Let me start out by simply stating this: our students are AWESOME! The love, fellowship and sense of community are palpable in every gathering. Here is where our students come after a grueling exam or a weekend of non-stop studying. Here they come to unwind, re-energize, find comfort and strength, and grow in their faith through prayer, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist.

The highlight this Fall was the Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by our students at the CC. It was a beautiful event enjoyed by approximately 350 guests from the community. The students worked hard alongside Father Josh, promoting the event, shopping, preparing the dining room, serving and more. Father Josh and his brother cooked 10 turkeys and one of our wonderful donors made 29 pies! Our students worked selflessly to provide a bountiful meal to students, families, and some of the city’s homeless.

Several outreach projects are taking place this Fall. Our students are active volunteers at the Pregnancy Aid Clinic, March for Life, and making sandwiches for the homeless in the community to name a few. They made a great showing at the local abortion clinic in support of 40 Days for Life. They are currently co-sponsoring a clothing drive through Atlanta Mission to benefit the homeless.

Our bible studies led by our FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) missionaries as well as the programs aimed at spiritual growth and faith formation are held nightly at the CC and are open to all students. Our programs are building traction and growing in attendance. We have 4 students going through RCIA and preparing to join our church on Easter day. We are planning a spring retreat, a mission trip to Peru during spring break with FOCUS and another one to Nicaragua with Amigos for Christ. To help with our Liturgy and Mass, we purchased much needed new vestments and altar cloths. Additionally, we received a grant to partially fund the purchase of 300 new hymnals to replace the ones we’ve had for 30 years.
 

Community life is strong and active at the CC. Our doors are always open to welcome all students. Parties, monthly dinners and especially our tailgates are always a big hit. Our football block was full and very spirited this Fall. Homecoming was especially fun as we took 4^th place in the co-ed division of the Mini 500. Also, one of our wonderful benefactors represented the CC in the Classic Car Division of the Wreck Parade with a 1939 Dodge truck. Just recently, our Intramurals volleyball team made it to the play-offs!

On the Capital improvements front, we have several projects going on. We are remodeling our 30 year old bathrooms, starting construction of a pergola in the Father Mario Plaza, and installing BuzzCard access to our exterior doors to make our facility more secure. We also updated all interior door locks.

We are excited to offer and host events open to all Catholics in the archdiocese. Our first Advent Day of Reflection took place this past Saturday, December 6^th. Approximately fifty brothers and sisters in Christ gathered to hear inspirational talks and to attend Reconciliation and Mass in preparation for the birth of our Lord. On December 31^st, we are planning a New Year’s Candlelight Mass at midnight to welcome 2015 with prayer and praise. We hope you will join us in the Sanctuary on New Year’s Eve!

The Catholic Center truly is home away from home for so many students. As you may already know, we are able to do our work solely as a result of your financial gifts. We receive no assistance from the Archdiocese or from Georgia Tech. Thanks to you, to date we have raised 25% of our goal. If you feel called to support our ministry, please make your year-end tax deductible contribution now. Instructions can be found at the end of this letter. We are forever grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness that afford us a promising future. Don’t forget that we are here for you, too – please contact us if you have a specific prayer intention or a need we can help you with.

Although parents are not physically here for their sons and daughters, the Catholic Center is here to serve. It is a privilege and a blessing to be able to see these amazing young men and women grow in their faith and love of the Lord and to be witness to the formation of the future leaders of our Catholic faith.

Have a blessed and joyful Christmas!

Gratefully In Christ,
  
Patty Schmitt
Development Director, IM ‘88

To donate via our secure website click HERE, or make checks payable to Catholic Center at Georgia Tech and mail to: Georgia Tech Catholic Center, 172 Fourth Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Thank you!