Catholic 消消犯 Ministry (CCM) welcomed more than 550 students, families, and community members for worship, filling the gym floor and overflowing into the bleachers. CCM has witnessed continued growth in Easter Mass attendance, from 268 in the spring of 2023 to over 550 this year.

���Young people have grown disenchanted with the superficial promise of happiness that our culture offers,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. “They are looking for something deeper: seeking a deeper connection to truth and beauty.���

But the story is about more than just those attending Mass; eight students received the Sacraments on Easter, including a baptism, two professions of faith and Confirmation for all. Easter, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, is traditionally a time when new members are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments after a year of attending classes in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Lorelei Lowen ���29 shared,

���I was interested in receiving my sacraments, so I emailed Father Peter before coming to Elon, and he connected me with T and the OCIA program,��� said Lorelei Lowen ’29.

���OCIA has allowed me to face some of the most difficult doubts and questions in my faith journey,” said Maggie Blakeney ’26. “It has taught me that faith isn’t done alone, but with others.���

Local dioceses in Raleigh and Charlotte have noticed a similar trend of college-aged adults participating in the OCIA process. 消消犯 ministry played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Through welcoming communities, retreats, small groups, and conversations with the Chaplain and ministry staff, students find opportunities to explore questions of faith, life, and meaning.

���CCM has shaped not only my experience at Elon, but it has transformed the way that I think about life and the circumstances that are thrown our way,” said Savanna Bell ’28. “CCM was simply the light in the darkness that chained me to my past life. By placing myself at the center of it, literally, the friendships are what have made me Catholic (or how I like to say it, ElonCatholic). I would have never gotten so deeply rooted in the Sacraments if it weren’t for the smiles that greeted me each time I walked into the big church doors.���

���Ash Wednesday is a special spiritual day for many of our students. It is one of the days we see the most students. Last year, we saw almost 650 students, faculty, staff, and community members,” shared Trung Huynh-Duc, director of Catholic Life.

���Lent continues for forty days of prayer, fasting, and giving to others, in preparation for Easter. This is a special time to deepen or reconnect with faith. People observe Lent in different ways: reading more Scripture, finding new ways to pray each day, giving up something meaningful (like chocolate, social media or streaming), and volunteering to help others. These forty days invite us to reflect on and honor the time Jesus spent in the desert before beginning his public ministry, helping us prepare our lives and hearts for his resurrection at Easter.

���We���re here for you as you journey through Lent,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain of Catholic Life. “We [Catholic Life staff] love getting coffee or lunch with students, so don���t hesitate to reach out.���

Catholic Life is also offering free resources at Ash Wednesday services and on their website to help students make the most of these forty days.

Ash Wednesday services

���9:30 a.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

12:15 p.m. Ecumenical service at Elon Community Church (collaboration with the Truitt Center & Elon Community Church)

4 p.m. Prayer and Ash service in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion

8 p.m. Mass at Elon Community Church

���I can���t believe I almost missed it,��� shared Gabe Waits ���28 after his return to campus. ���I had really looked forward to being home and spending time with family, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so I had to go.���

Waits, along with seven other students, chose to give up the last portion of their winter break to participate in SEEK, a transformative conference hosted by the Fellowship of Catholic University 消消犯 (FOCUS). Since the early 2000s, SEEK has been a cornerstone event, drawing together college-aged people and young adults to deepen their faith, discover service and career opportunities, build community, and worship. This year���s conference, held simultaneously in Columbus, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah, welcomed over 26,000 attendees nationwide. The students from Elon were able to participate in the conference thanks in large part to several donors to Elon Catholic 消消犯 Ministry.

A major highlight of SEEK is its lineup of highly regarded presenters. Participants listened to keynotes from speakers such as Father Mike Schmitz, a campus minister at the University of Minnesota Duluth��and a bit of an internet sensation. His engaging videos and the popular “Bible in a Year” podcast have encouraged millions worldwide. Along with Father Mike, fellow priests, religious sisters and Catholic influencers delivered powerful messages centered on love, mercy and overcoming shame. Even Pope Leo shared a special video message to all in attendance.

���The overwhelming message was that you are wanted, you are loved,��� shared Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. ���消消犯 face so many challenges and often carry burdens of shame. Hearing keynote after keynote address, these topics left our students feeling seen, valued, and hopeful.���

Anna Morelli ’29 echoed this sentiment: ���SEEK was a great reminder that God is a loving God, and He knows everyone so personally and deeply.���

The seven students who attended the conference gathered for lunch in McEwen a week after returning to campus. As the conversations and reflections wound down, the lasting impact of SEEK was evident. Even after returning to the bustle of life at Elon, students continue to carry the experience with them.

���SEEK helped me realize that after graduation, staying connected to a Catholic community will be essential,” Gavin Michaud ���26 said. “Seeing thousands worship together made living out my faith���wherever I go���feel much less daunting.���

Since he took office in 2013, Pope Francis has become more than just a religious leader; he has been a bridge-builder and a tireless worker in tackling global issues. Admired for his humility, Pope Francis was a true reflection of Jesus Christ���s love and mercy on earth.

For many people, Pope Francis represented something special within the Church.

“Pope Francis has been a figure that many young people can rally around,” said Jillian Thomas ’25 “Every fall at Org Fair, folks get so excited about our cardboard cutout of him and want to take pictures with it!”

It���s this kind of connection that shows how much he meant to students���he was seen as a “symbol of hope” on campus, especially highlighted by the turnout at the memorial Mass held in Numen Lumen on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

“Even though we���re feeling the grief of this transition, I believe he brought a lot of new faces to the faith, and they���ll continue to grow in whatever direction God guides us next,” said Thomas.

Many grew up with Pope Francis, who influenced their faith from the very start.��The way Pope Francis lived and spoke shaped the spiritual journeys of a generation.

“Growing up in the 2010s, Pope Francis was my introduction to Catholicism. I always felt proud seeing him as the leader of our Church,” said Anthony Nunno ’27 “His 消消犯s help me keep deepening my faith and understanding of life.”

���In 2017, I stood just a few feet away from Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter���s Square, said Sydney Michel ’27. “The air felt full of something sacred, and in that moment, I was completely still, soaking in the peace, the beauty, and the power of it all. Seeing him up close, so humble and full of grace, I understood why he meant so much, not just to me, but to people all around the world. That moment in Rome left a mark on my heart. It reminded me that holiness doesn���t have to be loud���it can live in the quiet power of a kind word, a loving gesture, or a leader who walks with the people.���

The entire Catholic Church has been in a nine-day period of mourning, praying for Pope Francis and reflecting on his life and legacy, and how we can honor him through our own lives.

���Pope Francis had this rare kind of presence. Gentle but strong. Simple but profound,” said Michel. “His kindness and the way he loved and led with compassion for all people is something I���ll always carry with me. As we say goodbye, I hope we can all hold onto the goodness he brought into the world and try to live with a little more love because of him.���

“There were so many students, and a lot of them brought friends,” said Kasey Miller, associate director of Communication and Engagement for Catholic Life, with excitement. “Fraternity brothers, friend groups and families took up entire rows. Everyone was smiling and chatting, waiting for Mass to begin.���

This was a record crowd for Easter Mass on Elon���s campus.

“Hope and joy motivate us all. Elon students are eager to find these feelings in faith and in Jesus,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life.

Navigating college life while practicing religion can be tough, but Catholic 消消犯 Ministry is seeing rising engagement.

“The demand for spirituality, hope, and joy is clearly growing. We’re committed to creating spaces where students can embrace their faith,” said Father Tremblay.

After praying, fasting and almsgiving for the forty days of Lent and following Christ’s footsteps through Holy Week, Catholics celebrate the Lord’s resurrection��from the dead on Easter Sunday. This belief is the basis of the entire Christian faith. On Easter Sunday, the Catholic Church also welcomed six students who completed the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process throughout this past year, culminating in their receiving the Sacraments of Initiation during the��Mass.��

“Although it wasn’t in an ornate church, it [Mass] felt like home. I’m no longer distant from God; His grace has brought me closer to Him,” said Parker Stevens ’27.

Julien Dupas ’28 shared, “For the first time, I experienced Easter not just as a holiday but as a sacred celebration,” said Julien Dupas ’25 “It felt like everything I had offered, every sacrifice and prayer, had led to that moment. Easter Mass wasn’t just a tradition anymore. It was a deep, intimate encounter with Christ.”

Easter Sunday is just the beginning. Catholics celebrate Easter for fifty days, ending at Pentecost, when Jesus ascended to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to be with the world.

If you are interested in continuing to celebrate the Easter season with Catholic 消消犯 Ministry, all are welcome to attend the Sunday Masses at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavillion and 5 p.m. at Elon Community Church.

The Elon Catholic 消消犯 Ministry Homecoming tailgate welcomed the arrival of fall with a heartfelt celebration of community.

The gathering brought together alumni, students, parents and community members, fostering a sense of belonging. Hosted by the CCM Servant Leaders, the tailgate was filled with snacks, fun games, and CCM swag.

Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life, introduced a unique creation dubbed the “Homecoming Chicken Sandwich.” It featured a Chick-Fil-A nugget nestled between two Dunkin’ Munchkins. The sandwich quickly became a favorite

among students, disappearing almost as soon as it was served.

Throughout the day, alumni arrived eager to see friends and Catholic Life staff. Recent graduates greeted students and each other with big hugs while sharing��what life is like after graduation. Current students quickly shared what was the same and what had changed over the past year. Alumni returning for their fifth reunion engaged with staff and reminisced about their time at the university, sharing stories about their families, and where their careers have taken them.

The Homecoming tailgate was a celebration of connection, unity and nostalgia, leaving many anticipating what next year’s event will bring.

“It was an exciting issue to have,” said Assistant Director of Development Nina Devaney ’24. “We had already set up almost every chair in the building before Mass. We had to pull chairs from the brunch set up, but people were still standing!”

By the end of Mass, the Sacred Space, McBride and the balcony were full, with others leaning against the back wall or standing in the aisles.

“It was incredible to witness so many students attending Mass with their families and over 10 students volunteering to assist with ministry roles,” said Lizzie Gildner, student ministry coordinator.

has hosted Family Weekend Mass for many years but added the brunch last year to connect with even more with families. This year, 275 people attended the brunch, a significant increase from the previous year. Parents are still talking about their experience, often sharing how much Mass and brunch are the weekend’s highlight and how much they enjoyed being part of the CCM community.

But as excited as everyone was for Family Weekend, it was plain to see that Father Peter Tremblay was elated. Father Peter radiated��joy when standing in the hall welcoming people as they entered Mass or moving from table to table at brunch, chatting personally with each family.

“I am always excited to talk with parents,” said Father Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic life. “And I am overjoyed to share all the hard work the student leaders and the community are doing on campus.”

This beloved tradition has been going on for more than 20 years, and each year, it is led by student leaders. This year’s began planning the retreat back in the spring.

The beach retreat���s goal is to help people connect to each other, their faith and to the CCM community.

���The beach retreat gives the impression of faith lived out, cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging for students,” said Lizzie Gildner, student ministry coordinator for catholic life.

Student leaders echoed this sentiment through their keynote talks, small group questions and minute-to-win-it games.

���For me, the beach retreat was a way to escape the stressful worries of school and to not only grow closer with others in CCM but also my faith,” said Abby Bradbury ’27, a servant leader.

Bradbury’s time at the beach retreat was such a pivotal moment that it led her to become a servant leader and helped her connect with friend and fellow servant leader Nicole Kerr ���27. Kerr gave a keynote talk in which she shared how finding a friend in Bradbury helped her stay connected throughout her first year and beyond.

���Coming back this year as a sophomore and now a servant leader, I was able to see everyone truly put their trust in God���s hands and let their guards down to bond with others,” said Bradbury.

Despite the cloudy and rainy start to the weekend, students laughed and talked, radiating joy and community. As the sun came out Saturday afternoon, everyone ran to the beach to enjoy the sand and surf before returning for Mass and adoration. As the retreat wrapped up on a chilly Sunday morning, tired students could be heard sharing phone numbers and social media handles while planning to meet up the following week.

���I���ve never been on a retreat like this where everyone was actually into what was happening, and I can���t wait for the awakening retreat in November,” said Tyler Craig ’26, an engagement intern with CCM.

It was a beautiful sunny morning as 36 students arrived at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, North Carolina, to begin their day-long Spring Retreat. This was Elon Catholic 消消犯 Ministry’s third retreat hosted this year, with Beach Retreat in September and Awakening in November. Spring Retreat is��unique due to its length. CCM���s previous retreats were multi-day off-site events, which can be an obstacle for many students whose commitments to jobs, athletics, and academics limit their availability. However, since the Spring Retreat was just six hours on a Saturday, many students jumped at the opportunity to get away from campus and connect to something more profound.

Adam Pittman ’24 highlighted the importance of this retreat. ���Retreats foster and strengthen community, especially in a world where we feel disconnected despite our constant connection to technology,” Pittman said. “This retreat allowed us to slow down from the busyness of everyday life and have meaningful conversations that help us realize we are not alone in our struggles and that there are people around us we can lean on and talk to about the hardships we face.���

Throughout the retreat, students had conversations and got to know each other without worrying about what was next or what was on their to-do list. As the retreat continued, student leaders Emma Webb ���27 and Kiara Cronin ���25 gave personal talks based on the theme, ���Rooted in Him.��� Both speakers are a part of the CCM Servant Leadership team. The rest of the retreat team led small group discussions after the talks, led prayer walks through the peaceful wooden grounds, and served at Mass in the outdoor chapel.

As the retreat wrapped up, the participants had to be encouraged to leave. Many wanted to continue to hang out and talk with each other. Even as the cars pulled away, the sounds of conversation and laughter could be heard. Adam offered a wonderful perspective��on the impact the retreat had on him as a soon-to-be graduate, ���Retreats can heal this separated feeling and, through the commonality of faith, allow us to instantly form a connection with someone we have never met before or deepen a relationship with someone we’ve known for years. I have learned that faith is best experienced when shared with others, and retreats offer the space to give this gift to one another.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 25th, at 7 p.m., student leaders from Catholic 消消犯 Ministry (CCM) and Hillel collaborated to host a Pumpkin Carving party for the Elon community.

About 50 students enjoyed doughnuts, apple cider, and other snacks while chatting and making Jack ���O Lanterns on the lawn of the Holland House on South 消消犯. CCM and Hillel have partnered in the past for an annual Super Bowl party, so it was only time for both groups to find another way to work together.

“I loved having the opportunity to collaborate with Hillel because we are both organizations filled with students committed to the daunting task of trying to live out our respective faiths while in college. Pumpkin carving is an especially fun event to work together on because it is a welcoming, low-stress opportunity to grow in the community,”��said Jillian Thomas ���25, Elon CCM Treasurer and member of the Servant Leader team.

This��sentiment was shared by many of the students as they partnered up to carve pumpkins ranging from standard Jack O��� Lanterns to the Elon Phoenix and even intricate works of art displaying a haunted house. Laughter and conversation easily drown out the spooky party playlist blasting from the speakers on the porch.

But why does Elon CCM hold this annual event? Is it just to have fun and carve pumpkins? Well, yes, but there is much more to it. Halloween, for Catholics, is tied to All Saints��� Day, which is a significant feast day. It is similar to Mardi Gras before Ash Wednesday. It is a way to celebrate and prepare for what happens next: All Saints��� Day on the Nov. 1 and All Souls��� Day on Nov. 2.

All Saints��� Day is a day to honor and remember all the saints, those we know the names of and those we do not. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops defines saints as ���persons in heaven (officially canonized or not), who lived heroically virtuous lives, offered their life for others, or were martyred for the faith, and who are worthy of imitation.��� These can be people who lived hundreds of years ago or as recently as the 1990s. They are examples to look up to and to be inspired by. Catholics also believe they are still rooting for us from Heaven and are great people to ask to pray with us when facing tough times, struggling with classes, or just trying to figure out what to do next.

All Souls��� Day is a day where we remember and pray for the souls of our loved ones who have passed away and for all the faithful departed, especially those who may not have others to pray for them. For Catholics, just like the saints do not stop caring for us, we do not stop caring for our loved ones as they journey to heaven.

���Both All Saints��� and All Souls��� Days help to remind us that we are not alone, that we have so many people praying for us, encouraging us, and inspiring us as we navigate life,��� Father Peter Tremblay said, ���It shows just how big community truly is.��� Maybe the CCM & Hillel Pumpkin Carving gave us a little glimpse of that community, too.

Elon CCM will host an All Saints��� Day Mass on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion. All are welcome to attend.