More than 550 students, families, and community members packed Alumni Gym for Easter Mass on Sunday, April 5.
Catholic ministries across the United States are witnessing a rising tide of young adults participating in religious services, with many joining the Catholic Church. This was evident at Easter Mass on Sunday, April 5, in Alumni Gym. C
atholic Campus Ministry (CCM) welcomed more than 550 students, families, and community members for worship, filling the gym floor and overflowing into the bleachers. CCM has witnessed continued growth in Easter Mass attendance, from 268 in the spring of 2023 to over 550 this year.
“Young people have grown disenchanted with the superficial promise of happiness that our culture offers,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. “They are looking for something deeper: seeking a deeper connection to truth and beauty.”
But the story is about more than just those attending Mass; eight students received the Sacraments on Easter, including a baptism, two professions of faith and Confirmation for all. Easter, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, is traditionally a time when new members are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments after a year of attending classes in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Lorelei Lowen ‘29 shared,
“I was interested in receiving my sacraments, so I emailed Father Peter before coming to Elon, and he connected me with T and the OCIA program,” said Lorelei Lowen ’29.
“OCIA has allowed me to face some of the most difficult doubts and questions in my faith journey,” said Maggie Blakeney ’26. “It has taught me that faith isn’t done alone, but with others.“
Local dioceses in Raleigh and Charlotte have noticed a similar trend of college-aged adults participating in the OCIA process. Campus ministry played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Through welcoming communities, retreats, small groups, and conversations with the Chaplain and ministry staff, students find opportunities to explore questions of faith, life, and meaning.
“CCM has shaped not only my experience at Elon, but it has transformed the way that I think about life and the circumstances that are thrown our way,” said Savanna Bell ’28. “CCM was simply the light in the darkness that chained me to my past life. By placing myself at the center of it, literally, the friendships are what have made me Catholic (or how I like to say it, ElonCatholic). I would have never gotten so deeply rooted in the Sacraments if it weren’t for the smiles that greeted me each time I walked into the big church doors.”
