Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a technical school in Worcester, Massachusetts.  The campus culture is characterized as intellectual and perhaps a little shy.  Our chaplain is Fr. Alfredo Porras, who is himself a WPI alumni!  He has much insight into the needs of the campus and has expressed to the team that those involved in the Catholic community are deeply faithful and committed to aspects of the faith such as liturgy and prayer, but can struggle in outreach and sharing their faith with their peers.

WPI does not have a dedicated Newman Center.  Our home base on campus is affectionately called by the students ‘The Abode’, an off-campus house that has been transformed into a chapel and event space.  Fr. Alfredo is working hard to establish a Newman Center on the campus.

I’m from St. Louis, Missouri!  Raised in a loving, Catholic family, I knew and felt the love of Christ at a very young age.  As I grew older and closer to the ways of the world than the ways of heaven, I was distracted from the Church and her fruits.  I went through high school lukewarm in my faith, and then entered college without having a sense of the reality of Christ.  It was there, during my freshman year, that I let go of my faith intentionally.  During my junior year, amidst struggles in relationships and questions of existence, I fell into a despairing interior state.  In my grasping, only one hand held me firm: the hand of Jesus.  After a close encounter with the Lord in scripture, I resolved that the Catholic faith is the only firm foundation in this world.

I became heavily involved in the Catholic community at Mizzou.  My desire to be sanctified and participate in the great commission led me to teach high school at Jesuit – New Orleans.  From there, I applied to be a FOCUS Missionary, where I knew I would continue to be formed by Jesus and learn to led others to Him.

I cannot be on this campus alone, nor does Jesus ask me to.  As a missionary, my job is to build a team of supporters who will join me on this mission spiritually, financially, or both.  Having friends, family, or even strangers with me spiritually, in prayer, as well as financially, on my monthly support team, is how I’m practically able to go to Massachusetts and serve in Worcester.  If you want to be as much a part of this evangelizing effort as I am, please consider praying for the intentions of myself and the students at WPI.  If you want to support financially, feel free to give via the big blue button or contact me (my phone number is above); I would love the opportunity to meet and know you.