would agree it was a beautiful time of prayer. Each day we prayed morning prayer, vespers, compline, and a rosary together. The morning of the 16th we kept in silence except for the Byzantine Divine Liturgy we attended. That Mass deserves a whole article for itself. The remainder of the day was spent in silence, prayer, and peace with Jesus. We ended the silence during dinner so we could prepare to leave the next day. On the 17th, we packed up, attended a Traditional Latin Mass, cleaned up the house, and left for home.

The hours in silence were beautiful, peaceful, and fruitful for each one of us. The time spent in brotherhood was filled with laughter, great conversation, and a little amatuer cake making (but it was delicious). Although it wasn’t a traditional silent retreat, we all recognized how much we loved to take time to walk with Jesus and talk with just him for while. The fruits of each man’s prayer are between him and Jesus so I won’t speak too much for the other guys, but for me I’ve experienced a renewal of peace and trust in the Lord from the silence. We already want to plan our next retreat and take as many others as we can with us.

TUESDAY // 8am, 5:30pm

WEDNESDAY // 8am, 5:30pm

THURSDAY // 8am, 8pm (Candlelight during school year)

FRIDAY // 8am

SATURDAY // 9am Vigil: 4pm

SUNDAY // 8am, 10am, 11:30am (Latin Extraordinary), 5pm (Student Mass)

RECONCILIATION

TUESDAY // 8:30am, 4pm

WEDNESDAY // 8:30am, 4pm

THURSDAY // 8:30am, 7pm

FRIDAY // 8:30am

SATURDAY// 8-8:50am, 2:30-3:30pm