Page 6
By Danette Parrett
The Collegian
In this time of renewed "family
values" that the Presidential
candidates are stressing, religion
is coming into the forefront of
the American citizen's life.
Although Penn State-Behrend is
a secular college, religion still
plays an important part in the life
of the students. Because Penn
State sees the need from the
student, they offer several
opportunities for students to
develop the spiritual part of their
lives.
The two organizations on
campus that provide for the needs
of those students enriching the
religious aspects of their life are
the Newman Association and
Inner Varsity Christian
Fellowship.
The Newman Association is a
Catholic-based organization. The
association seeks to bring
students closer together and to
God through learning, prayer,
fellowship and service.
"It's hard to
meet kids. They
see a priest
coming ana run
the other way."
The association was begun at
the University of Pennsylvania in
1883 by a dental student, Tim
Harrington, and a few Catholic
student.
It is named after John Newman
whose deep faith and brilliance
was an inspiration to Christians
everywhere.
The Behrend association is a
chartered member of the
Pennsylvania Newman Province.
The group has approximately 20
members.
The major goals of the Newman
Association are:
To provide cultural enrichment,
intellectual fulfillment and
Christian concern for others.
To motivate members to be
productive in society through
spiritual, academic and social
action.
Mark D'Ascenzo, vice-president
of the Newman Association,
believes that the club is still in
its planning stages this year.
However, he did feel that they
have had some successful events
already.
The organization has had a clay
bead necklace sale to raise funds.
The sent a representative,
Loretta Bunyak, to the 8K walk
Religion on
"Spiritutality plays a part in everyone's life."
at Presque Isle that was to raise
money for help against
Alzheimer's disease.
They sent five of their members
to a Lifechain in Erie. The Life
chain is a group of people joined
by hands to show their objection
to abortion.
Currently, the group is raising
money by selling candy bars.
Underway are plans for a haunted
house to celebrate Halloween.
The group receives guidance and
assistance from Sister Anna Mac
Kuzma, director of the Campus
Ministry. Although the group did
not apply for funding through the
university , they can use the
resource that Sr. Anna Mae
makes available through the
ministry office.
D'Ascenzo feels that "religion
con really help student's through
some tough times. I know that
I've had some hard times and I
feel that the Lord has been there
for me.”
Meetings for the Newman
Association are held on
Wednesday at 7:00 in the Reed
Conference Room on the first
floor by the Counseling and
Advising Office.
The other association offered to
students is Inner Varsity
Christian Fellowship (IVCF).
IVCF are committed to three
puiposes:
Reaching out to the whole
campus to share the Good News
//✓''
v. ■
Jjj*s
The Collegian
IVCF is a non-denominational
group that helps the student grow
in their relationship with Jesus
Christ through fellowship,
evangelism, discipleship, and
missions.
Growing toward maturity as
followers of Christ through
Bible Study, prayer, and
Christian fellowship with each
other.
vr";'
of Jesus Christ.
Sharing the vision of reaching
the whole world with the Gospel
and discovering God's role for us
in that task.
IVCF has 20-30 members.
These members plan various
events throughout the school year
for the student body.
This year the group has had the
Burger Bash. They set up
Lemonade stands in the residence
halls during students' arrival and
helped move the students into
their rooms.
Trevor Vaughn, president of
IVCF, feels that "college is a
place to find out what you
believe in and how strongly you
believe in it.
It is a time to test your faith. It
's the first time away from your
parents and you can really find
out what you belive in."
The doctrinal basis of IVCF is
that the group subscribes to the
basic Biblical truths of
Christianity, including:
The unique divine inspiration,
entire trust worthiness, and
authority of the Bible.
The deity of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
The necessity and efficacy of
the substitutionary death of
Jesus Christ for the redemption
%.'
. : »5j '
of the world, and the historic
fact of His bodily resurrection.
The presence and power of the
Holy Spirit in the work of
regeneration.
The expectation of the personal
return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Protestant Campus Ministry
helps IVCF occasionally. The
group is advised by Mr. David
Hyde and Mr. David Stuntz.
The group meets in the music
room in Reed on Friday evenings
at 6:00.
Although Sr. Anna Mae is the
director of the Campus Ministry,
Father Larry Richards acts as the
chaplin counselor for Behrend.
Fr. Larry holds Catholic mass
every Sunday night at 8:00 in the
north side of the Wintergreen
Thursday, October 8, 1992
Campus
Cafe. Confessions follows the
mass. Richards also teaches
scripture Wednesdays at 8:00
J?r. Larry feels that the most
challenging aspect of providing
religious services to Behrend is
reaching the students.
"There are so many students
that God has no part in their
lives. They believed because
their parents believed. [College]
is the in between stage of their
own faith."
Richards feels that the
university supports the ministry.
Although Behrend is a secular
university, Richards sees that the
university provides for the needs
of the students. Religion is a
part of a lot of students life so
the university sees that it meets
those needs.
"Chris Reber is very
supportive. I worked at [another
campus] and they were not as
helpful. We didn't even have an
office."
As a personal goal, Fr. Larry
would like to meet more of the
students.
"I'd like to be more present.
”College is here
to provide you
with a degree.
Vm talking
about eternity.”
To change kids views of church
and priests. Show die students
that priests are human...lt’s hard
to meet kids. They see a priest
coming and run the other way."
"I'd like to get kids more
involved and come to know
Christ."
"Spirituality plays a part in
everyone's life. It doesn't matter
what religion... There are very
few students that are
agnostic."
Although Catholic mass is the
only service provided on campus,
through the ministry there is
transportation provided to other
religious services in Wesleyville.
"[The ministry] i) community
minded. When we worship it
should be more out of
community, and less
individualistic. You don't have
to be a lone ranger."
Richards is available on Sunday
nights from 8-10 pm. Sr. Anna
Mae is available every day in the
Campus Ministry office.
Father Larry feels that religion
should be a part of every college
student's life.
"College is here to provide you
with a degree. I'm talking about
eternity."