INSTITUTE FOR MINISTRY
Why Do They Come?
Tragedy. Heartbreak. Divine Encounter. The stories vary, but the
sense of calling is the same for prospective students.
Karolyn Surmont, Institute for Ministry
A
s part of the admissions process, prospective
commuter students are interviewed in the
Admissions Office. Conducting these interviews
is a great joy for me, one of the best parts of
working in this department, because everyone
has a story to tell.
During the interview, I always ask, “What
brought you here?” The stories—they just
tumble out. Some are straightforward and
simple; others are fascinating or heart-breaking.
What is clear is that God is alive in our world.
Many Stories
The more they talk, the more they share
the moving details. Some have tales of falling
away from the faith and into chemical abuse or
promiscuous lifestyles, of serving time in jail,
or just becoming self-focused.
Some share heart-breaking stories of losing
faith after a loved one is taken from them. Still
others say they got angry at God who seemed to
abandon them when they suffered illness, poverty,
loss of a job, or when life just seemed hard.
Of course, not all the stories are tough
stories. Some grew up in strong Catholic
families and have always remained faithful.
Some found their faith grew ever stronger for
the very same reasons that drove others away.
Amazing Faith
There is often an element of mystery as to why a person aspires to
study theology.
Little Understanding
When I ask, “Why do you want to study
theology?” prospective students often look at
me quizzically. They hesitate before answering
as they try to determine how much to open up.
I understand; I’m a stranger to them.
Many take me back to the beginning. They
were cradle Catholics who attended Catholic
school, but then they usually confess that,
despite their Catholic upbringing, they really
don’t understand their faith. Others grew up
Protestant or having no faith at all.
Yet, somehow, all knew that God was
calling them.
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MOSAIC
In virtually every case, people inquire about
studying theology after an encounter with
Christ, directly or indirectly. The encounter
can be through another person, an event, or an
answered prayer.
Seeing the amazing faith of those who
are spiritually blessed though materially
impoverished can cause a wealthy person to
realize he is the one who is truly impoverished.
Feeling peace in the midst of personal tragedy
can make one realize there is a God who cares.
It is then that they come. They come to
study so that they can give back to the God who
never abandoned them; who continually called
them; who gives them hope. They come to
study so they can share with others what they
have finally found—Jesus Christ who is their
salvation, hope, and happiness.
Living God
What these stories tell me is that God is
working in the lives of Christians everywhere.
It doesn’t matter one’s background or history.
What matters is that God is calling each one
of us, sinners though we are, cradle Catholics,
converts and reverts alike, to commit ourselves
to him and to share the good news with joy.
By telling our stories, we can bring glory to
God. So take a risk and tell someone your story,
and then ask them to tell you theirs.