Letters
Peace and Blessings!
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options that we have to choose from every day? Whether we’re deciding which movie to watch from the over 3,000 that Netflix offers or stressed out with the overabundance of choices presented by those Coke ‘Freestyle’ soda dispensers, we’ve got lots of options.
Yet amidst all these choices, despite the variety and the constant availability, we recognize their inability to satisfy our hearts. No amount of media intake can calm our restlessness, and not even a Happy Meal can live up to its name.
In the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel, immediately after feeding thousands with the multiplication of loaves and fish, Jesus shocks the crowd with the following claim:
I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst (John 6:35)
As Catholics, we hear often about the clear Eucharistic teaching found in this passage. On a fundamental level, I think it’s also important for us to consider the following questions:
1. Where do I currently bring my hunger and thirst? (I mean spiritually, not in terms of favorite fast food restaurants)
2. What would it look like for me to bring my deepest desires, my greatest longings, to Jesus?
I’m convinced that the answers to these two questions will shape the course of our lives. Our prayer for you this academic year is that you come to find the satisfaction that only Jesus can offer. In the past few months, we’ve identified Franciscan’s core values of encounter, conversion, and community. I am convinced that when we truly encounter the Lord, conversion becomes less of a chore and more of a natural response to the love we have experienced. Here at Franciscan, the community of faculty, staff, and religious are here to help accompany you and point you closer to the One who satisfies our deepest hunger and longings.
Know of my prayers for you.
Peace,
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
President
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Dear fellow Barons,
As president and vice president of student government, we are thrilled to welcome you, whether new or returning to our beautiful home on the hill.
As we begin a new academic year together, we want to encourage you to participate in and join us in our support of the many households, worship events, clubs, sports, missions, and more that make Franciscan home. Each of these offers a chance for us to grow as a community – the first of many ways the beauty of Franciscan can be unleashed.
Our student government is first and foremost committed to what makes our campus culture most beautiful: you. As president and vice president, we will do all we can to serve the needs and wants of our student body. We are here for you. If you have any requests, questions, or concerns, don’t be afraid to reach out to us virtually or by stopping by the student government office in the J. C. Williams Center. We look forward to another spirit-filled year and the most beautiful one yet.
Pax et Bonum,
Gabe Denley
President
Franciscan University Student Government
Email: gdenley001@student.franciscan.edu
Celine Najm
Vice President
Franciscan University Student Government
Email: cnajm001@student.franciscan.edu
