Catholic Hatters,

Warm greetings to our new and returning Catholic students; embrace the adventure! I’m excited to witness your talents shine in our Stetson Catholic community as you step into this new semester with confidence and curiosity, embrace challenges, make new friends and create lasting memories.

This is an important and challenging time in your life. As you begin, or continue, your higher education, I hope you will be aware of and grateful for all the blessings you’ve already received from Almighty God. Your faith has introduced you to God, enriched your life, made you a better person and given you a clear moral framework from which to make good decisions about life, and you have the opportunity to continue growing in faith with our Stetson Catholic Campus Ministry.

So, dear Catholic Hatters, as you are about to begin or continue your college career a very important step in the story of your life, don’t forget that I am available if you need to talk or pray. I would like to hear your story!

It is essential that you continue learning about your faith so that you can give solid answers to the questions you encounter. Your faith needs to be lived every day if it is to survive this challenging time, as your new-found freedom presumes additional responsibility and that includes the regular practice of your religious faith.

So, be sure to attend Mass on Sundays — at St. Peter Catholic Church here in DeLand — and holidays, and receive the Holy Communion. God has given you 168 hours each week for your own use and asks just one of those in return. Make use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Good confessions will keep you on the right path. Develop a personal prayer life that will keep you in touch with God every day.

Therefore, take full advantage of your college experience, learn a lot and have the time of your life. But stay grounded in the God who created you, has been good to you and someday will be your Judge. Remain committed to your Catholic Faith. Regardless of how much you accomplish in the future, you will be a better person if you live in faith.

Blessings,

– Robert Garcia