College students called to witness

PITTSBURGH, PA. (Pittsburgh Catholic) - While many of their peers are spending spring break at the beach, or just taking it easy, more than 100 college students from the three Catholic institutions in the diocese will be engaged in outreach and service projects.

Bishop David Zubik commissioned almost 80 of them during a Feb. 24 liturgy at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood.

"In responding with such great love to those around us in need, these young people provide a powerful witness to what it means to live in the witness of Jesus Christ," said Father Kris Stubna, secretary for education, who was one of the concelebrants of the liturgy.

Faculty and staff from the three institutions -- Duquesne University, Carlow University and La Roche College -- were also in attendance.

"You can sit here and pray 24-7, but unless you get out there and do things you don't know what you're praying for," said Mike Hassett, a freshman at La Roche.

Students from the college will travel to Mississippi to work with those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Hope through encountering Christ

In his homily, Bishop Zubik told the students that the story from the Gospel for the day -- Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well -- must be our story, too.

He noted that so much of what we do is not Christ-like. It is important that we encounter Christ so we may also have hope in our lives and live without prejudice.

Every one of us, he added, is called to be like Christ for those who have lost their way in life.

"The challenge is passed on to us," he said.

Bishop Zubik related an encounter he had with a woman and her child at a McDonald's restaurant when he was a young priest.

He was tired from a busy day, but he reluctantly invited her to sit with him.

The bishop noted that he forgot about their conversation until he was preparing to leave his assignment five years later. He received a note from the woman explaining that she had intended to make the McDonald's meal the last one for her and her daughter.

She had planned on taking both of their lives, but the dinner conversation had given her hope. Just like the woman at the well.

"It was only the providence of God that had me respond the way I did," he said.

Bishop Zubik pointed out that it frightened him to think how close he came to saying no to the woman's request to sit with him.

He told the young people that when they go out in service they will be the face, the hands and the heart of Christ to those they meet.

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It is important to reflect the love of Christ, he said, because they may never know when they will have their own McDonald's-like encounter.

"The challenge is ours," he said. "May we respond to be as Jesus calls us to be. Genuine in word. Genuine in deed. Genuine in Christ."

The bishop presented each student with a cross to signify their commitment.

Inspired by desire to serve

Father Peter Horton, director of campus ministry for the diocese and campus minister at La Roche, said the students' actions reflect their commitment to reach out to others.

"You continue to humble us," he said. "You continue to inspire us. You truly are God's gift."

Father Horton noted that their actions are just a small part of the service given by young people throughout the diocese.

He said the diocese hopes to recognize the service of all Catholic Newman groups at next year's ceremony.

Sister of St. Joseph Mary Pellegrino, campus minister at Carlow, spoke of the importance of having the students face something bigger than themselves.

"We have very vital and committed college students who are very concerned about crafting a just society," she said. "They're really reaching out to people in need."

A group of 21 Carlow students are set to travel to New Orleans this week to work in the Ninth Ward, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

Sophomore Amanda Koehle will be among the group.

She said many people have already forgotten about the people in the devastated areas, and even small acts of kindness can make a difference.

"It's humbling yourself a little," she said of the tasks they may be asked to perform, "but we all need that."

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This story was made available to Catholic Online by permission of the Pittsburgh Catholic(www.pittsburghcatholic.org), official newspaper of the Dicoese of Pittsburgh,Pa.