HuskerCatholic Newsletter 2018

L OwRhereDare, you staying?

By Father Robert Matya,
Pastor

At the beginning of this calendar two disciples this question, “What are response, we might be tempted to think,
year, we had as one of our Sunday you looking for?” It’s a great question how strange. What significance is there
gospels a great meditation for the and one that all of us would benefit to where Jesus is staying? But their
work of this apostolate to college students. from reflecting on from time to time. answer is spot on because they want to go
The passage is John 1:35-42. The text What am I looking for? No doubt if Jesus and stay with him. They want more than
begins with John the Baptist and two of was standing in front of us asking this anything to have a meaningful encounter
his disciples in the vicinity of the Jordan. question, we would know in our heart of with him.
We are told that Jesus walks past them and hearts that it would be inappropriate to In earlier times, if young persons wanted
John calls out, “Behold the Lamb of God.” respond by saying something like success, to learn a trade or how to be an artist,
When John says this, the two disciples or power, or privilege. We might respond
immediately want to follow Jesus, hoping by asking for things more noble such as Father Matya encourages student
to converse with Him and ask questions peace or wisdom. And there would be leaders during their August retreat.
of Him as they were finding their way on nothing wrong with those answers, but
their spiritual journey. Most likely, these they do not get to where the disciples are
two young disciples would be in their late in their response to Jesus.
teen years, which obviously makes me The two disciples answer Jesus’ question,
think of young college students. “What are you looking for?” by asking
But as they follow Him, Jesus surprises him a question. “Lord, where are you
them by turning around and asking the staying?” When first reading their

2018

Newsletter

husker

Last November, 450 students followed Christ, witnessing to their faith at the annual Eucharistic Procession around campus.

they would move in with an artist, not just say to them. But thankfully, as so many
take a class on art or listen to a few lectures. students have discovered, Christ is here
They would literally move in with the artist and more than willing to communicate
and learn everything they could about His love to them when they open their
him. They would learn his techniques for hearts. It gives me such joy when I can sit
sure but they would also learn about every in His presence with them. I am able to
other aspect of his life by staying with him. witness their encounter with Him. There
So in reflecting on this passage the question is nothing more beautiful.
becomes for us: how do we stay with Him? One more interesting point about this
How do our young men and women stay story from the gospel of John. We learn
with Him today? We and our young people in the passage that one of the disciples is
are meant to stay with Him precisely in the Andrew. And after Andrew and the other

“Our students have so many voices calling for their
attention. We live in a culture that wants them to
believe that the Church has nothing relevant to say
to them.”

liturgy, in the sacraments, in Scripture, in disciples have had this encounter with our new church. We want our students to
the sacramentals, in prayer, in the corporal Jesus, the first thing that Andrew does ponder this amazing story of evangelism
and spiritual works of mercy, and in the is run to his brother Simon so he can tell that took place between Andrew and his
great art and tradition of the Church. There him, “We have found the Messiah.” Can brother Simon.
is nowhere else to turn in order for us and you imagine if Andrew hadn’t told Simon It is my prayer that our students will not
our young people to stay with Jesus. about the encounter he had with Jesus? It’s only encounter Jesus here at the Newman
This is why it is so important for this inconceivable really. When we see a great Center and be able to stay with Him here,
apostolate to exist and to thrive on our movie or hear a beautiful song, we want but that they will run out our front doors to
campus at the University of Nebraska– others to know about it. And we tell them. tell other students about this encounter. It
Lincoln. Our students have so many We should be telling others about our is my prayer that they will bring them back
voices calling for their attention. We live encounter with Jesus so that they can desire to the Newman Center. So many already
in a culture that wants them to believe and experience the same encounter. This is do. And that brings great joy as well. ■
that the Church has nothing relevant to why, by the way, we placed the St. Andrew
and St. Peter window next to each other in

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By Jude M. Werner, CFRE, The ladies of Pi Alpha Chi Sorority are daunting task just a few years
Director of Development likewise women of deep faith and an ago! This milestone accomplishment
authentic, Christ-centered sisterhood. was only possible through the support of
Transformative ideas can be They continue to build their membership nearly 2,700 students, parents, businesses,
frightening. There are risks involved numbers and look forward to a chapter foundations and other generous donors
and often an uncomfortably large house to call their own. We are blessed to from across the United States. I am
dose of faith required. Failure looms on count both groups as part of our ministry. continually humbled by the sacrifice and
the horizon. Yet, despite the fear and risk, The new Newman Center has been commitment that was necessary to achieve
when transformative ideas are a part of welcoming students for three years and this. In gratitude, you are remembered in
God’s Divine Plan, they are always worth it! the number of students involved grows prayer regularly by the Newman Center
continuously. The building is alive with staff and missionaries. Thank you!
students studying, attending classes,
participating in Bible studies or making While this is a remarkable achievement,
new friends at one of the many social events. we must not be complacent. We have not
Even more exciting are the impressive finished raising the contributions needed to
number of students participating in fully fund our expansion effort - a critically
Eucharistic Adoration, attending Mass important priority for the Newman Center
and lined up for Confessions. Lives, likely and the Diocese of Lincoln. Our work
eternities, are being changed here every is not done. Building upon our current
day. Praise God! campaign success, and through your
continued prayers and generosity, our

Our vision of building a new, larger St. Thomas Aquinas Church is becoming journey continues. While Satan may tempt
Newman Center – St. Thomas Aquinas increasingly sublime as additional stained- us to waiver with fear and doubt, we trust
Church to serve the needs of our student glass windows and works of art are that God has a vibrant and prosperous
parish, which exceeded the capactiy of the installed. It is a reflection of the heavenly future ahead for the Newman Center and
old building, was admittedly a big idea. court that awaits us, a place of hope and campus ministries at the University of
Our bold plan also included the dream spiritual growth for over 2,200 students Nebraska–Lincoln! We trust that He will
of building chapter houses for both the each Sunday. Each piece of art brings new continue the good work He has begun and
Catholic fraternity and sorority after beauty, inspiration and a contribution bring it to completion.
acquiring the land needed to accommodate toward paying off the church – all essential
their construction. Further, launching priorities! If it’s been awhile since you have To learn more about supporting
a $25 million capital campaign with no seen the church, please stop for a visit or a the Newman Center’s ‘A Great
permanent parishioners, was more than a tour the next time that you are in the area. Problem to Have’ capital
bit daring. We would be glad to show you around! campaign or to schedule a
But we remember, “The LORD is good to church tour, call 402-474-7914
those whose hope is in him.” (Lam 3:25) God’s blessings are also or email MinistrySupport@
Seven and a half years after launching the seen through your amazing huskercatholic.com. ■
Newman Center’s comprehensive expansion generosity. We have just reached
plan and the ‘A Great Problem to Have’ our initial capital campaign goal
capital campaign, many of our initial goals of raising $25 million – a truly
have now been met. The transformative
vision for what Catholic campus ministry at
the University of Nebraska–Lincoln could
become is now a reality. Campus ministry at
UNL will never be the same.
Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity is finishing
its fourth year in their chapter house. The
fraternity is forming young men of great
character and virtue, poised to be strong
leaders in their future homes and parishes.

husker

Quo Vadis?
FINDING VOCATION By Matt Litt & Father Andrew Litt,
IN PHI KAPPA THETA Brothers & Members of Phi Kappa Theta

Throughout life, the Lord places certain PKT is a Greek Social Fraternity rooted in Through the prayers, blessings, and efforts
people in your path for specific reasons the Catholic faith. It came from a merger of Father Matya and many others, PKT has
and at times He blesses you with an in 1959 of two Catholic fraternities. These been impacting the lives of young men at
extraordinary gift: a realization, an fraternities, Phi Kappa (est. 1889) and UNL since the fall of 2005. Through PKT,
experience, a conversation, which changes Theta Kappa Phi (est. 1919) were founded we found support and investment by others
the course of your life. In the Nebraska because Catholics were not allowed to join to live our vocations.
chapter of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity existing fraternities.
(PKT), we found those people and gifts.

Andrew and I are brothers, four years apart, from Lincoln. Father Andrew Litt
We attended Catholic school and both eventually found
ourselves at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. At Joining a fraternity was probably one of the furthest things from my
home and at school we learned about what a vocation is, and the mind when starting at UNL, except that Matt became a founding
importance of discerning and living it. member of PKT. I always looked up to my older brother and I wanted
My membership in PKT helped me find my vocation; but the life- to follow in his footsteps.
changing experience almost didn’t happen. In the summer of 2005
I turned down joining because of my perception of Greek Life. Throughout my high school years, I saw my brother surrounded by
Thankfully, I accepted an invite to a PKT recruitment dinner in the other men who lived out their faith and had formed great friendships
fall and listened to Father Matya’s vision for the fraternity. with him. I remember going to their dinners and family gatherings and
Father spoke about the impact Greek men and women have in our always hearing the phrase, “Be a Beacon not a Bunker”. I understood that
society and the importance of these organizations. He explained a member of PKT was someone who lived out their faith without shame
how many Greek members do not live up to the ideals they profess or fear, especially on the college campus. My brother and his group of
and that PKT would. The fraternity would be a group of men who brother Phi Kaps inspired me to desire the same when I reached college.
lived their Catholic faith and would become leaders on campus.
I met my first Phi Kap class brother at my own brother’s wedding. The
two of us became quick friends- helped in part by our siblings marrying
each other. This was the beginning of meeting those who would have a
great influence over me during my time at UNL.

At the end of that dinner, I was completely bought in. When I look I was a Legacy (someone who has had a family member previously join
back, it is one of the single most important decisions I have made a specific Greek house) and was recruited right away. I was lucky enough
in my life. to be able to attend all of the recruitment events and to meet my Phi Kap
class at these different events over the summer before college.

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(Matt continued) In my professional life, I use the skills I learned (Father Litt continued) These were men of integrity who shared the same
and the experiences I had as an active member. My path to ideals and faith that I did.
graduate school, Benedictine College, and my work for Americans My core group of friends, both in college and even to this day, came
for Prosperity and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human from my Phi Kap class. They were there to support my decision to try
Services stem from my membership in PKT. the seminary after my first year of college. They supported me during
More importantly, I met my wife and began a relationship with my seven years of seminary training and, ultimately, they were there to
Jesus as a member of PKT. With encouragement from my brothers, celebrate my ordination to the priesthood. The friends that I made within
I asked my wife out on our first date following one of our infamous the fraternity continue to be a source of strength and encouragement for
(not an exaggeration) Dance Parties in the old Newman Center’s me as I serve as a priest in McCook.
John Paul II Hall. After two years of encouragement from my Some of the best memories I have from my time in PKT were Thursday
brothers, I attended the Newman Center Koinonia retreat and nights. A few of us had signed up for the ‘holy half-hour’ right before the
finally said ‘yes’ to Jesus and committed my life to Him. Thursday night Mass that led into the Newman Center community night.
When I reflect, I truly do not believe I would be the man I am today A group of us faithfully went for that half-hour. The Phi Kaps would all sit
without my PKT brothers and the experiences we shared together. together for this Mass, sharing in the faith which brought us together as a
These men stood with me at my wedding and I at theirs. They are fraternity.
my childrens’ godfathers and I am theirs. They are the men I turn One of the brothers that was always there was not Catholic. He was always
to for counsel and they will be there at the end. by my side during the Thursday night rosary and holy hour. His faith
The Lord has blessed me, as he does each of us. I am blessed that and desire to share in that time of prayer always amazed me and was a
I can share in this brotherhood with Andrew and our dad. I am huge source of encouragement for me at UNL and during my time in the
blessed God used my membership in PKT to show me His will for seminary.
my life and the men in the fraternity to empower me to say ‘yes’ to The support and witness from my fellow brothers was a strong source of
Him. inspiration and encouragement for me as I journeyed toward my vocation
to the priesthood. I found strength and encouragement knowing that they
would always be my brothers and would support me, no matter what.

Matt and other members of the PKT PKT is a brotherhood of men who give of themselves to each
founding class visit Italy, May 2009 other, society, and, most importantly, to God. The fraternity and
its members are also the beneficiaries of the prayers and efforts
from many others in the Newman Center community.

The Newman Center and Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity were
instrumental in our journeys to finding, embracing, and living
our vocations. It is our prayer that the future Husker in your life
say ‘yes’ to God’s will and receives the blessings of the Catholic
community at UNL. Learn more about PKT at phikaps.net. ■

The Litt Family with Bishop Conley at
Father Litt’s ordination, May 2017

husker

missionaries

nights

One of the great joys of
living our Catholic Faith is
sharing it in a supportive
parish atmosphere.
Community Nights take
place weekly following the

ursday night Mass!

Some of our Faves: NewmOlym-
pics • Whose Line is it Anyway •
Oktoberfest • Mr. Newman •
Battle of the Bands • Ministry Fair

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A total eclipse of the sun
calls for a roof party!

OR CATHOLIC TH PC: Pha Nguyen

AN INSTITUTE F

atem
OUGHT AND CU

ex u
mbris et imaginibus in veritLTURE
NEWM
“The Newman Institute
went beyond presenting PAX members were so happy to see In September, PKT members sold
facts and knowledge and one of their patron saints, St. delicious funnel cakes in support of
encouraged us students Catherine of Siena, have a space in Tom Osborne’s Teammates
to be seekers of truth.” Rosary Hall. program. Great work, men!
-Tessa, Institute student

newmaninstitute.com

students went on "Be who God made you to
transformative be and you will set the
retreats last fall. world on fire."
-St. Catherine of Siena

“BONNIE KADAVY is celebrating madaentkosotuorgcehnuerrcohusanddonNoerws,mmaannyCbeneateurtilfausltafdaldl!itionasnwk eyroeu!

y years of volunteer service here at the
Newman Center this year. Bonnie is
simply unmatched in her dedication and
faithfulness to her work here. I think you
would agree that one would be hard
pressed to nd another person who has
volunteered for the Church as she has for

y years. She cares for the altar, the
linens, the sacristy, and the church with
as much love and devotion as she ever
has. She also leads a team of student
volunteers who help her every week. We
are so grateful Bonnie and we love you so
much!” -Father Matya

Leave her a thank you
message at huskercatholic.com.

husker

By Sam Sweeney, “I mean, this music, the lights, the
Newman Center Student image of Jesus on the cross- it’s all
beautiful- but do I really believe that’s
On January second in the early Jesus Christ up there? Do I even believe
hours of the morning, 100 He is God at all?” If I am being honest
students left Lincoln for the with myself, I couldn’t convince myself.
FOCUS SLS conference in Chicago. Over Earlier that day, I had told myself that I’d
8,000 national Catholic leaders including go to confession. I had no idea how the
students, adults, and religious, spent four confessions were going to be set up, but
days together united in faith listening to I was hoping that there would be little
inspiring keynotes, engaging in small closed off areas where I could confess my
group conversations, networking with sins behind a curtain and be done with
Catholic organizations from across it. When I got to the room, I thought,
the country, and praising our Lord in “You have got to be kidding me!” You
Eucharistic Adoration and daily Mass. could see everyone. Every priest and
Samantha Sweeney, a senior global every confessor. Nothing was closed off. It
studies and music major at UNL, was was all face-to-face; I hadn’t done that in
present the evening of group Adoration, a years. I didn’t want people to hear me, and
highlight experience for many. I didn’t want to hear others. But standing
in line waiting for my turn, I realized
that even though I was standing close, I

“I told him I kept wishing God would show me some
miracle, so I would really believe.”

When the bells rang, every knee in the couldn’t hear anything anyone was saying
conference hall hit the cement floor in - except for two things right before it was
humble Adoration of our Lord present my turn to go, “He loves you” and “Jesus
in the Eucharist. I knelt and looked at the Christ.” I was directed to my priest, one
Host trying to really believe that it was with the kindest face and voice.
Jesus. Instead, I found myself wondering,
pc header and confession photo: FOCUS

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I was the most honest I had ever been. I very light, very calm - and very confused “I was suddenly aware
felt compelled to bring up my selfishness because of it. that I had a soul and that
and struggle with believing any of this After I returned to my seat and prayed my I was loved.”
was real. I told him I kept wishing God penance I asked God, “What do you want
would show me some miracle, so I would me to do?” and then waited in silence. all here in communion. I realized that I
really believe. He asked me what kind Something came over me; something I had been waiting for God to show me a
of thing I wanted to happen. I had been can’t quite explain. I laid my head in my miracle, but there were so many miracles
thinking about one of my best friends arm on the back of the chair and started all around me. The miracle of all these
who is a steadfast atheist; I told him that to sob. I was suddenly aware that I had beautiful people, the miracle of music,
if God could just touch his heart in some a soul and that I was loved. I’d heard of nature. And I realized in that moment
way and show him that He was real, then I all these stories of faith that I had been that God was real. ■
would be completely sure of my faith. He skeptical of, but I finally understood.
replied that it seemed like I really cared I continued to cry, and pray, and to be
about my friend. This struck a chord in overcome.
me becasue moments before, I had been At the conclusion of Adoration, I looked
telling him about how selfish I was. This around the room and saw thousands of
priest made me think I was capable of people from different places, cultures,
love, and further, that I was made for love. races, and personality types; they were
I expected a big penance but was simply
told to pray a Glory Be and I left feeling

husker

houorfmierst

By Lily Burr,
Newman Center Alumna

My husband and I were married at as a couple. We spent countless hours over stained glass window of the heavenly feast.
St. Thomas Aquinas Newman the years kneeling side by side in front of The two of us were beginning our vocation
Center on July 1, 2017. Four the Blessed Sacrament, attending Mass, that day, embarking on the path we hope
years earlier, when Joseph and I arrived and falling in love with the Lord. will lead us to be among the saints pictured
on campus as teenagers for our first year at As I entered through the double doors of in that stained glass window, adoring
UNL, the church was just blueprints and the Newman Center chapel on my wedding Christ on His throne.
a massive pit in the ground. That fall, we day, leaning on my father’s arm, I felt very The Newman Center was the first home
were still utter strangers in a strange new much as if I was crossing the threshold of Joseph and I shared together, and a place
phase of life. We buckled into our studies, our shared home. Walking up the aisle as our family will always return to. Our first
leapt into our faith through opportunities
at the interim Newman Center building, “The Newman Center was the first home Joseph and
and built a group of lifelong friends around I shared together, and a place our family will always
us, through whom God orchestrated our return to.”
paths to meet.
As our relationship grew over the next I had so many times before, I passed the child will be born in the summer of 2018,
three years, so did the rising brick walls of spot where Joseph had proposed to me and we hope he may be baptized on the
the Newman Center. Both the building and one year prior, and took my place next to day of our first anniversary, directly down
the community it houses became central my almost-husband on the kneeler, facing the aisle from where we each said our “I
figures in our daily lives as individuals and Christ in the Tabernacle and the high, do’s.” ■

Give Opportunity
to the Next Generation

Philanthropic planning that benefits the Newman Center can fit your charitable giving
and estate plan. Let The Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska show you how.
Call 402.488.2142 to learn more.

3700 Sheridan Blvd, Ste. 9 | Lincoln, NE 68506 | www.catholicgift.org

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BnYuTHmEbers

Last semester, an inventory
showed how Newman

Center students wanted to
get involved. We are happy

to announce that many
ministries are meeting
or exceeding expected
participation numbers!

NEWMAN CENTER STAFF Father Robert Matya Drew Hines EVENTS
Pastor Associate Development Director
[email protected] [email protected] Phone-a-Thon | February 18 - March 4
Student Koinonia Retreat | March 9 - 11
Father Steve Mills Mollie Sundermeier
Associate Pastor Associate Director of Nightfever | April 6
[email protected] Annual Giving and Marketing Golf Fore the Newman Center | May 14
[email protected]
Marlene Beyke SCHEDULE
University Director Keri Timmerman, J.D.
[email protected] Senior Administrative Assistant Sunday Masses
to the Development Office 10:00am, 11:30am, 5:30pm, 10:00pm
Jude Werner, CFRE [email protected]
Director of Development Weekday Masses
402-770-1509 Josh Fatzinger Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm, 10:00pm
[email protected] FOCUS Assistant Team Director
[email protected] Friday: 12:00pm, 5:30pm
Patti Montgomery Saturday: 8:00am, 12:00pm
Controller & HR Manager Marie Wathen
[email protected] Program Coordinator for the Confessions
Newman Institute Sunday: 4:30pm-5:20pm, 9:00pm-9:50pm
Dr. John Freeh [email protected] Monday - Thursday: 4:45pm-5:20pm, 9:15pm-9:50pm
Director of the Newman Institute
for Catholic Thought and Culture Mary Pat McBride Friday: 4:45pm-5:20pm
[email protected] FOCUS Administrative Assistant Saturday: 11:15am-11:50am
[email protected] Eucharistic Adoration
Luke Miller Monday - Thursday: 10:00am-5:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm
FOCUS Team Director Dr. Peter Martin Friday: 10:00am-12:00pm, 12:30-5:30pm
[email protected] Catholic Social Services Clinical
Services Licensed Psychologist Visit us at
Robert Creal [email protected] huskercatholic.com!
Maintenance Supervisor
[email protected] Chloe Kreikemeier
Newman Center Board President
Lori Vasa [email protected]
Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper
[email protected]

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We’ll be calling you! “May the God of hope ll you with all
joy and peace as you trust in him, so
Between February 18 and March 4, a that you may over ow with hope by
Newman Center student will be calling
you as part of our 2018 Phone-A-Thon. the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Phone-A-Thon is not only a unique Romans 15:13
opportunity for students to share with you

rst-hand their experience at the Newman
Center, but it is also an essential part of our
annual budget.

Your generosity during Phone-A-Thon
supports the life-changing ministries and
programs for thousands of college
students. Our goal is to raise $170,000 so
that students can continue to grow closer
to Christ here at the Newman Center.

Father Robert Matya and
Your Friends at the Newman Center

ank you in advance
for your generosity!