University of South Florida: The Lord opens a new door for us!

Br. Stephen Quense has witnessed many blessings bestowed upon the Brotherhood over his years as one of the first men to join our new religious community of Brothers in 1980. The invitation for us to begin a campus ministry this fall at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, is the latest example of God anointing the Brotherhood’s life and mission.

“God has opened another door for us,” said Br. Stephen. “We have been praying on starting a new campus ministry, and God has answered our prayers in His way and in His time. Now it’s up to us to follow Him.”

FOLLOWING HIS LEAD

We were overjoyed that at the start of USF’s academic year we were ready to begin our newest campus ministry at the school’s Catholic Student Center (CSC). It took much effort and many prayers during the late summer to buy a house and have three Brothers move into our new home, meet with local Catholic leaders, prepare for the return of students, and so much more.

Br. Ray Morris is responsible for our day-to-day campus ministry efforts. Br. Clinton Reed continues in his role on the national leadership team of Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO). Br. Stephen is the local superior of our Tampa household. Each will occasionally assist Br. Ray and Fr. Kyle Bell, Director of USF’s Catholic Student Center, in campus ministry activities.

The CSC, where students call themselves Catholic Bulls using the university’s nickname, offers students Mass, confession, adoration, men’s and women’s groups, retreats, and most importantly, a place for them to gather with other students who share the Catholic faith.

“My first impression of the Brotherhood of Hope is that of awe of what strong men can do if devoted to the Lord together,” said Miguel “Miggy” Sumagang,
Catholic Student Union President and a senior at USF. “It’s easy to see how a strong brotherhood can steer a man’s heart towards the Father’s. I’m excited to bring that same spirit into our community as a whole!”

Overall, USF has approximately 37,000 undergraduate students and 10,000 graduate students, so “the harvest is plentiful” (Matthew 9:37). Our work will focus on the Tampa campus, but there are two other campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Students can choose from 200 majors, minors and concentrations in areas from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health.

The USF Catholic Student Center resides in the Diocese of St. Petersburg under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Parkes. The diocese has nearly 500,000 Catholics and includes 75 parishes.

“We are so grateful for Bishop Parkes’ vision to bring the Brothers to campus,” said Fr. Kyle. “His diocesan mission to courageously live the Gospel falls right in line with all that the Brotherhood stands for, and I can already see the fruits of Brother Ray’s ministry here at USF. We look forward to welcoming more and more Brothers to USF’s campus ministry in the years to come!”

We took the first of many steps to meet new and returning Catholic Bulls, alumni and family during the Catholic Student Center’s “Welcome Home Weekend” event held on August 19th and 20th.

The event began with a Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by food, games, entertainment and music played by Spirit FM, a Christian radio station operated by the diocese. A 10:00 a.m. Mass was celebrated on Sunday, which was followed by brunch and entertainment. The weekend concluded with a 7:00 p.m. Mass on Sunday, followed by a dessert social.

“Our reception at the Catholic Student Center has been amazing,” said Br. Ray. “We’re all grateful for the invitation and warm welcome by both Bishop Parkes and Fr. Kyle. I’m looking forward to being part of this team to evangelize the campus of USF.”

The next week featured a Catholic Bulls Night on Wednesday where more than 100 students, the largest attendance ever, were introduced to Br. Ray, Br. Stephen and Br. Clinton. Br. Ray had an opportunity to share with students some background about the Brotherhood and our ministry, and how happy and eager we are to be at USF.

“The students here love spending time with one another,” said Br. Ray.

“If there’s one word that marks the first couple of events it’s ‘JOY.’”

 

ESTABLISHING OUR LIFE SO WE CAN SERVE OTHERS

“Our ability to serve others flows from our fidelity to the Lord and our fidelity to each Brother,” said Br. Stephen. “When people witness our life as an anointed Brotherhood, their hearts and minds become receptive to God’s word through our service.”

Whenever we begin a campus ministry, we send more than one Brother to establish a pattern for our life that provides a witness for others to see. It’s a foundational step to building community through evangelization.

“The CSC is a home away from home for myself and many students,” said Grace Perugini, Catholic Student Union Women’s Coordinator and a junior at a nearby college. “It’s where the next generation of Catholics are formed in friendship and deep relationships with each other and the Lord. It’s such a joy to have the Brothers here and for them to share their charism and deep love of the Lord with students.”