Well, here we are on New Year's Eve and the Eve of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and I can't help but reflect on all the crazy and wonderful happenings at CCM over the past year. Some of the events seem so long ago and some of them feel like they just happened this morning, but nevertheless, 2010 has come and is now saying goodbye, so let's take a look at the Top 12 CCM Moments of 2010 (hey, why limit ourselves to a Top 10?):
1. The Human Experience Comes to SEMO - CCM, along with Student Government and RHA, brought Grassroots Film's latest release to our area for the first showing of the movie in Missouri. We were thrilled with the turnout: 600-700 people came to the SEMO campus to see this uplifting story and many came to both showings to see it twice! It was a great way to end the Spring 2010 semester and we hope to have many other events like this one in the future. If you want to purchase the DVD of the Human Experience click here. 
2. CCM Appears on EWTN's Life on the Rock: In July, Fr. Patrick and I, along with three CCM students, travelled to Irondale, Alabama to tape an episode of Life on the Rock which aired in August. It was an honor for our little ministry to be featured on this hour long international television show. Thanks to everyone who tuned in and expressed their support following the airing. We pray this opportunity continues to bear fruit. If you would like to watch the show click here.
3. Spring Break Mission Trip to Chicago: Fr. Patrick, myself and 11 students traversed up to the windy city for about a week to serve the poor and assist Fr. Bob Lombardo, CFR renovate an old convent as they work on renovating the property of Our Lady of the Angels. It was a trip filled with much, much laughter, little sleep, lots of painting, lots of praying, many graces and great hope. Spending time with Fr. Bob, Kate, Eric, Alecia and Dorothy was fabulous. It was a great experience and we continue to pray for Fr. Bob and his ministry.
4. First CCM March for Life Trip: The 14 hour long drive to D.C. was worth it to take five students to witness to the dignity of all human life at the 2010 March for Life. While CCM students may have joined up with other groups to attend the March in the past, I think this was the first time CCM has organized a trip on our own to attend - and this year we are following up with a group of 23 students planning to attend the 2011 CCM March for Life Trip!
5. Awakening 2010: This year we had 39 students participate in our annual Awakening Retreat! The students who planned the retreat prayed and worked hard for months for a successful retreat! It was an exciting weekend filled with growth in students' relationships with Christ and each other. The theme was "He is Mighty to Save - Eph. 6: 10" and the theme really came through as students experienced the saving power of God through the weekend. 
7. Guest Speakers: We really enjoy inviting guest speakers to share the faith with our students and this year we had the blessing of welcoming Fr. Brian Fischer of the Office of Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Sr. Maria Pio and Sr. Mary Catherine of the Franciscan Sisters of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother located in Toronto, Ohio to CCM. Fr. Brian was here in the spring semester and presented a great meditation on Jesus. The TOR Sisters were here in the fall and gave a fabulous talk on discernment leading into a Spirit-filled Holy Hour in the Chapel. We're so grateful for the gift of each of our guests!
8. Fall Semester Opening Events: This semester we were ecstatic to see such a great turnout at our opening events - our Karoke & BBQ night saw around 70 students in attendance and we ran out of BBQ! The Coffeehouse saw similar numbers and we had a lot of fun listening to the talent of our students and even Fr. Patrick and Fr. William took the stage at the end. And, of course, we had, as always, an incredible night of Adoration/Praise & Worship in the Chapel. It's a wonderful blessing to see so many students gather to worship Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. 
9. CCM Gives Back: Our students work hard to heed the call of the Lord to love God and neighbor and this year saw several events where students gave back in service to the community. The fall brought the beginning of a weekly trip to a nursing home to pray the Rosary and visit with alzheimer's patients. Many students visited Mr. Anderson regularly before his passing this year as well - requiem in pace. Students spent an evening raking a community member's yard in September and again another yard in December. Service events ranging from writing letters to prisoners to assisting the elderly are common occurrences at CCM.
10. Fundraisers: Boy, does CCM know how to put the 'fun' in fundraiser! In the spring we held our annual Wine & Live Music fundraiser and this event proves to be a night of fun and laughter every year! Two new fundraisers appeared in the fall with a Trivia Night in August and our 1st Annual Living Hope 5K Run/Walk in October which saw participation of over 60 people! And we can't forget our annual Joy of Christmas concert in December. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all our supporters and benefactors!
11. Day Trips & Conferences: CCM took students to hear such speakers as Christopher West, Fr. John Corapi and Tony Melendez in the spring and fall. Students also attended conferences such as the FOCUS Conference in January and the Church Teaches Forum in July where we were pleased to see Archbishop (now Cardinal) Raymond Burke.
12. Family Weekend: Our annual Family Weekend Mass on the Terraces and Luncheon again saw a large crowd of over 400 students, families and community members. We were so happy to see such a large group of students become involved in music ministry for this weekend as well. There were many great moments, events and activities at CCM this year. Another highlight of the year is the addition of a much-needed sound system in our Chapel (just installed last week) which will help us to enter into prayer more deeply as we will be able to hear the Scriptures better. These are all just some of the many highlights. Do you have a CCM memory from 2010 that you would like to share? Tell us about it in the comments!
Happy New Year to you all and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for 2011!
I was at almost ALL of these events so I can vouch for the greatness of CCM. We were busy this year but it all was for the great glory of GOD! I agree THX was #1 and March for Life was #2 for me, I can't begin to pick which is next. I like it all. :) Way to go CCM.
ReplyDeleteI can say that I attended most of these events and they top my list of exciting things I did this year. CCM is such a blessing! I can't pick a favorite event, but that is because there were so many! I think one thing that wasn't mentioned but is something I treasure is the beauty of just off the cuff gatherings with CCM friends. They are so great because gathering with friends who are all on the same page makes life worth while! Praise God!
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