Reflections and Updates from Fr. Matt | November 18, 2024

Greetings, Trojan Catholics!

Welcome to my first installment of Wheelhouse: a quarterly update and reflection on life and ministry at Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center. Let’s dive-in!

After a quiet transition period during July and the beginning of August, students and other community members returned in droves for the fall semester. As campus ministers we know how important it is to connect with students as soon as possible so our first events cast a wide net as we emphasize community, friendship, and fun.

Welcome Week Festivities

Our Welcome Week activities (first week of classes) kicked off our efforts to connect with new and returning students. We had S’mores Night, BBQ Live Band Karaoke, Game Night, and a Special International Beer Garden experience for Grad Students. During these packed events with 200+ people, I enjoyed exchanging pro tips with students on how to make the “perfect" s’more; singing a duet of John Denver’s classic, Country Roads, Take Me Home, with Mary, one of our FOCUS missionaries; and tasting beers from France, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. These were all super positive and fun ways to connect with so many gifted young women and men who have so much to offer our Church and world. In particular, I was impressed with how our staff and student leaders stretched themselves to be outgoing and welcome all to the CCC.

Building Faith and Community

We’ve settled into our normal routine at the CC! Masses, SCuppers, Bible Studies, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Social Outreach to the poor and needy, Retreats, NOVA Forum, Community Outings- There's tons going on as students generously offer their time, talent, and treasure so as to build up the Kingdom of God here at USC. I love it!

My Galilee Moment

On a personal note, it’s been a blessing to be back on a college campus and engage young minds and hearts in ministry. The older I get the easier it is for me to become critical about problems in the world, but serving our students has offered me a refreshing dose of optimism! For example, I recently joined our Street Ministry Team who regularly walk the streets surrounding USC. Along the way they meet unhoused men and women, offer them water and a snack, and listen to their life-stories. I was humbled by the Christ-like care our students extended to brothers and sisters of ours who are so often marginalized and forgotten. In this case, I could see that God was using them not to be his hands and fix their complicated problems, but to be his eyes and ears as they looked upon them with love and listened with compassion. This is but one example of the hope our students bring to me and our community here at USC. They are amazing and I am thrilled to be here and serve them full-time. There is so much good to celebrate and grow in the years ahead.

My first months have also been busy connecting with parents and others interested in supporting our work at the CCC. Our usual SCend Off, Trojan Family Tailgate, and Newman Guild events went well and helped us get to know our new students, families, and alumni who are excited to keep in touch and support our mission.

We also took advantage of a couple new opportunities to gather with our Catholic Trojan Family outside of Los Angeles. First, our team traveled to Las Vegas for the USC vs. LSU football game. We had a special Mass and breakfast graciously hosted by the Gaughan Family at their South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa. We had a blast and enjoyed a big win! Second, our team spent a day down in San Diego for a nice visit at Cathedral High School where we shared with students about Catholic life at USC. Afterward, the Miller Family hosted a Meet and Greet at their home where we met lots of USC alumni. I am excited for future opportunities like these to help build and grow our presence in Southern California and beyond.

As always, I enjoy meeting all of you and attending lunches, meetings, and galas to help share our hopeful mission and enlist support for the Church and Center. USC is our home and I’m grateful for your prayers and ongoing contributions. These first months have been a whirlwind but I put my trust in the Lord and realize this is my Galilee moment: USC is my home, it’s where I’m needed, and where I’ve been called to serve.

God bless and Fight On! ✌️

Fr. Matt ‘10

Welcome to Wheelhouse!