The church is run by the Catholic Campus Ministry out of a small house really close to campus. At first I did not know how to feel about attending a mass in a house. I went inside and there was a dog running around and people not wearing shoes. At this point, I was ready to write this church off as not a good fit for me, but I still stayed for mass.
Before the mass started we were asked to greet our neighbors, and all the people were really friendly. I noticed during the opening hymn that every single person in the room was singing. I started to relax and let myself enjoy the mass. I really liked how the homily was directed towards college students, since we are the majority of the congregation. Everyone said their intentions aloud during prayer, and we prayed with each other as a community of faith. The quality of the service and the general friendliness of the members of the church pleasantly surprised me. Sister Rose, one of the leaders and coordinators of the church, invited me to come to a community breakfast on Tuesday, which I am gladly attending. I can say my first opinion of the church changed drastically over the course of an hour, and I am really excited to have found a church with such a great community feel.
My new "church"
I admire your goal to further your relationship with God in your new college environment. There is a lot of newly found freedom in college, and that can often lead many previously religious people astray. Your dedication to maintaining your spirituality is admirable.
ReplyDeleteAs far as religion goes, I think one of the toughest things for new college students to adjust to is being away from family. People who grow up in religious families often "go through the motions." They grow up in their parents' church and follow along the way their parents want them to. Then, when it's time for them to move out on their own away from their home church, they realize that their spirituality wasn't nearly as strong as they thought it was.
I am so glad to see that you found your own niche in Wilmington to continue practicing your faith. You took the initiative to seek out a church that fits you, and you will reap the benefits from it. Keep working, as you are well on your way to reaching your goals!
-Ryan