To the Editor:

George Weigel's article, "A Catholic Renaissance at Princeton (ACH 11/10/05), reminded me of brief visits there during my college search three years ago. From the University of Virginia, I rejoice in affirming Weigel's observations and add my own.

Weigel's characterization of Catholic student life at Princeton also captures UVa's Catholic Student Ministry. Students attend daily Mass and weekly adoration at St. Thomas Aquinas University Parish, home of our beloved Dominican priests. Student representation in RCIA continues to increase and outdoor Stations of the Cross are now an annual tradition. Some rise early for Gregorian chant at

7:30 a.m. Sunday Mass or pause for night prayer, sometimes with other Christian fellowships. They participate in single-sex small faith communities and hear "distinguished Catholic speakers" through the St. Anselm Institute for

Catholic Thought and an intimate speaker series in the home of a Catholic sociology professor. UVa's religious studies department includes a Dominican and a Jesuit. Robert Jensen will arrive at Princeton next spring to teach Catholic thought since Vatican II by way of UVa, where he currently teaches the course.

The Dominicans who serve our parish and student community are great blessings and invaluable resources. They can attest that students drive this Catholic renewal. Students desired and will facilitate this year's Eucharist-themed Advent retreat, which takes place in the context of Adoration. Last spring, CSM and the university's pro-life organization enlisted Protestant groups to organize and host a seminar on abortion in the Christian worldview.

UVa's Catholic student community is not ideal, but opportunities for growth and a more perfect witness of Christ and His Church are invigorating. If we truly believe that Christ is the solution to every problem and the fulfillment of each person, the centrality of a Catholic community at a public university is divinely logical. University founder Thomas Jefferson, who refused to build a chapel here, might disagree. I can only imagine how he would respond to hopes for a Eucharistic procession along the historic Lawn with its Rotunda, a pagan temple by design.

My affections for Princeton remain strong, and I join Weigel in recommending it to prospective students. If Princeton is not for you, come join the Catholic renaissance at UVa. You are welcome to email uvacsm@virginia.edu to learn more.

Christy Elliott
Student Campus Minister
Charlottesville