Luke Strand, Seminarian at St. Francis de Sales Seminary

My name is Luke Strand and I am a seminarian at St. Francis de Sales Seminary, studying for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.  Before entering the seminary I attended the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh where I was involved in the Newman Center Catholic Campus Ministry.  When I arrived on campus in Oshkosh there was very little Catholic ministry occurring.  A group of eager students, in union with a new campus minister and chaplain, saw the need and began developing student programs and outreach.  The community’s growth in faith and desire to spread the Word of God did not develop in isolation; rather, St. Paul’s University Catholic Campus Ministry (original home of The Evangelical Catholic) in Madison provided a model, and became a catalyst, out of which the Newman Center’s ministry began to grow.

When I first met people from St. Paul’s I was shocked by their enthusiasm for the faith, desire for truth, and eagerness to spread the message of Jesus.  These were not people who stood on the sidelines as “cheerleaders” for the Lord, but rather they were fully immersed in the paschal mystery of Christ – firmly grounded in word and sacrament – sustained in prayer. 

I believe that my vocation to priesthood was formed and nurtured through the Catholic community that I experienced while on campus.  Reaching students on college campuses is more important today than ever.  College-age students are the ones who are asking the important questions, seeking truth, searching for fulfillment in life.  It is only through evangelical outreach, sustained in small group environments, and nurtured through Catholic residential communities, that our Catholic college students will find relevance in their faith.  For all of these mediums lead students to Christ, Him whom they are searching for in both Word and tradition.

I can vividly remember being challenged and called out of myself by the numerous ministry opportunities that I took part in at St. Paul’s, including: Alpha Omega, and the Evangelical Catholic Institute of Evangelical Catholic Ministry.  I tell people all of the time – St. Paul’s helped me to know Jesus, and knowing Jesus lead me to the priesthood. 

I highly recommend The Evangelical Catholic ministry model as a campus ministry program, one which calls individuals to Christ – to seek their vocation by knowing, loving, and serving Him.

Peace and Blessings,

Luke Strand