Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Campus Ministry (Thea House)
It has been a pleasure for me serving as the campus minister at NC A&T (Thea House) for the past nearly five years. Apart from an increase in number and participation recorded so far this year, there was a remarkable geographical/physical growth. Through the help of the Diocese we moved into a bigger and better building in order to continue to serve the students and make them have "a home away from home" experience. This has been a blessing in disguise for us since the university 'ejected' us out of our former ministry house for expansion purposes. We had no where to move to initially because it was very tough getting a house near campus. However we continued to meet for prayers and Bible study at different restaurants until God used a woman (parishioner at St. Mary's) to allow us use her home while she cooked dinner for us. (Talk about the early Christian Community of the Church in Acts of the Apostles.) This was indeed a test of faith for us as we came to appreciate the fact that the "Church" is not just the physical building, but the people. Yes, the Church is where men and women of faith gather. The students took it upon themselves to ensure the ministry didn't suffer or die prematurely. Ever since then until when we got the present location for our ministry, it has been progress and increase in the number of students coming into the house to pray, eat, relax, do homework, play games, and socialize. For example, the students are on Spring Break now and two of the students decided not to travel home, not just because of distance or money, but for the fact that they have a "home" in Thea House where they could be spending most of their days outside the quiet campus and actually enjoy a quality time with food and drinks provided. We have had close to 25 students gather in the house sometimes for different activities and at other times we had fewer numbers but very committed and highly responsible set of students and student leaders, respectively. Every week we come together as members of one big Family to spend time and share together our "Faith, Fellowship and Food." We have made strategic efforts to continually grow the ministry and we hope to achieve more in the coming year(s). Finally, with the endorsement of the U.S Bishops for the the Canonization of Sister Thea Bowman since November14 2018, it gladdens our heart as she is our "Patroness". In other words, our faith continues to grow from strength to strength that one can actually go from slavery to sainthood! May the Lord continue to increase our faith in Him!! -Reverend Father Marcel Amadi
