Fr. Mark Villano, CSP

Fr. Mark is originally from New Haven, CT. He studied at the Catholic University of America and has served at parishes and campus ministry centers across the country. Visit his page at mark-a-villano.com

 

On those first Sundays of a new academic year at UCLA, our Chapel is filled to capacity and alive with joyful music and singing. Returning students are happy to see each other again, and new students find a warm welcome. Hundreds of new registration cards flood into our office, while student leaders recruit new members at our Ministry Fair, offering numerous ways to get involved and to serve the community.

Last year’s Fall quarter experience was an adjustment, to say the least. Without the resources to obtain the kinds of cameras, lighting, and sound equipment that other church communities are utilizing, the visual quality of our live-stream masses leaves much to be desired. Without the physical presence of our students, community building has been curtailed. For our staff, there is the sense of loss that comes from not having those “run ins” with students in our hallways and offices that turn into meaningful conversations and experiences.

A silver lining is how our Student Leadership Team has risen to the challenge of this time. They have met with each other more often than in past years, albeit online. They chose to stay connected and to find new ways to maintain our presence and ministry. They planned a Freshman retreat, and continued Bible Studies, prayer services, a book club, service opportunities, movie nights, and other social events. They came up with new ideas, like hosting a UCC podcast, and planned a virtual Winter Retreat for January. Social media outreach is going strong, and individual groups like Muoi, Cornerstone, the Latinx community, music ministry, and our Knights of Columbus Council continue to meet regularly. Our Focus missionaries are also reaching out to students still living nearby.

In the midst of those feelings of loss, there is also the sense of gaining new insights. We have a deeper appreciation for what we had and what still sustains us. Our students are learning that every experience can present opportunities for growth. As we all yearn for the pandemic to fade away, it’s wonderful to know that the UCC is still providing a place for students to gather, pray, and learn.