On Ash Wednesday, Campus Ministry passed out 650 copies of Matthew Kelly’s “Rediscover Catholicism” book and launched the bimonthly program to help students dive back into their faith life.

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis originally launched this during Christmas and handed out the book; however, the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas was not open.

The Rev. Erich Rutten, chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, said Campus Ministry is aiming to reach out beyond the people who are already focused on their faith.

“We’re really trying to reach people that are more on the edges and are struggling with their faith. We’re inviting them in to go deeper and to look at it again,” Rutten said.

Vanessa Walsh, communications and retreat coordinator said it’s more than just a free book.

“It’s an invitation really to have people take a second look at their faith to show that we’re all searching in our lives and that the Catholic faith offers beautiful answers and can help us find peace and meaning and all those things that everyone of us desires,” Walsh said.

Sophomores Caroline Stiles and Allen-Michael Muench are leading a book study along with the program. Stiles said it was started to support the Pope’s initiation of the Catholic Church’s “Year of Faith.”

“If we have a campus full of 6,000 students, then why not take advantage of this opportunity to use the resources that we have and ignite the souls of everyone that has died down again?” Stiles said.

Sophomore Erin Kimball received the book at her church during the Christmas season.

“I think the title of the book says it all. Now, more than ever, we need to ‘rediscover’ our faith,” Kimball said. “I think a lot of students just haven’t explored their faith, and reading this book will help them figure out what faith is all about.”

Rutten said the program will help remind students that the church isn’t something just for adults.

“It’s not just about the old gray-haired ladies in the pew; it’s about us and our generation as well,” Rutten said.

Muench said the program aims to encourage people who have fallen away from their Catholic faith.

“We want to strengthen everyone’s faith, wherever they may be at in their faith lives,” Muench said.

Junior Lyssa Bremseth said she can see why someone may be hesitant about receiving the book or attending the course.

“We all have areas in our life that we possibly could change but sometimes it could be painful and sometimes it’s easier not to be challenged in that way,” Bremseth said.

Freshman Jonathan Chalupsky said since coming to St. Thomas, he has found opportunities to grow deeper in his faith and believes this time of year will encourage others to do the same.

“I feel that during Lent I will see a lot of people trying to grow in their faith as well as me for it is, in my opinion, the easiest time to do so for the church really challenges to do so,” Chalupsky said.

Caroline Rode can be reached at rode8318@stthomas.edu.