First online CCSA Conference proves great success

St. Thomas More College Campus Ministry hosted the first-ever online Canadian Catholic Students’ Association conference on Jan. 21-24. Due to COVID-19, students couldn’t gather in person, but connected virtually over four time zones to reflect on the theme “Heart Speaks to Heart.”
The conference began on Thursday, Jan. 21 with an opening mass presided by Bishop Mark Hagemoen. This was special to the local host team, as St. Thomas More College chapel has been closed to the public since last March. This was an exceptional moment as the Newman executive from STM gathered in person at the chapel while students tuned in from across the country. The conference was certainly a prayerful one, as Friday’s activities opened with a Vespers service presided by STM Campus Minister Fr. Andre Lalach.
Fr. Raymond Lafontaine was the keynote speaker Friday night, and offered a talk entitled, “Heart speaks to Heart: The message of St. John Henry Newman for Catholic students … and everybody!”  Fr. Raymond gave an historical account of Newman’s life,  including prayers, picture and song lyrics Newman wrote.  He talked about Newman’s “The Idea of a University,” how his writings influenced Vatican II, and how he was a champion of conscience. Newman emphasized the importance of solid relationships with God, self, family, friends and the community. Lafontaine went on to talk about what Newman would say to university students today. He felt Newman would advocate for students to attend to their inner and outer experiences, to form and obey their conscience and nourish their imaginations. He also talked about how Newman encouraged people to engage the culture, by reading poetry, and was sure that he would tell today’s students to see movies, experience art and listen to great music.
Fr. Raymond’s lecture was followed by the dedication of the St. Thomas More College’s Student Lounge to St. John Henry Newman. The evening’s last activity was an enjoyable Choose your own Adventure game, entitled “Pilgrimage to STM!”  Participants were matched with teams from across the country to navigate their way to the STM chapel using their wits to accumulate as many points as possible.
Saturday was a jam-packed day filled with many different activities, including an opening prayer by Deacon Harry Lafond. Harry led us in prayer while burning sage, letting our prayers and the smoke rise to the heavens, knowing that God, our Creator hears them.
Ava MacLean, Metis educator and Saskatoon Catholic School teacher, led off the day by sharing her experience of heart speaks to heart: building community on the University of Saskatchewan campus, getting involved with the CCSA in national leadership, and representing Canada at International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) events in Italy and Mexico.
She quoted Dr. Frederick Buechner, saying “Vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s great need.” She talked about how God speaks to us, and how we need to respond to that call. Conference participants responded to Ava’s talk, saying, “I really got a lot out of Ava MacLean's talk it was relatable, personal and connected perfect to the theme and what CCSA is all about” and “ I learned a lot about making the most of university and discernment of your vocation(s) from Ava.”
After a screen time break (Zoom conferences sure are different than in-person ones!), Dr. Kevin Ahern of Manhattan College addressed the conference with a talk entitled “(Re)Discovering a Spirituality of Action.”
Kevin spoke of his university years with the National Catholic Students’ Coalition, the American version of the CCSA, and his leadership with the IMCS. He asked key questions to conference participants, like “What does it mean to be a Catholic student leader in the world today?” and “What does it mean to witness to the Gospel (to evangelize) as a student leader?”   
Kevin talked about how a missionary spirituality calls students to be active agents in transforming the world. He used Pope Francis’ words to encourage conference attenders to “make a mess.” Pope Francis said, “Dear young people, make the most of these years of your youth…Whatever you do, do not become the sorry sight of an abandoned vehicle! Don’t be parked cars, but dream freely and make good decisions. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes.” 
One conference participant remarked, “I enjoyed Kevin Ahern's session the most, I found it gave some insight into what it's like being a Catholic student leader on campus and how we can bring the Kingdom of God to the world around us.”
Saturday was a day of both business and pleasure. The afternoon included the CCSA’s AGM, followed by a fun evening activity entitled, the Cross Canada Olympics. 
One of the results of the AGM was a newly elected CCSA Executive Board. Students from Campion College, Newman at the University of Toronto, King’s University College, St. FX and Mount Allison will comprise the new executive. Many thanks to outgoing executive members Adam, Molly, and Hannah.
Sunday morning for CCSA attendee meant tuning in to SaskatoonMass.com to join St. Augustine’s Parish community for mass with Fr. Kevin McGee. STM Campus Minister Celeste Woloschuk led the music ministry. Students from all around Canada were able to join virtually in prayer. The morning continued in a very prayerful way with a final wrap-up session led by Sr. Michelle Garlinski from Winnipeg. 
Sr. Michelle checked in with the group to see where their hearts were at and challenged them to prioritize all the choices in their lives and encouraged participants to make good ones. God was certainly present throughout the weekend, and Sr. Michelle was able to send people forth in a spirit of peace and prayerfulness. Sr. Michelle sits on the board of the National Association of Formation and Vocation Directors, who made a generous financial donation to help this virtual conference to be realized. 
The CCSA also thanks the generosity of St. Thomas More College for its financial support. 
The theme “Heart speaks to Heart” rang true and demonstrated the fact that even if the national conference isn’t held in person, participants from across the country can still be connected. 
One of the students parting comment was, “I loved everything, took lots of notes during the sessions, but I especially loved the sense of community.”
Heart really DOES speak to heart. Thanks St. John Henry Newman!

Dedication of the STM Student Lounge to St. John Henry Newman