Canisius College - Reflections & Spiritual Resources

Welcome! We encourage you to consider making a retreat or doing a service trip during the 2008-'09 school year. It is our hope and prayer that these reflections will help you in your decision making process.

Also, please visit our Archived Reflections page (link at left) for reflections from Lent 2008, and for reflections from previous semester's retreats. It is our hope that these writings, shared by students, faculty, staff, and alumni, will be helpful to you in your own Spiritual Development. May you seek and find God's blessings in your life!

Contents:
Reflections:
From a Graduate

Alternative Spring Break '08

Kairos XXIV

Where to find Answers to Important Questions
Retreat On The Run
Your Thoughts?

Reflections of a Graduate

As I look back over the five years I spent as a student at Canisius College, I have very fond memories of all the activities that I was involved in with Campus Ministry. From my first retreat (Ignis, fall 2003), I wanted to experience more of what the students were doing through the CM programs. Since that retreat almost five years ago, I have participated in Kairos 3 times, the Fourth Day retreat once, two Ignation retreats, AOC once, ASB five years in a row, Winter Service Week three times (twice in NYC and once in NOLA), and most importantly, I participated in weekly 9:30 mass during all five years. Some may believe that I over did it in the CM activities. I don’t think so. I enjoyed nearly every minute of it, and through all of my experiences with CM, I believe that I am now better prepared to go on to Divinity School and eventually into full time ministry. I have a desire to serve God in everything that I do. This is what I have done during the time that I spent in Canisius College Campus Ministry. I encourage you to try it. Service to our communities begins with service to God. My service came out of the faith that I have in Jesus Christ, who is the One who came to earth to save us from our sins. I am so grateful for the work that Jesus did on the cross on my behalf that I want to give back in every way that I can. I know that all that I do will never be enough make up for that gift, but I will do what I can. I encourage you to think about the gift that Jesus gave you—the hope of spending eternity with Him in His Kingdom. It is the hope of my life.

May you be blessed in your college days and beyond.
John Loeser
Former CM Spiritual Intern
Canisius Alumni
ASB '08 Reflections

1)
As a senior, I have wanted to experience ASB every year, yet it always seemed that the timing was never right. This year my chance finally came. As a last minute “add-on” I felt overjoyed that the door finally opened for me. The feelings that I am leaving camp AJ with are indescribable. It is truly an unforgettable memory filled with new friendships, the strengthening of old ones, and the feeling of personal satisfaction that comes from helping others. I will never forget my time at Christian Appalachia Project’s Camp AJ, and I will always think of this experience as one of the most meaningful in my life.

--Allison Glenn

2)
My expectations for my trip to Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity were far surpassed in so many amazing and memorable ways. One of my favorite moments about this ASB trip was the homeowner Rose’s reaction to our work, and when she came to our community dinner on Friday night. Whenever she came to the house, she always had a big simile on her face and wanted to help in any way she could. It was so great to see Rose show up at our diner, making sure she gave everyone a huge hug. She was very emotional and so appreciative of the work we did on her home. Knowing that one week of our lives will continue to change the rest of Rose’s life is such a rewarding feeling. This entire trip, Rose, and everyone in the Almost Heaven group have really affected me in such a great way. I cannot wait to go on another trip, change another person’s life, and leave with the same sense of fulfillment and happiness.

--Danielle Richter

3)
My experience with ASB was fantastic. I heard about ASB through my involvement in Winter Service Week. I had an extremely meaningful and fun time on WSW, so I was excited to participate in a different Campus Ministry trip. Our site was well organized by our supervisor and leaders, and each day was full of very meaningful work. The leaders worked very closely with me to teach me new skills and techniques that allowed me to make our project house a home for our Habitat recipient, Rose. Additionally, my student leader Pete gave me a few hands-on lessons on some construction processes, which really helped brighten my week. The simplicity and tranquility of the Habitat house created a strongly religious undertone during the trip, and the daily reflections helped to summarize and concentrate the amazing interactions that we experienced each day. Overall, the trip was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to serve others less fortunate than I while also forming many new relationships with my peers. I cannot wait to come back next year and continue to walk in the footsteps of Christ amongst the beautiful community of Cherry grove, West Virginia.

--Ryan Campagna

4)

I chose to go on ASB because a friend of mine went, and she enjoyed her experience. My site was very well organized and it left room for flexibility, which was very convenient and accommodating. The work was more than meaningful and more than an experience. For the first time in what feels like forever I felt like I was living, not just passing along like everyone else. I was living a LIFE not a LIFESTYLE. My leader added to the overall experience by just being there, taking the first step to get discussions going and just providing me with help and a smiling face when I needed it. I felt relaxed and in tune with my inner self and with God. This trip brought me to a whole new spiritual level. Everything and everyone I saw reflected God. It made me truly realize why I am and should do service—because I need to see the world as God sees it! I enjoyed everything—the car ride, the service sites, making new and possibly life-long friends, and feeling like everyday can be a good day when one surrounds oneself with good, and takes a positive attitude toward life.

Matilda Fatunmbi

Reflections from Kairos XXIV

I am Alive! I feel Free, wonderfully happy and at one with God! I have made so many amazing friends and I will become closer with my old friends. I also grew with my family. I feel like a new Person! I will live with this retreat for the rest of my life!

--Jennifer Osborn

I absolutely loved the experience of Kairos XXIV, even though this was my third time to sign up! I wish I had attended sooner. I encourage all to go on this retreat to reflect on oneself, goals, values, and ideals, away from such a hectic college environment. This is THE event to attend prior to graduation. There is everything to gain – a weekend to relax and forming new friendships, and there is nothing to loose!

--Eric Petrie

Kairos is one of the best experiences at Canisius. Looking back on this awesome weekend, you come away truly changed. Whether you want to grow closer to God, find out more about yourself, or just NEED to know what big Kairos secret your friends keep talking about, DO IT! Whatever your reasoning, you will be glad you did, and you will probably leave gaining more than you ever thought you could possibly get in one single weekend. I know I have, and now I have to get my other friends to go as well!

--Alex Eadie

Kairos was something I always wanted to do and as a Senior I finally participated on the last possible one I could go on. I will be eternally grateful that I was led to my Kairos family and the experiences we shared will be in my heart for ever. Thank You!

--Katie List

Kairos, or “God’s Time”, was a struggle for me to accept at first. After being told to go on every weekend since my freshmen year, I decided to give it a try in March of my Senior year. I was skeptical; I was unsure. I was amazed and changed…
Kairos allowed me to open my faith and expand my meaning in life. It reaffirmed my goals and entrusted my spirit. I would recommend Kairos to everyone, because the spiritual journey of challenges and success remind me of my meaning in life. I thank my wonderful fellow retreatants and team leaders for time well spent. LT4!

--Jacqueline Chiarot

Important Questions

Do you have questions about life and death? Do you wonder if you are living rightly before God? Are you fully aware of the teachings of Jesus that show you how to live a life that is pleasing to God? If you answered yes to any of these questions you can find relevant information that you can apply to your life and begin building a better relationship with God Today! Check out this web site:

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Bible%20Studies.htm

Here you will find several Bible studies on New Testament scriptures including the Sermon on the Mount (how to live rightly), God's plan for human salvation, and "The Eight Last Things" that people need to know to prepare for our entrance into eternal life. Check it out. There is a lot to go through, but you might just find what you are looking for.

Retreat On The Run

Is there a way into Spirituality For Those On The Run?   YES.

You begin by making three to five second prayers during your day. One student began this retreat only while stopped at red lights.   And it worked!

In this crazy world you start praying whenever you can and then meet together and talk about what happens when you do this. You can develop this Retreat On The Run into a wonderful and growing relationship with reality and God. One very busy and outstanding student said “It really helps to talk with someone about this experience to see what’s going on inside.”

These websites offer great daily suggestions for praying:
http://www.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/cmo-retreat.html
http://www.sacredspace.ie/

I would love to hear from you.

-- Fr Tom Colgan, S.J.
Campus Ministry
Old Main, Room 207
X-2488 or 888-2287
colgant@canisius.edu

Your Thoughts?