The Catholic Center: ‘Home Away from Home’

Rutgers University’s Catholic Center recently held their Fall Retreat, entitled “Work of His Hands,” at Camp Tecumseh, Pittstown, drawing 60 students Oct. 11-13 for three fun and faith-filled days which included talks, games, Adoration, Mass, Eucharistic Procession, and, of course, food.

Jay Donofrio, diocesan director, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, accepted an invitation from Brother Jordan Parker, BH, director of The Catholic Center, and spent some time at the retreat.

“I went up to the retreat Sunday morning and got to experience breakfast, witness talks, a game, small group work, Holy Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration,” he said, recalling, “It was amazing to see so many students on fire for Jesus Christ. I was fortunate enough to experience Holy Mass celebrated by Father Tom Lanza, and Eucharistic Adoration on Sunday. The hunger and love for Jesus I witnessed was very encouraging for the state of our youth and young adults.”

The chaplains, staff, missionaries, and a lead team, comprised of the Catholic Center’s most experienced student leaders, welcome new and returning students to a place they can call home away from home.

Also serving The Catholic Center are Father Mike Tabernero, pastor, St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Parish, New Brunswick, and Father Matt Marinelli, parochial vicar at Visitation in New Brunswick, who leads OCIA (formerly RCIA). Campus chaplains include Jesus Our Hope Sisters Lorraine Doiron and Anna Palka, Brother Jeffrey Crock, BH, and Brother Brennan Robinson, BH, who also serves as SPO (St. Paul’s Outreach) chapter leader. SPO is a missionary organization in the United States that serves college students and young adults.

For more information about The Catholic Center visit https://rutgerscatholic.org/contact-us. To learn more about the Brotherhood of Hope visit https://brotherhoodofhope.org.

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief