An Abundant Easter
A record-breaking Easter Vigil took place at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center this April. 131 Catholic Illini students received one or more Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist—during the liturgy. This is the largest number of students entering the Catholic Church in one year in our recorded history.
131 students who entered the Church, and their sponsors, after the Easter Vigil Mass
Why has there been such a significant increase? Shawn Reeves, Director of Formation, who oversees the preparation of students entering the Church, says that a predominant reason students are drawn to Catholicism is its longevity.
“Students are expressing a deep desire for something that is stable and provides a reliable structure to their life. A lot of these students have lost confidence in traditional institutions, but the Catholic Church, as one of the most ancient stable societies, seems to them something that they can anchor themselves in.”
A student is baptized at the Easter Vigil Mass
The stability of the Catholic tradition has attracted students from a wide range of backgrounds. A number of those students entering the Church come from culturally or spiritually Eastern traditions. Seven of these students are Chinese International students who have been involved with Newman Huaren, a ministry that serves Mandarin-speaking students. Read more about the success and growth of that ministry HERE.
Seven Mandarin-speaking students entered the Church at St. John's this Easter
The work of the Holy Spirit on campus is evident in the joy students radiate as they choose life with Christ and His Church. One particularly memorable moment from the Easter Vigil stood out to Shawn as he reflected on the graces of the liturgy.
“Immediately after his confirmation, one of our students lunged toward Fr. McShane and hugged him for several seconds. That was a really special moment.”
