For four years, I have watched the campus
grow. More students, new buildings, and extensive academic restructuring.
Nothing has been more pleasing, though, than the "coming
alive" of the faith community at Assumption.
The week begins and ends here at Assumption with the 7 p.m. Mass.
In the standing-room-only hour, the Assumptionists invite the
campus community to "Wake Up" with them. Invigorating
music and energetic student lectors and ministers truly make this
event a celebration. There is now a retreat program that is overflowing
with interest. Rosary Club, Study Break with the Bible, Students
Talking about Religious Topics the list goes on and on, and the
crowds are getting bigger and bigger.
Perhaps the biggest change I have seen since entering the College
in September of 1996 is the Candlelight Prayer service that is
held at 10 p.m. in the Chapel on Tuesday nights. This is a time
for reflection and meditation as students read and play music
selections in accordance with a
pre-announced theme. Topics such as family, love, self-esteem,
and thanksgiving are just a few that students pack the chapel
to meditate upon. As a freshman, I remember sitting in the pews
with perhaps 30 other students. This year, I don't think the chapel
has housed less than 200 students on these special Tuesday evenings.
Why this change? Why this sudden interest in faith? Perhaps it
is not so sudden, but something is definitely happening at Assumption
College. The Spirit is filling the students with a desire to know
Jesus Christ, and the Office of Pastoral Activities is fulfilling
this need. As a graduating senior, I've already begun to think
back on my college career and remember the best times that I've
had here. It is difficult to pick out something specific, but
I must say that I will always remember the process in which "Christ
was formed in me," and always think fondly on the faith community
at Assumption, who have become my everlasting family.