I cannot believe that it has been a little over a year since I began my journey as the Catholic Campus Minister at Stetson, which I consider a great blessing to me.

I want to take advantage of this platform to talk a little about myself. I graduated from the Interamerican University, located in San German, Puerto Rico, with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 1987. After graduation, I worked 42 years in laboratories of various pharmaceutical companies as part of the drug manufacturing team, until my retirement in 2022.

This desire to continue working for the well-being and salvation of the souls of my brothers and sisters was born 26 years ago, in 1998, at a retreat offered by the John XXIII Movement in the Archdiocese of Miami. During my service of 26 years with this ministry, I was blessed with the nomination as diocesan and parish president of the movement at the Miami Archdiocese.

Thanks to God, I have participated in more than 200 conversion retreats, multiple mission trips — to Italy, Spain, Colombia and Ecuador — and have taught at formation education classes offered as part of the continued education and accompaniment of the brothers who completed the retreats.

Before and during the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to decide to complete my Theology and Ministry certificate, which I obtained in 2021, from Loyola University in New Orleans. This study was another blessing for me because it strengthened not only my understanding and love for God but also my love for my brothers and sisters. Currently, I continue to work with the John XXIII Movement in the Diocese of Orlando supporting retreats and formation classes.

Now at Stetson, it is very important to mention the support I have received from students, staff, faculty and benefactors, because it has made my transition here a tremendous blessing.

A New Semester

After spending much of the fall and spring semesters observing and being a presence to the students, walking around the campus, participating in the sport and social events I have enjoyed jumping headfirst into the old and new initiatives that make this a Christlike community.

With our weekly night meetings, informative tabling, sacramental offering and fellowship event, we are the premiere hub of accompaniment for our students at Stetson. This has been the biggest way that I have stayed involved in Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM).

As we commence a new semester, I look forward to continuing building relationships with all the individuals who have contributed to the success of this ministry and with new students that will join our ministry.

As Stetson’s Catholic Campus Minister, I pray CCM continues to foster new relationships in Christ with anyone who walks through our doors. It is through those relationships that our love for our God grows with fervent joy in anticipation of what awaits all of us beyond this word.

If I have not had the opportunity to connect with you yet, please reach out to me via email at [email protected].  I would really love to chat and hear your story!

Lot of blessings!!!

– Roberto Garcia