Newmanite Profile: Jessica Pendergrass

I had to sift through loads of fabulous Newman memories to pick which memory was the best. For Spring Break 2009, I went on the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Trip to Daytona Florida. Our group of 13 went into Ms. D's house that had been flooded by tropical storm Fey. On that first day we took all the old damaged insulation and dry wall out of the house and proceeded to work hammering in nails and staples, pulling out the rusted ones, and working to get all the surfaces clean and flat so that new insulation could be put in. It was amazing how everyone could be so hard at work together, everyone finding a job or jobs to do, working in harmony. We all came in with a desire to help and to make a difference. Ms. D did not have insurance so she wasn't able to immediately fix her house and had been living with family for about two years. The first day of work was the beginning of the making of our ASB family. We were forced to be in the close quarters of that house, but we all went with a smile, work gloves and the local radio station. It was fun and productive at the same time. I personally like to work with my hands and use tools. I had worked in groups before where tension developed because the majority of the people didn't do enough work. This experience was the complete opposite. Most members of the group worried that they weren't helping enough or staying completely busy. However, the reason this memory stands out the most is because it sums up the spirit of the Newman Center family, full of fun, ever-loving and hard-working. Reflecting on the whole experience, it was spiritual because we prayed as a group as well as doing our work eating our meals, and sharing our free time.

When I think about the Newman Center, the first thing I think about is our Church, or the group of people that make up our body of faith. My friends in faith come with stronger bonds of friendship than an average relationship, I can relate in a more intimate way. With this faith in Christ comes understanding, wisdom and knowledge. At Newman, we love to share. We share our lives stories or just how we are today. Together we rejoice in the ups, the great things in our lives, and during the downs, rough times we are there for each other, whether it's just having some company, a quiet chapel, a hug, or a listener. The Church, in the people sense, has greatly assisted me in my faith journey, because when I learn more about others, it helps me also learn about myself and learn about how the world works. We have a diverse community at Newman, and I hope that it continues to grow in diversity each year. When I gain new insights by seeing different perspectives it changes me as a person in a positive way, and I look forward to making new friends during the 2009-2010 school year.

Having the Newman Center as a place has assisted me in my faith journey as well. Prayer is very important to me, and I like to sometimes go into our tiny Blessed Sacrament to pray. Also, sacred music is very special to me and it helps me to connect to Jesus. I like to sing at the Newman Center, not just at mass and music practice, but during the week sometimes too. I have some Christian music on my MP3 player, and I listen to music a lot. My freshman year, being involved with music ministry I started listening to more Christian artists and as I listen to the messages in their lyrics, I feel inspired, loved, and challenged. Fr. Bill reminds us to stretch ourselves so that we will progress in our faith journey. At Newman it is easier for me to hear the messages of what I'm called to do and who I'm called to be.

On Retreats I get to reflect away from campus and to focus on the spiritual aspects of live away from academics with the other students on the retreat. This time away helps me to form and build friendships with others and to strengthen my friendship with Christ. On each retreat I take away more than I would have imagined. I love to learn, and on the retreats I can take away all that I have learn and then apply it to my life.

On the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips, the main point of the trip is to go farther away from campus, again stretching myself in order to help others. Jesus laid the example. Almost everything he did was for others. Going on ASB assists me in my faith journey by teaching me to love others unconditionally like Jesus did, by serving them and worrying less about myself.

Hello and welcome potential Newmanite; I love you! First of all, I hope you can come every Sunday to mass at the Newman Center at 7pm and celebrate the Eucharist. Secondly the more involved you become at the Newman Center, the more you will get out of your Newman Center experience. It's your choice whether you want to come if your parents happen to be on campus, once in a while, every Sunday, multiple times a week, very frequently or not at all. Choose wisely please. I want you to know that the Newman Center is open for you to come for just a place close to campus to hang out in between classes or at night, and btw, the couches are a great place to rest, sooo comfy. Fr. Bill and the leadership team are here for you, and without the Newmanites we have no Church. Peace be with you and God Bless you always, you are in our thoughts and Prayers!!