An inside look at the
University of South Florid
Looking Ahead and Ser
C
A gathering of the Catholic Student Center Bulls group
A Men’s Group gathering for the Catholic Student Center
The Catholic Student Center Women’s Group
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ollege is a time of discernment. For some students, this is the first time they’ve been off on their own. It may also be the first time a parent isn’t around to get them up for Sunday Mass. When Fr. Drew Woodke learned that the University of South Florida Catholic Student Center — also known as the Catholic Student Union (CSU) — needed support, he wanted to do something. He knew that St. Timothy’s is in a position to help beyond our community. Fr. Drew took a request to the Stewardship Council, and they agreed to a formal pledge to the CSU of $5,000 per quarter for three years. This is the first time that St. Timothy’s has made a formal commitment to the CSU. Fr. Drew is so thankful for parishioners’ great support of the parish, which also funds needs like those of the CSU. As a ministry of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida CSU supports college students and helps them explore Catholicism while “building friendships and growing in their faith. Campus ministry includes retreats, Bible studies, faith formation, and recreational activities based on worship, evangelization, discipleship, service, and student leadership.” A mix of full-time ministers and college missionaries lead the work of the CSU with Fr. Kyle Bell there as a fulltime priest. One of the reasons Fr. Drew is so passionate about the CSU is that one of his classmates in the seminary, Fr. Joshua Bertrand, had his vocation nurtured at the CSU. “It taught me to pray,” Fr. Joshua says. “Without the Catholic Student Center, hearing the voice of the Lord would have been more difficult. It was a blessed time in my life that I can’t say enough about.” To bring men and women closer to Christ at such a crucial time is at the heart of the CSU, and it’s equally important to Fr. Drew. “This organization is benefitting the growth and maturity of young adults,” Fr. Drew says. “Students are discerning continued on page 5
