Section D · Page 16
The University Daily Kansan
Monday, August 21, 2000
Red Lyon Tavern
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Catholic center serves student spirituality
Students are more interested in spirituality than they were 10 years ago, said the Rev. Vince Krische of the St. Lawrence Catholic Center.
By Livi Regenbaum Special to the Kansan
Krische said he believed religion should be an important aspect in a student's life.
"The spiritual provides for us purpose and meaning in life," Krische said. "Students who become involved in religious activities grow in a positive way. Religion sets standards for students by providing them with moral guidelines to follow. They can apply these guidelines to their experiences at KU."
The center, 1631 Crescent Road, is one of several religious centers that serves students.
The center provides educational, spiritual and social programs. As many as 900 students are involved in 45 programs at the center.
Programs include classes on teaching the faith called the Catechetical Institute. These classes equip students with knowledge
The Right of Christian Initiation of Adults is another program that enables those who are curious about the Catholic faith to learn more about it.
The Litururgical Music program is an important program at the center. Students learn about the church music and worship and than can participate in church services.
of the faith and methods of teaching it to others.
The center also participates in many community programs, such as the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen. Students can volunteer to serve and cook food to distribute to the homeless.
In the Students Mentoring Sexual Abstinence program, students teach sexual abstinence to kids in grades five through 12.
"Students are always volunteering their time at the center," said Chris Berry, music associate at the center. "Spirituality is a very important part of their lives."
St. Lawrence also provides programs which create an environment for friendships to develop including Sunday night dinners,
Krische believes the programs have a positive impact on students' lives.
barbecues, movie nights, and swing dancing.
"The programming appeals to students' strengths," Krische said. "Students involved in these programs do not have a problem with alcohol or drugs."
Mass is celebrated five times each weekend between 5 Saturday evening and 10 Sunday evening.
The important Catholic holy days are celebrated at the center. Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, is of central importance to Catholics.
"Lent is important because it is where people enter into penitential season," Krische said. "It is a holiday where people give-up something or choose something to make them a better person."
The center has grown over the years, as student participation has increased.
Kim Tiffany, Wichita graduate student, has been involved with the center since 1993.
"My involvement in the center has increased over the years as
spirituality became a more important aspect of my life," Tiffany said. "Spirituality is important because it gives me a purpose and a moral daily guide to follow."
Tiffany sees the positive effects of religion on other students involved in the center. "Students who have this spirituality have a sense of comfort," Tiffany said. "They are not burdened by a lot of problems because they know God is sharing the burden with them."
Troy Hinkel, director of theological education at the center, said that spirituality was increasingly becoming an important part of student's lives.
"Spirituality is important to the lives of students," Hinkel said. "Pascal the mathematician once said that 'as humans we have a God-sized vacuum in our soul that only God can fill.' Everyone searches for meaning. We all desire goodness, beauty and truth. These realities go beyond our own material existence. We all desire to be happy and religion makes these desires concrete and attainable."
Students share spirituality at Wharf Coffee House
Bv Livi Reaenbaum
Special to the Kansan
The first Friday of each month, Christian students meet at the Wharf Coffee House in Christ Community Church to hear live contemporary Christian music and discuss spiritual issues.
The church has recently moved to 1100 Kasold Road.
"The coffee house is a place where students can hang out, drink coffee and listen to good music in a non-threatening Christian atmosphere," said Ben Mercer, co-director of the coffee house. "I hope that through this coffee house, God can be glorified."
Music styles featured at the coffee house range from acoustic to alternative. The Billions, a Christian trio, played at the coffee house in July.
Dan Billen, vocalist for The Billions, said he likes to play at the Wharf. "I am in a setting where people actually listen to the music," Billen said. "it is an environment which is inviting."
The Billions' lyrics focus on spiritual issues.
Seth Swartzendruber, another independent Christian musician who played at the Wharf,
said the coffee house had a positive impact on students and promoted Christian music
"My songs deal with pain, but in the midst of that pain, I have the hope that Jesus Christ offers," he said. "The Wharf is a great place because it provides a venue for Christian bands. It is an edifying atmosphere."
Students also appreciate the coffee house as a place to discuss spiritual issues with others who have similar interests. Ameisha Tubbs, Lawrence senior, has been a coffee house patron the past year.
"I like this coffee house because it is a place to come and hang out with other Christians," Tubbs said. "It is a place where I can let down my guard."
Tubbs said she believed students were turning to their faith for support and guidance.
"I see students around me having personal relationships with Jesus," she said. "I think it is important for students because it makes living easier. They know where they will spend their eternal salvation."
Randall Jennings, Baxter Springs senior, has been a staff volunteer with the coffee house for two years. He said volunteering was important to him because it allowed him
to make a difference in the lives of others
"Faith provides purpose and meaning in life," Jennings said. "If there is not a heaven, then there is no real reason to live. I think students here are interested in spiritual issues. People often think about the meaning of life."
Jennings said the coffee house could change the stereotypical view that some people have of Christians.
"I hope that with this coffee house, we can tear down some stereotypes of Christians being brimstone Bible-beaters, and have them realize that real Christians are caring individuals," he said. "Everyone is welcome to come."
Evan Morris, co-director of the Wharf Coffee House, agreed that spirituality was an important aspect of college life.
"College is a turning point, and it is a time when students discover who they are in terms of relationships, responsibility and a higher power." Morris said. "The Wharf accepts everyone who walks in this door. We hope to share God's love with others."
The Wharf Coffee House opens the first Friday of every month at 8:29 p.m. Admission is free. A cup of coffee costs $1 and refills are free.
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