Student ministry

Walk by faith, not by sight.

This message can be seen on shirts worn by members of the UTPB Catholic Student Association.

Coincidentally the message — from 2 Corinthians 5:7 — reflects the exact situation the group finds itself in, as members work to create a Newman Center at the university.

"We’re just trying to build the people right now," CSA vice president Elizabeth Mendoza said. "Build a foundation, then move up."

Mendoza said the organization doesn’t know how much money they’ll need to build the center or where it would be located on campus.

Right now their goal is to reach out to the student body.

The Newman Ministry is a Catholic ministry center located on non-Catholic campuses. The CSA hopes to bring one to the UTPB campus.

On Friday, the CSA hosted its First Friday Mass in the Multipurpose room at UTPB with guests the Rev. Santiago Udayar, the Knights of Columbus and the Most Rev. Michael Pfeifer. The event was to spread the word about the organization.

"I was deeply impressed to see the number (of people) who are here — and to see the support," said Pfeifer, bishop of the San Angelo Diocese.

There were about 100 people present at the afternoon Mass.

Pfeiffer took time during the service to speak about Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood.

"It reminds us how precious life is," Pfeiffer said. "We can’t give an explanation, but we can reach out and give support and ask for God’s guidance and to give us peace."

At the end of the mass, the CSA members offered a Mexican buffet-style lunch to the visitors.

"I think it went real well," Mendoza said. "We don’t usually have this big of a turnout — I was impressed."

WANT TO GO?

>> What: The Catholic Student Association mass.

>> When: Every first Friday of the month.

>> Where: Mac Boring Room.

>> For information e-mail utpb_catholic@yahoo.com