Filling Up with Joy
Finding Purpose through Campus Ministry
Finding Purpose through Campus Ministry
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...Dear college students in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, my name is Curt Bochantin. I’m a first-year student missionary for Fellowship of Catholic University Students, or FOCUS, at the University of Tampa. I’d like to share a brief reflection with you about my time involved with campus ministry and its impact on my faith journey.
Dear college students in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, my name is Curt Bochantin. I’m a first-year student missionary for Fellowship of Catholic University Students, or FOCUS, at the University of Tampa. I’d like to share a brief reflection with you about my time involved with campus ministry and its impact on my faith journey.
After I graduated from high school in a small town in Illinois, I hurried on to the next stage of my life, college. Shortly after moving and starting classes at the University of Tampa, I began to fill my time and energy with everything in reach. I joined numerous clubs, friend groups, extracurriculars, and even a work-study program, to chase after what I believed to be a fulfilling college experience. As time dragged on, so did my soul. I filled my free time with bad habits and made friends with people who were leading me astray. I noticed how my classes seemed like a waste of time. I noticed the dread I felt from deadlines and my school workload. But most of all, I noticed that despite how much I did to fill my time, I still felt empty.
That all changed when I encountered a small table outside of the faith center on my campus one autumn morning. The Catholic missionaries present at the table began to ask me the most intentional and loving questions I’ve ever received. The lead missionary invited me to a Bible study on the spot, and because of my Catholic background growing up, I quickly agreed to join. It wasn’t long before I began to eagerly count down the hours to Bible study, adoration, and even holy Mass. This was the beginning of the most transformational period of my life.
It didn’t take long for me to connect with this vibrant Catholic community centered on Christ, friendship, truth, goodness, and beauty. I began the task of uprooting sin in my life and replacing it with virtue. Suddenly, what had felt meaningless before now had infinite meaning; every class I attended, every meal I ate, and every assignment I did possessed that infinite meaning that only Christ can give. I was now able to give myself entirely to all that I do!
The Christian friendships I cultivated have impacted me more deeply than friendships of mere pleasure could ever have. These are friends who will last a lifetime and whose support has made this life of Christ sweet to the taste. Within a year of my “yes” to Christ and his ministry at my school, I’ve answered God’s calling to become a campus missionary with FOCUS, ventured on pilgrimages to various European countries, and am about to complete my degree. Most importantly, I’ve witnessed the lives of some of my closest friends and family members be changed in a positive way by the Gospel.
They are great examples of people who did not settle for emptiness and, instead, opted to strive for holiness. And it all started with a simple yes to Christ’s call: “Come, follow me.” (Lk 18:22)
For this upcoming school year, I warmly invite new and returning college students to seek out their Catholic campus ministry group at whichever university they will attend. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build a community and friendships centered around faith. And if a campus ministry isn't available, seek out your local parish or a young adult group for connection.
This open invitation is extended to each of you who are entering into a new season of life and echoes Christ’s call: “Come, follow Me.”
Your “yes” has the power to move mountains in your life and in those around you.
This article highlights the impact of contributions made to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg’s Catholic Ministry Appeal.
Catholic campus ministries at universities within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and across the state of Florida, offer welcoming communities for students seeking to grow in their faith. Whether you're newly exploring Catholicism, have grown up in the faith, or are anywhere in between, these ministries offer a supportive space to learn, serve, and connect.
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg supports Catholic student ministries at these local colleges:
University of South Florida
Catholic Student Center at USF
Catholic Student Union at USF
@CatholicBulls
Saint Leo University
University Ministry
Saint Leo University Ministry
@saintleouniversityministry
Eckerd College
Catholic Campus Ministry at Eckerd College
For more information, please contact:
Father Andrew Burns
Catholic Campus Ministries
University of Tampa
UT Catholic Campus Ministry
@utcatholicorg
