Denver Catholic

4 APRIL 18-24, 2015 | DENVER CATHOLIC Cover Story 5 patron saints for students The traditional patronage of many saints could be extended to cover modern-day issues that students face. Here are five that we propose. 1 PATRON SAINT OF SIMPLICITY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI With members of the millennial generation favoring minimalism and simplicity, over luxury and status, who better to emulate than St. Fran- cis? The Italian friar and preacher's life serves as a model of voluntary simplicity, clarity and love for those looking for (or defaulting to) a more frugal or sustain- able way of life. 2 PATRON SAINT OF INTERNET ST. ISIDORE OF SEVILLE Not only is St. Isidore considered the patron saint of the Internet, this Spanish bishop was known for his prolific writing, including a dic- tionary, encyclopedia and historical writings. He can serve as a helpful inter- cessor when looking for credible sources of infor- mation on the Internet for assignments, work proj- ects and other research. 3 PATRON SAINT OF PHOTOGRAPHERS ST. VERONICA St. Veronica, who received an image of Jesus when she used her veil to wipe his face, is the patron saint of photographers. In today's world of selfies, Vine, Instagram, Face- book and other media sharing tools, look to her for an appreciation of considering truth, beauty and modesty when it comes to sharing—as well as viewing—photos and videos online. 4 PATRON SAINT OF COFFEE SHOPS ST. DROGO For those times when a ca¡eine-fueled all-nighter is warranted to prepare for a test, finish a proj- ect or otherwise meet an unforgiving deadline, consider asking for help from St. Drogo, known as a patron saint of co¡ee house employees. The Flemish nobleman was also reportedly able to bi-locate, which most of us feel could come in handy at times. 5 PATRON SAINT OF WORKERS ST. JOSEPH Whether looking for a summer job while on break, work during col- lege to help make ends meet, or seeking a pro- fession once entering the real world, consider asking St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, for guidance during the discernment, job search and interview process. making campus ministry that provides Catholic students "their own personal identity in the faith" a priority. They have a team of five fulltime Fellowship of Catholic Univer- sity Students (FOCUS) missionaries, a campus minister and will add a second campus minister this summer. "Students are craving something to call their own," Harris said. "A history, a tra- dition, a community they feel safe in. The Church can provide that." When arriving at St. John XXIII almost four years ago, pastor Father Rocco Porter, bumped up the number of weekend Masses to help accommodate students' busy schedules, as well as prior- itized a return to orthodoxy in the liturgy. "(Many are) increasingly drawn to high church traditions," Rachel Held Evans wrote in the CNN blog post "Why millen- nials are leaving the church." "Precisely because the ancient forms of liturgy seem so unpretentious, so unconcerned with being 'cool,' and we find that refreshingly authentic." There are now six Masses each week- end at St. John XXIII, including a Latin extraordinary form, a Byzantine liturgy, one with praise music, and a "traveler's Mass" at 8 p.m. Sundays for those return- ing from a weekend away. There is also a weekly candlelight Mass celebrated Thursdays at 9 p.m. "Father Rocco (Porter) pulls out all the stops for this," Harris said, "candles, bells, incense." Some 200-250 students attend the candlelight Mass each week. "We win the world by beauty," Harris said, "by taking the time to make things beautiful." Building on beauty and a priority of prayer, the parish recently established a perpetual adoration chapel. "Students are happy to take a 3 a.m. hour in the chapel," Harris said. "The response has been overwhelming." The hourly commitments have been filled by a combination of students, St. John parishioners comprised of about 700 families, beyond the student popula- tion; as well as other Fort Collins parishes including St. Joseph, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Holy Family. The parish also builds community by being a gathering place for students 24-7, a place to find "Catholic friends." "The church is open 24-7 as a study space," Harris said of a secured room, with a kitchen, converted for student use. "They're in there studying and cooking together, making study snacks." Students have access to a theology library, Bible studies and other classes, sacramental preparation, retreats, service projects, pro-life events, and speakers geared towards topics of con- cern to them such as divorce and birth control, at the Theology on Tap series. Parishioners prepare a free meal for stu- dents every Sunday after 5:15 p.m. Mass at "Sunday Night Suppers." On campus, the Aggiornamento Institute sponsors a lecture series. "We want to be challenged to live lives of holiness," Evans wrote. "Like every generation before ours and every gener- ation after, deep down, we long for Jesus." « 1 | Sunday evening Mass and Sunday Night Supper at St. John XXIII Parish in Fort Collins draws many students from Colorado State University across the street. PHOTOS BY DANIEL PETTY/ DENVER CATHOLIC

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