Denver Catholic

9 DENVER CATHOLIC | DECEMBER 8-21, 2018 time in Bear Catholic o¨ered adora- tion, confession and daily Mass on a regular basis, as well as opportunities for retreats. "The opportunities to grow and take it to the next step wherever you are in your faith journey [are there]," he said. "There was always something available if you were hungry enough for it." St. Peter's works hard to make the college students feel included, partic- ularly through a new program called "Adopt a Bear," which allows parishio- ners to open their homes and share a meal with one or two college students. "It was created to bridge the distance in ages because so often in parishes, the age group that's not well-represented is college-aged students because they're o¨ at college," said Father Crisman. "We wanted to integrate them into the life of the parish in a positive way so that they could have a positive influence on the families and the families could have a positive influence on them," he added. The program is also a way to help kids who might feel homesick. "We have parishioners who are acting as a way to give the students a home away from home," said Lynch, "which is what St. Peter's strives to do for their college students." Bear Catholic itself has made an incredible impact on students who par- ticipate in it during their college years. Several have even joined the Church or received certain sacraments for the first time during their time at UNC. "It's very encouraging," said Father Crisman. "They've got great intellectual curiosity. They raise excellent ques- tions. They give youthful enthusiasm that's infectious." Parishioners like Aileen Kato, who has been a member of St. Peter's for 34 years, enjoy the gifts the young adults bring to the Church community. "I love that vibrancy that they bring to the parish," said Kato. "The newness of life and the questions — it's wonder- ful for me." Kato is grateful for the presence of college students and her parish's work to minister to them. "I support whole-heartedly the mis- sion of our church and the outreach that we have with campus ministry because it's so important," she said. "It's the future of our church and of our faith. If we don't nurture it and foster it and be a part of it, it's going to fade away." Father Crisman continues to wel- come the opportunity to change the course of a young person's faith life through Bear Catholic. "We're making disciples that will be able to live the fruits of the gospel," he said, "and then share those fruits with everyone in their field of expertise." SELLING OUT! SHOW SPONSOR: DENVERCENTER.ORG TICKETS START AT $40 A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens By Charles Dickens Adapted by Richard Hellesen Music by David de Berry Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson The 2018 company of A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol. Photo by AdamsVisCom. NOW PLAYING – DEC 24 40th Season SEASON SPONSORS: Fruits of Bear Catholic 9 priests serving in the archdiocese 3 seminarians at St. John Vianney More than 50 missionaries for FOCUS or other missions More than 30 archdiocesan schools with alumni who are teachers or administrators Visit bearcatholic.com Turn your Clunker into Cash! Go to svdpUSAcars.com Or call 1-800-322-8284 e Society of St. Vincent de Paul has a quick and easy way to turn your unwanted car, truck or boat into cash and help those in need. They've got great intellectual curiosity. They raise excellent questions. They give youthful enthusiasm that's infectious." FATHER CRISMAN "

• Cover