Welcome, all freshmen, to Indiana University and to the St. Paul Catholic Center. Remember this first Sunday, the first Sunday of your college life…remember it as the beginning of the great adventure into your future adulthood. Your time here will stretch you, if you are engaged in the process. As the saying goes, “Growing old is mandatory; growing wise is optional.” You can gain wisdom and joy at this university parish if you give St. Paul’s half a chance. What might you find?

· A parish composed of every age group. St. Paul looks a lot like any parish, except we have a boatload more young adults than any parish. Possible friends with shared values and culture.

· A parish that pays attention to how we celebrate the liturgy. Eucharist is not just done ‘to get it over with’; we celebrate the wondrous liturgy of the Church with “full, active participation”—at least for those who come and enter in.

· Note the music: from every genre (Latin, hymn, contemporary), and it is done very well…and prayerfully.

· Preaching that asks more questions than gives answers; preaching that invites you to ponder how you think about these matters of faith; preaching that is carefully prepared each week.

· You will learn that every ministry in this university parish is open to college students. Many, for instance, work with religious education and teen ministry, hospital visiting or leading prayer at a nursing home facility. You will discover that there are students on the Parish Council, the Finance Council, the Stewardship Committee, the Liturgy Committee, Faith in Action groups, service-oriented groups (e.g., St. Vincent de Paul, the Interfaith Winter Shelter), and more. You name it, students are welcome.

· You will discover that Faith in Action is important. We want to walk the Catholic talk by serving our brothers and sisters in need (see Pope Benedict’s Deus Caritas Est).

· You will see that we have a relationship with other faith traditions; that we share our tradition and respectfully learn about other’s tradition. Dialogue is welcomed.

· You will see that we engage the university’s drama of intellectual pursuit at the level of higher education, and we can do this because the Catholic tradition has a robust intellectual tradition by which we can share our faith. Sola Scriptura is not Catholic enough. But it is important that you students become familiar with the inside of this tradition. Therefore, there are numerous educational events. Take advantage of them.

· You will see the world represented at St. Paul. IU is a very international university, and there are Catholics from many nations who worship here---Polish, Indonesian, Korean, Columbian, Costa Rican, Nigerian, Kenyan, East Indian, Chinese, etc.… How much more “Catholic” can you get?

· You will be invited to develop your God-given talents of service. In this discovery, you will realize the font of love and energy that comes from within. Engage it!

So, the Parish Staff and all of St. Paul’s incredible members welcome you and invite you to get on “the team.” You’ll be amazed at what happens to you and your friends!