Fall/Winter 2024 Newsletter

News from Campus Ministry at Colorado State University Fall/Winter 2024 | Volume 14 - No. 2

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR Greetings in Christ! ​At the time of Colorado State University’s (CSU) Christmas break, I completed my fifth semester as the Ram Catholic Chaplain. That’s the exact length of time I was a student at CSU from the Fall of 2000 through the Fall of 2002 before transferring! I was trying to outrun my priestly vocation in settling for other things that I thought would make me happy in life but – thankfully – I could no longer outrun “the hound of heaven” and I realized I was profoundly unhappy limiting God’s role in my life, relegating Him to the sidelines.

Now, in the Father’s humorous providence, I am back in Fort Collins serving as the spiritual father for today’s CSU undergrad and grad students for many reasons. Many exciting things are happening!

A recent success occurred this January when we attended the Seek Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, a significant event in the national Catholic collegiate community. We were honored to serve as a Host Campus, which meant that not only did 114 Ram Catholic students attend Seek, but our students served as humble servants to all the other guests during the conference. It was beautiful to witness our students as disciples.

It was also beautiful to observe over 17,000 people, of whom approximately 14,000 were college students, attend Mass, Adoration, Confession, and inspiring talks during the Seek Conference. From my vantage point as a concelebrant at Mass, the standing students looked like a vast field of wheat or a ripened cornfield in early Autumn and the harvest is ripe and abundant. For those who question whether the Catholic Church has hope for the future, the resounding answer is YES! And given today’s Catholic students’ ardor and reverence, as witnessed at the Seek Conference, the future is bright. Some wonder why the young are most especially drawn to traditional expressions of Catholicism. For all that can be said of “millennials” and “zoomers”, when confronted with what seem to be the “burdensome demands” of following the Faith compared to what seems to be the “unending blessings” of convenient modern hedonism, if the Catholic Faith is the real deal, when Jesus is encountered as the One who the Church says He is, then there can be no other option than to go full measure into the Christian life.

In the wider view of the Archdiocese, I hopefully and joyfully await the priestly ordinations in May, when by the will and the grace of God, another Ram Catholic alumnus Deacon José Delgado will be ordained a priest, making him the fourth Ram Catholic priest to be ordained in the last three years.

This is a testament to the growth and success of our ministry as a personal parish dedicated to

2

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

bringing the Gospel to Colorado State University. And it doesn’t end there! Something for all of us to keep in our prayers is that we have three other Ram Catholic alumni in different stages of priestly formation at the Saint John Vianney Seminary. Indeed, the harvest is ripe, and our future is bright, hopeful, and encouraging.

Please pray for the Ram Catholic ministry as we embark upon the Spring semester and Lent, when much will be happening on behalf of the students and for the salvation of their souls. The months ahead will include the Ram Awakening Retreat, monthly Adore Nights, weekly Thursday Night Candlelight Masses, our first few Ram Catholic Spanish Masses, Bible Studies, monthly Dinners at Dad’s, a Phi Kap Mountain Hike on Good Friday, and more. Every event has been designed to help us meet Saint John XXIII’s Mission Statement, which is to: “Form disciples of Jesus Christ to evangelize the campus of Colorado State University.”

“May the favor of the Lord be upon us. Give success to the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17)

FA L L R E T R E AT In the fall, we hosted eighty students in the mountains with the intention of fostering an encounter with the person of the Holy Spirit. The students were given opportunities to pray with and for each other, to practice listening and receiving words from the Lord, and to rest in community together. We were grateful to be led by Fr. James Claver of the Servants of Christ Jesus, a small charismatic religious community in Denver. Growing in freedom through the reminder of their identities in Christ and the goodness of the Father, students came alive in the discovery (or rediscovery) that God is real and that He intervenes in our real lives. Since the retreat, we have seen our students newly hungry for prayer: both personal prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, and communal prayer in continuing to listen to God with and for each other.

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

3

POLAND PILGRIMAGE WITH THE SISTERS OF LIFE

BY G A B R I E L A D O G U E

This Summer, I had the wonderful blessing and opportunity of going on a pilgrimage to Poland with the Sisters of Life, Megan Ellery- our FOCUS missionary, and a few other students. We met up with students from different universities scattered all over the United States. I never imagined that I would ever be able to go to Poland for a pilgrimage and see all the historical and religious sites there. I was hoping and praying that this trip would help me gain clarity on what the Lord wants me to do after graduation with my vocation and faith journey.

4

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

There were so many moments that caught

another person’s place. Also, we visited the

my eye including the beautiful European

home that some of the Jewish families hid in

architecture of the Polish Catholic Churches

from the Nazis.

which filled my heart with joy each time we passed one. We had the opportunity to visit

The Lord performed so many wonders,

the amazing Salt Mines that Poland is known

especially with the people He graced me with

for which had salt-sculpted statues of Pope

accompanying, encountering and walking

St. John Paul II, Jesus with a glowing heart,

with on this pilgrimage and being able to do

and the Eucharistic Adoration altar.

things such as share our high, low, and God moments, share our testimonies, heart to

We also had the extremely cool opportunity to

heart deep conversations about past wounds

hike Pope St. John Paul II favorite mountains

and meet each other in both the thick of it

in Zakopane, Poland for our second to last day

and the good parts as well.

of the trip while praying the Rosary on our way up! On that note, we also had the opportunity

We were able to recite morning vespers, say

to visit Pope St. John Paul II’s hometown and

night prayer together with the Sisters and

see where he grew up.

have traditional Polish meals together such as Pierogi, potatoes, and dill pickle soups! (P.S:

Although we saw the beautiful parts of

Poland really loves their dill pickle, and Polish

Poland, we also visited the Auschwitz camps

Fanta is way better than United States Fanta,

as well as the cell that St. Maximilian Kolbe

that is for sure! If you get the chance to try it)

stayed in when he was bold enough to take

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

5

A Pilgrimage of the Heart

BY R E E S E S P R I S T E R

In August of 2023 millions of young people

of the inconsequential and minute, we must

gathered in the dust of the Portuguese

say “yes” to Him. Aside from the concrete

soil. We spanned for miles- people from

concept of morbidity and the propinquity

everywhere- gathered to celebrate the papal

of physical death lurking in our lives, there

mass. When Pope Francis addressed us, he

seems to be an abstract (yet very tangible)

said, “You young people wish to change the

concept of spiritual death. How often does

world…. Do great things…. Young people,

our fear of discomfort- of inconvenience-

just as the world needs the rain, you young

dictate the “no’s” we utter? We die to our

people who are the present and the future,

anxieties for our self-gratification rather than

today I tell you- donot be afraid.”

die to ourselves for God. Perhaps this death

What does it mean to be unafraid?

is not absolute, yet its habitual repetition runs the risk of eventual absolute death. This

In August of 2024, over a hundred pilgrims

death handicaps us from trusting God and

gathered to walk El Camino Real in California.

renders us incapable of peace.

Over the course of two days, we walked 37 miles in the footsteps of St. Serra Junípero.

Through taking the Pope’s advice at World

On the first day of the pilgrimage, a priest

Youth Day, I tried to listen to God and say

asked us this question during his homily:

“yes” more to Him. Although my fear did

“How many times have we passed the anniversary of our own death?”

Death and fear seem to be interrelated concepts. Death is the contradiction of life, and life seems to be in, of, for, and through God. In order to live, God must be the heart

6

of our moments. In the infinitesimal seconds Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

“I t is from the hard things that we are Heaven bound- not the easy.”

not go away, He gave me the courage to do things I did not think possibleon occasions I thought I lacked the energy for; during events I did not believe I had the social aptitude for; times upon which I was certain I had neither the resources or propensity for. Through a culmination of those “yeses”, I found myself walking the St. Serra Junípero pilgrimage a year later, reunited with friends from World

understood before. Through saying “yes” to

Youth Day.

God, I was given friendships centered around Him, unbound by the convenience and ease

The Catholic church is a mighty thing. She

that dictates most friendships. Furthermore,

folds the corners of the globe together,

I was given peace and an increase in love for

allowing the edges of cultures and histories

the people within my own country during a

to touch that otherwise wouldn’t. Somehow

time of polarization.

these millions- each with our own vastly different experiences- are all one body.

God is in our every moment. We can either

World Youth Day was a testament to this.

choose to live with Him beside us or within

The beautiful people I met there lived vastly

us. They say Christ is in every person. It is an

different lives than I did. We held different

extraordinary thing to be able to look upon

viewpoints, experienced different things.

another person and give yourself to them

However, it wasn’t my friends that practiced

as a gift; to say: you are worthy of my time,

the Mennonite right or those that lived

my attention, and my discomfort. In order

through the bedlam of bombings in their own

to do so though, we must say “yes” to the

cities whose differences I struggled with the

opportunities He gives. Our existence ought

most. Strangely, it was the people from my

to be a gift to the world. We are made for

own country that held differing opinions to

greatness; for the light of God to radiate

mine.

through us as we give life, through Him, to this world. In the daily “yeses” we make to

It wasn’t until I was walking El Camino Real

God, we allow Him to take us on a journey:

that I found peace within the differences

delving into the depths of a life we didn’t

of my friends and me. The core of their

know was possible. In order to do this, we

contrasting lifestyle and opinions radiated

give our moments to Him. Just as the world

the glow of Christ’s love in a way I hadn’t

needs the rain, we must be unafraid.

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

7

I N T EG R AT I O N O F CHRIST INTO MY LIFE & TA K I N G O N T H E C AT H O L I C WO R L DV I E W

BY GRACE ROSA When I began at Colorado State three years

is a wonderful adventure. I saw first hand

ago, I knew I wanted to build my life rooted

how much of a gift that friendships rooted in

in Christ. As an out of state student from

Christ is and while there was value in many

Kansas knowing no one else at CSU I had a

types of friendship, these were the ones my

lot of fears. Will I be able to find people who

soul most deeply craved. When I researched

have the same values as me? Will I be able to

colleges, I knew I needed to attend one with

stand firm in my Catholic faith in the midst

a community where I could connect with

of a culture that values many things contrary

people in the way my soul most deeply longed

to it? How will I have the confidence to

for. The kind of community where we could

live my faith boldly when I barely have the

push each other in virtue, and expereince the

confidence to introduce myself to the girls

heights of joys and the depths of sorrows

down the hall? Ram Catholic helped give me

together all while seeing it through the lens

the sense of community, belonging, support,

of the cross and the hope of the resurrection.

and confidence needed to answer these

Coming to CSU, I knew RamCatholic was the

questions.

place that most promised the freinds and lifestyle I knew were most fulfilling.

RamCatholic has been my home away from home and given me a deep sense of family even while being hundreds of miles away from my own. It provided me with community and a place to be safe, secure, and supported day one of college and has continued to provide those things for me all throughout my experience. While it has not always been easy to stay a part of this organization, the

8

In high school I was blessed to receive

friendships that have supported me and

incredible Catholic education and formation

continuously pointed me back to the One

that showed me that the Catholic life, is the

who my soul longs most deeply for are the

abundant life and that life with Christ really

reasons why I have stayed. When I have

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

than I ever had encountered before.

My family at RamCatholic has helped me to experience my Catholic faith and relationship with Christ, not in spite of these hardships, but through them. As I have continuously wrestled with the questions of: Who is Jesus? Is God really good? Does He actually love me or just everybody else?, the women strayed and fallen and made mistakes, these

of RamCatholic have embraced me with open

friends have pointed me back to the heart of

arms and shown me the love, tenderness, and

the Father who is merciful, loving, and calls

mercy of Jesus in their actions, words, and

me beloved before anything else. They have

lives. My time in college has deepened my

helped me not just conceptually know, but

Catholic worldview and integration of Christ

first hand experience that without Christ I

in my life because I have been challenged

am nothing, but that this is not something

to integrate Him into the scariest and most

to despair about, but rather to rejoice in. He

vulnerable parts. While it has not been easy,

who loves us and sees us beyond our sins and

I can truly say I would not be where I am in

shortcomings, left the comforts of heaven,

my faith without the continued support of

took on flesh and died an excrusiating death

the Campus Ministry, FOCUS missionaries,

all for the hopes that we might choose to live

and my beloved friends and roommates all

again in Him. This concept of the Gospel that

of whom I have met through RamCatholic.

I had understood and ascribed to early in

Praise be to Jesus Christ for the gift of

high school became real as I faced new and

RamCatholic and the gift of His Faithfulness.

harder challenges, sorrows, and sufferings

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

9

DELIVER US FROM EVIL A C AT H O L I C E X O R C I S T S P E A K S

BY MADELINE GILLETT

Across the street from the Colorado State

heard some of Father Chad’s words online, I

University campus in Fort Collins stands

was excited to hear him speak in person and

the home of Ram Catholic, Saint John XXIII

hear his stories as he shared his message. It

Catholic Church. While the college campus

would be a double-edged message: evil does

would soon be swollen with excited audience

exist in the world - and nothing happens

guests, the church campus was quiet and a

without God’s permission. Apprehensive and

gentle mood of readiness spread across the

hopeful are certainly emotions I experienced

church-goers as the daily 5:30 Mass began.

during this event, as being faced by the reality

Following Mass, students and parishioners

of evil is something that we, as humans, don’t

walked to the Lory Student Center, where

like to experience, and I’m no exception.

Ram Catholic had reserved and prepared the

Father Chad started his talk in prayer, and

Grand Ballroom for one of the biggest events

jumped immediately into the reality that

they’d ever hosted: A talk from a Catholic

evil exists in the world. Sharing both stories

exorcist, Father Chad Ripperger.

and personal experiences, he unfolded many facets of evil, and particularly that of demonic

I joined the students walking across the

possession. Fr. Chad informed the audience

campus and found seats next to friends

of some of the areas of demonic activity in

before the talk started. Having previously

our world, and unearthed some names that

10

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

he has personally dealt with in his work as an

of His realm of permission or too far for

exorcist. A very memorable part of the talk

Him to redeem. Nothing, not even demonic

was Fr. Chad’s explanation of how demonic

possession, is without His knowledge and

work is often driven by hatred. This is

explicit permission, and He allows these

because of the choice the once-angels, now-

things to happen for a number of reasons: to

demons made: to not serve God. Their choice

test faith; push confidence; redeem sinners;

was set in eternity, he explained, and the

make reparation for sin; to perfect love are a

demons strongly hate that we humans have

couple of the reasons suffering is permitted

time to remedy the poor decisions we have

in this world. It was very reassuring, amidst

made in our lives. I was really moved by this

the tumult of the world today, to hear that

news, as the opposite of it is also true: our

nothing happens without God’s permission

guardian angels chose, from the beginning of

and to be reassured that nothing is outside

time and with a fixed-in-eternity knowledge

of His control.

of their decision, to guide and protect us on our journey home to Heaven.

I was very happy to have had the opportunity to attend this talk and learn about the

As chilling as it was to hear Fr. Chad lay out

realities of evil in the world. Not only was it

the reality of evil and told us about the hatred

a beautiful thing to have an exorcist on the

with which demons operate, it was equally

CSU campus, there was also a community

as relieving to be completely reassured

of students, parishioners, and many others,

that nothing, absolutely nothing, happens

who had gathered to hear Fr. Chad speak - a

without God’s permission. God’s supremacy

testament to how important the spiritual life

and rule over all creation lights the path to

is and to how deeply CSU students thirst for

the understanding that nothing is outside

the truth!

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

11

FRESHMAN DINNER CLUB

BY BRIGID NEUHEARDT

Starting out as a freshman at Colorado State University can be intimidating due to the overwhelming number

NEW MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT This year, we began a couple new initiatives in RamCatholic for our freshman and upperclassmen, aimed to harness the unique stages in their faith journeys. In order to meet these two groups where they are, we provide monthy gatherings focused on community and encountering Jesus. Each monthly gathering connects freshmen

or

upperclassmen

together

after daily mass around a meal or other social gathering. After only a semester, we are seeing fruits from these initiatives.

The freshman class is far ahead of their

of students and clubs. Having attended Mass every Sunday since I can remember, I decided to visit St. John XXIII for Mass at college. The community there is incredibly welcoming and eager to help students get connected and grow in their faith. One of the opportunities they offer is the Freshman Dinner Club, a chance for freshmen to come together in fellowship and celebrate the Lord over a meal. I vividly remember attending my first dinner and feeling a deep sense of intimacy as I connected with the FOCUS missionaries.

I was struck by the grace with which they interacted— asking thoughtful and personal questions about our faith and about how we could strengthen our relationship with God. It wasn’t just about small talk, but about sharing our spiritual journeys in a real and meaningful way. Through this club I’ve formed true

predecessors; they know each other,

friendships with other freshmen who share my values,

spend time together, and attend prayer

and I’ve experienced God’s grace more profoundly in

and sacramental opportunities regularly,

my life through prayer, scripture, and community. My

often as a group. Upperclassmen are

sister and I eagerly look forward to the first Tuesday

gathering with peers and supporting each

of every month, as the club encourages us to reflect

other as they prepare for their next step

on how God is moving in our lives and share those

into life after college. We look forward to

experiences with each other, as well as with others

what the spring has for these ministries.

outside of the club. This has inspired us to take a little time throughout our week to be still, listen for God’s

voice, and engage in deeper prayer—something I never used to do, as I would often find myself talking endlessly and not leaving room for God’s guidance. This community is incredibly special to me, as it has not only deepened my faith but also created lasting relationships. I am very grateful for the Freshman Dinner Club, which has had such a meaningful impact on my spiritual growth and has truly made my transition to college feel like a blessing, not a challenge.

12

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

21+ STUDENT MINISTRY- “RODZINKA”

BY H A L E Y VA N H O R N

When you reflect upon the idea of community, what comes to mind? Do you think of activities which you have participated in with others? Or maybe you ponder the lack of that which you have longed for. Perhaps you think of the people who have listened to, sought out, or invested in you throughout the course of your life. There is a deep reality in which our hearts are created for, where we love and are loved. Simply take a look back into history about 2,000 years ago, where one can find the Son of God, Christ, sharing life with twelve people who decided to give their life to the mission of Truth. In Latin, community comes from the word ‘communis,’ meaning ‘together performing services.’ To me, it means sharing life with those I love. Whether that be sharing meals; sharing prayer; sharing conversation; sharing fears, hopes and dreams; sharing laughter; sharing sorrows - the list goes on. Genesis 2 emphasizes this need from the beginning of time, stating that ‘it is not good for man to live alone.’ Built into our hearts, into our very souls by the Creator of the World is the deep cry for community - to be seen, known, loved, heard and understood. It is in the parts of our life that are the most hurt, hidden and isolated that we experience the most freedom within the light of community. Especially in the times where our lives are volatile and changing, we grasp for this rodzinka, this ‘little family’ to which we can run so as to be heard. Within the past few months, this little family of students has created a space to do just what the heart of community asks of us. We gather to talk about what hurts, what is hard, what is good, where the Lord is working, what we are struggling with and where we can speak Truth into each other’s lives. This life is meaningless if we are not giving of ourselves more than we think we are capable of. It is in stretching outside of ourselves and learning to give and to be received as a gift that we learn the heart of Christ - something that can only be done in community. In creating a space to live out this longing, we open our lives to a deeper reality of the true meaning of life.

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

13

STUDENT AT H L E T E HIGHLIGHT

Being a Catholic in college and an athlete is both a

B Y B R A N D O N B AT E

things for Christ and letting His love shine through my

challenge and a privilege. In the fast-paced, highpressure environment of college life, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Balancing academics, athletics, and faith requires intentionality and discipline.

For me, living out my faith means doing the small actions—whether on the track, in the classroom, or in my relationships. As a track athlete, I am reminded daily of the importance of perseverance, humility, and teamwork—values that align deeply with my Catholic faith. I have found that simple actions, like saying a prayer before a meal, avoiding profanity, or even listening to Christian music around those who do not share our faith, can make a greater impact than words.

People notice these small actions and realize there’s something different about the way we live because we live for Him. College is a season of exploration and growth, and I believe God has called me to use this time not only to grow personally but also to influence

This semester, we had 15 student athletes actively involved in Ram Catholic ministries and events.

others. My hope is that through my words and actions, others might see Christ in me and feel inspired to seek Him in their own lives. Whether through athletic competition or everyday conversations, my goal is to glorify God in all I do and leave a legacy that reflects His love and faithfulness.

14

Ram Catholic Campus Ministry // Fall & Winter 2024

C ATC H I N G U P WITH ALUMNI B Y H E AT H E R W E I S it, how much God loves me and everyone; and it was all discovered in my heart by the college students around me—showing an amazing example, having incredible priests, RamCatholic has profoundly shaped my life,

and having the Sacraments readily available

faith, and vocation as a married person and now

like Confession, Adoration, and Daily Mass,

as a new mom. It offered me lifelong friends,

and so much more!

my spouse, and most importantly, it showed me how to have a personal relationship with

Those years at RamCatholic formed me into

Jesus Christ. After more than ten years of not

a new person, rooted in Christ. After almost 2

practicing my faith, my college reversion was

years since graduating, and being married to

sparked by the events RamCatholic organized

an amazing Christ-centered husband, Josh,

and the Christ-centered friendships that

and now a new mom to a five-month-old girl,

showed me what the fullness of life looks like.

Sienna, I desire to bring the beauty of what

By one simple invitation, my life was forever

happens at RamCatholic into our growing

changed. These experiences helped me to

family. It is a place that truly embodies the

reorder my desires to be heavenly rather than

love and teachings of Jesus, and I want my

worldly. I always felt welcomed and cherished.

little family to experience that same sense of

The friendships I formed here have become

love, belonging, and spiritual growth.

my forever family. They provided a formational environment where I could explore and deepen

Now, in my family, we read the Bible every day,

my faith.

attend Mass, and frequent the Sacraments.

We often have conversations about God

I attended RCIA again in my first year, joined

and how He’s in our lives every day. In this

a women’s Bible study, attended Candlelight

vocation, it will turn me into the Saint that

Mass, and found myself hanging around the

God is calling me to be, but the seed started

Church every day. RamCatholic quickly became

to take root at RamCatholic. I am eternally

my sanctuary. I felt more seen and known than

grateful for the impact it has had on my life,

I ever thought possible. It made all the sense

and the impact it will have on my growing

to me: the story of our faith and my part in

family for years to come.

To learn more visit www.saintjohn.church

15

Saint John XXIII Catholic Church Ram Catholic 1220 University Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521

MASS SCHEDULE

RECONCILIATION

TUESDAY // 8am, 5:30pm

TUESDAY // 8:30am, 4pm

WEDNESDAY // 8am, 5:30pm

WEDNESDAY // 8:30am, 4pm

THURSDAY // 8am, 8pm (Candlelight)

THURSDAY // 8:30am, 7-7:50pm

FRIDAY // 8am

FRIDAY // 8:30am

SATURDAY // 9am Vigil: 4pm

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

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

What’s Inside?

Pilgrimages

Ministry Highlights

Athlete Highlight

Fall Speaker

Catch up with Alumni

Much More...