First, I want to take a moment to welcome all of you to SFA, new students and returners alike! In the future you may check this blog for information on the Catholic Church that will help you grow in your faith and understanding. But for today I just wanted to introduce myself to all of you.
My name is Jodi Phillips, and I am the Campus Minister here at St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry. I spent the last three years in Steubenville, Ohio, working on a Master's degree in Theology at Franciscan University. I'm not offended if you've never heard of Steubenville. It's a small run down town with water so polluted you have no choice but to buy the best filter known to man. And even then...
Thankfully, Steubenville is only about 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, so I was able to get away quite often and experience all the beauty a city of that size has to offer. AND I was blessed beyond belief to receive the education I did. I was taught by world class Theologians and had an incredible community of faithful Catholics who constantly inspired me to grow closer to the Lord.
Before going to Franciscan University, I lived in Nebraska (read: the best state in the entire world). I grew up in Omaha, a city of decent size, but I went to college in a town not much larger that Nacogdoches. College was honestly one of the most impactful times in my life (which may be why I chose a career that keeps my close to college students!). I found myself in college. I developed my sense of humor, found my style, made incredible friendships, and learned what it was like to have a true relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
A year after I graduated from college (during which time I was working at my Alma Mater - I told you I'd never leave college...) I began to wonder about the Catholic Church. You see, I was born and raised a Protestant. I loved the Lord, I went to church every Sunday, I was active in Campus Ministry, and I actively worked to "save" Catholics. But then I started to think that I might have been missing something. A rich year of research and soul searching led me to the beautiful One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and I was confirmed at Easter of 2010. I've never once looked back.
I don't claim to be an expert. I am something of a "masterpiece in progress." The Lord is still working in and through me, and sometimes it's painful. But every once in a while the Lord allows me to look at the progress he has made, and it's beautiful. The work the Lord does in beautiful. And, let me tell you, he's doing beautiful work in you as well.
Please stop by St. Mary's Catholic Campus Ministry at any time! I'm here if you have questions or if you just need someone to listen to you (I'll be buying a box of Kleenex to have on my desk ASAP, don't worry!). You can also reach my by e-mail (jodi.phillips@sfacatholic.net) or phone (402-650-4234).
Once again, Welcome Back Lumberjacks :)
