UWF's Catholic Campus Ministry

The road to Emmaus

By Sharmane Adams |  The Catholic Compass  |  July/August 2022

This past spring, the University of West Florida’s (UWF) Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), “Catholic Argos,” held its annual fundraiser at the Pensacola Yacht Club. University students, alumni and the community at large attended the event. UWF junior and graphic design major Rachel Howard revealed 
the new logo design she created for CCM during 
the fundraiser.

Father Raymond Herard has been the CCM chaplain since he was assigned as parochial vicar at Nativity of Our Lord last year. Father Raymond appointed Rachel to rebrand the logo design. 

“When I arrived in the summer of 2021, many changes occurred within CCM. Some of these changes came with the nature of college ministry from COVID and some were due to now having a priest oversee the ministry and a new pastor at Nativity. All of this coming together at once seemed like a different era on the horizon for CCM. One way to communicate to the community that things were changing was an updated look,” Father Raymond said. 

Rachel admits it was an “intimidating task” to tackle. “We are called to give our time, talent and treasure, and I am thankful to give to an organization that has given me so much. Although our old logo has served us well over the years, we needed a new look. We nee-ded to have a logo that reflected the new changes that CCM was making while still reflecting our core values.”
While thinking about the direction of CCM, Father Raymond asked the Lord for guidance. “I thought about the unique time in one’s life — a time in which much of life is now spearheaded by one’s own choices. It is a new road that can seem scary, exciting, hopeful and lonely at different moments,” Father Raymond said. Thus, the inspiration came from the road to Emmaus. (Lk 24:13-35) 

“The logo represents a time of healing on the road, a journey to dive deeper into oneself and one’s faith. Time in college prepares students for the rest of their lives, and CCM helps prepare the whole person (mind, body and soul). This process of discipleship within CCM is done under the protection of our Blessed Mother, with Jesus Christ, whom are needed in a time of transition from the home to the world,” Father Raymond said. 

There are roughly 60 students from UWF and Pensacola State College who are registered in the CCM program. The organization offers weekly Mass, ad-oration, Faith Night and personal one-on-one time to meet privately for conversation or spiritual direction with Father Raymond or Director of Catholic Campus Ministries Jarrod Gasper. 

“I am excited to see the potential impact these students will have within our own diocese. Years down the road, many of these students will be in the local parishes as teachers, volunteers, leaders, evangelists, etc. Some will even go on to become priests or religious. But one thing is hopeful, those who stay engaged in CCM will leave as a disciple of Jesus Christ. My hope for these students is that they become more of who God is calling them to be in the world and the Church,” said Father Raymond. 

“During these past several months, CCM has undergone a metamorphosis into a vibrant, thriving community. I think this speaks to the effectiveness of the work of Father Raymond, Jarrod, the Nativity Church community, the student leadership team and everyone else who has worked on CCM. Everyone I’ve met has put their hearts and souls into this organization. I’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to play a small role in it. I’m excited to see the great things CCM will continue to do in the future,” Rachel said.  

For more information about the Catholic Argos, visit catholicargos.com.