It’s almost time for high school seniors to graduate and
begin the next phase of their lives – college. It’s a big
transition away from the watchful eyes of parents, and often
faith can get lost in the move.
Recognizing the impact college life can have on the faith of
young people, Father Christopher Vaccaro, chaplain for
Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Mary Washington
in Fredericksburg, founded the Associates of St. John Bosco
in 2013 to “support high school and college students in
remaining faithful during this challenging part of life.”
Father Vaccaro spoke to seniors at Paul VI Catholic High
School in Fairfax April 23 to talk about the importance of
keeping the faith. His presentation was titled “Pack your
Faith for College.”
Father Vaccaro began his talk with an alarming statistic.
“For those who go off to college, 80 percent will stop
practicing their faith,” he said. He added that only 35
percent of those will return to faith after graduation.
He said there are a variety of reasons given for the drop in
church attendance at college, but it’s mostly, “I don’t have
the time.”
When you’re studying for exams and living in the college
environment it’s difficult to prioritize your time. Faith is
not something that can be quantified, said Father Vaccaro. It
is not something you are held accountable for, he said. When
you leave home you lose structure. The Associates of St. John
Bosco are there to help students keep the faith.
“We are here to assist you,” said Father Vaccaro.
“Don’t say that you don’t have enough time,” said Nicholas
Grevas, a missionary for the Fellowship of Catholic
University Students. “Surround yourself with good friends.”
Grevas asked seniors if they wanted to be a thermometer or a
thermostat. A thermometer just registers the surrounding
environment, while a thermostat controls it.
Maggie Bellau, a senior at Mary Washington, gave the students
eight tips for a successful college career: college is an
adjustment ,and you are not alone; find your Catholic
Ministry; get involved with two clubs; develop a good
relationship with your professors; bring an umbrella and
boots; get rest, find good friends; and remember the church
is always there for you.
Father Vaccaro said that every student who attends one of the
group’s free college nights sponsored by the Associates of
St. John Bosco will receive the “Bosco Bundle,” which
includes a Bible, catechism, desk crucifix and a rosary,
reminding the seniors to choose to put something else in
their bag when they leave for college – their faith.
