NEW CANAAN — Will Besgen began his freshman year at Villanova University, immersed in the excitement and challenges that come from being away from home to attend college.
And then, he got a surprise from St. Aloysius Parish, where he’s a member of the Youth Ministry. It was a package filled with everything from ramen noodles to hot chocolate, goodies, prayers, a St. Michael magnet, an 8-inch inflatable Jesus, notes from his family and friends, and a booklet titled, “How to Stay Catholic in College.”
“When I got my package from the mailroom, I was really caught off guard, seeing it was from St. A’s,” he said. “But once I opened it, read the letters and saw the snacks inside, I immediately felt God’s love and the love from everyone at the church!”
Several weeks ago, the parish sent out almost 70 of the “Luv ‘n’ Care College Care Packages” in what has been an annual effort for the past eight years. The project, which is orchestrated by the youth coordinator and the mothers, helps them stay in contact with the college students and remind them to attend Mass … and that their parish family is praying for them.
“Our college students are still our parishioners even though they’re away from home,” said Chris Otis, youth minister. “And this is the most important time for us to shepherd and guide them. Away at college, they don’t have Mom and Dad saying, ‘Come on and get ready, we’re going to Mass.’ We want them to know we’re thinking about them and praying for them and remind them of the importance of going to Mass and having a relationship with Jesus.”
The packages, which are funded by the families, arrive in September shortly after the students start the fall semester. They will receive another one on Valentine’s Day in addition to letters from either Fr. Rob Kinnally, pastor, or Fr. David Roman, parochial vicar, right before Thanksgiving and exams. Each year, the parish reaches out to students four times.
In his letter, Fr. Roman told the students he has been praying for them and invited them to a special College Night Praise & Worship Holy Hour in December, followed by a Christmas get-together at the rectory.
The initiative is part of a larger program to stay connected with college students. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, there is a coffee house with music provided by students. When the academic year ends, the parish reaches out to them again, and this past summer, Fr. Roman took them on a hike and they celebrated Mass in the woods.
Ian Nicholas, a freshman at Syracuse University, said: “It means a lot to me that my church is still finding ways to connect me to my faith without me physically being there. Outside of food goodies in the box, I also received many papers geared toward prayer. Making time to pray might seem difficult with college life, but these prayers have helped me realize that I can take time to connect with God.”
Abby Van Dussen, a freshman at Boston College, said, “I loved receiving the care package, and the goodies inside were perfect to share with my friends. Going to a Jesuit institution, there is also a great community here and getting this package makes me want to build what I had with St. A’s here at school.”
The project is a work of love by the mothers, who pay for the items and for postage. They each bring something to include, anything from mac and cheese to Rice Krispies Treats and Post-its. Then, they get together and prepare the packages, which include personal notes to the students. Whatever is left over is donated to charity, and this year, they took the items to New Covenant Center in Stamford.
Chris Otis also writes a personal note to each student, including her son Logan who is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville, where he is studying music business.
Keeping young people connected to their faith while they are in college can be a challenge, even for the most dedicated students, she says.
“Anything we can do to help keep them going to Mass and praying and continuing what they did here at St. A’s is important,” she said. “Sometimes they forget and need a reminder.”
However, she is optimistic because the students have received a solid foundation in the faith … and the Holy Spirit is always ready to help the effort.
Matthew Robbins, a sophomore at the University of Vermont, said, “When I received the care package, it felt great to know that my community is looking out for me even when they are all the way back home. I feel that it gives a great sense of community.”
“It is a blessing to have my faith community share their love and support,” Chris Canet, a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, said. “During a pivotal point of change in my life, it is very reassuring to stay connected with my hometown church community. Thank you, St. Aloysius Parish!”
