Columbus St. Thomas More, the Catholic student center located at Ohio State University campus, celebrated the addition of a crucifix at the building’s front entrance Friday with a blessing from Bishop Earl Fernandes.
The crucifix will serve as a key marker of St. Thomas More, the home of Buckeye Catholic student ministry, located at 64 W. Lane Ave.
“Today represents another milestone in the growth and development of Buckeye Catholic,” said Father Adam Streitenberger, executive director at St. Thomas More.
“I’m really excited about the crucifix because it’s a tangible reminder to all of the Ohio State University of what Christ has done for us—and it’s a real marker. This is a place to encounter Christ, and certainly, a Catholic church, and we’re already seeing the fruits of that.”
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New signage in the front and back entrances of St. Thomas More, donated by Mike and Carlye Morosky, will increase the Catholic center’s visibility. The Moroskys also helped fund a ministry rebranding and new logo.
Mike and Nicole Hyzdu donated for the crucifix and front brick patio outside of St. Thomas More on Lane Avenue.
“We just have a heart for the young people, and we feel like we are so blessed and privileged to be a front-row seat to what God is doing,” Nicole said. “Clearly the Spirit is moving here, and it’s just exciting to be a part of that.”
“It’s all God’s money, and so, He allows us to keep some of it, and He wants it all used for His children. These are his children,” Mike affirmed, noting Ohio State University students. “That’s why we’re inspired to support everything that’s going on here at Buckeye Catholic.”
Students, staff and guests joined Bishop Fernandes outside of St. Thomas More for the crucifix blessing followed by a reception with light refreshments. Two students shared how Buckeye Catholic has impacted them.
“Jesus is becoming the new trend,” senior Danielle Schipfer said. “I love that, and I’m so excited to capitalize on that because there’s a void, and people are noticing that in their hearts, and I think this is just such a welcoming place.”
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Luke Harlow, a junior at Ohio State University, entered the Catholic Church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program at St. Thomas More. He is involved in the Catholic student center, including serving as a Bible study leader.
“I feel like there’s two missions going on at Buckeye Catholic: you have the mission (for) the people who have never experienced it, but also the mission (for) the leaders who … are being invested in,” he said. “What I learned last year, I felt, was my life just isn’t about me.”
The student center continues to experience increasing growth.
During the first weekend of the academic year in August, more than 1,400 students attended Sunday Masses. The following weekend, more than 1,600 students attended Sunday liturgies, breaking a record for the most-attended Masses outside of Easter Sunday.
Buckeye Catholic recently launched a ministry for graduate students at Ohio State, which attracted approximately 60 people. As many as 100 students are expected to participate in the coming months.