USD Magazine, Fall 2001

ALCALA ALMANAC

How did your involvement in church ministry begin? A My first part-time job was as a volunteer youth minister in college, back when the Catholic church was just venturing into youth ministry. I came here IO years ago as a temporary part-timer working on Scripture study.That's when I realized I liked working with college stu– dents, because they're older, more mature and are more sophisticated thinkers. A We find ways to present the Catholic, Christian tradition that is accessible to students and allows them to look at everyday life through the lens of faith .We offer student Masses, do one-on– one counseling, have resident ministers, and provide ways for students to get involved in service by volunteering at juvenile hall and St.Vincent DePaul's. We also plan a variety of retreats throughout the year for students, faculty and staff. How have people been affected by University Ministry retreats? A One example is a student who was raised without any faith traditions and had a deep conversion experience after attending a Search Retreat. There were a lot of tears and even some confu– sion and anger about why he hadn't heard anything like this before. For me, it was humbling just to be there to see what the Spirit was doing in him. It ended up having a ripple effect through his family, and they all took the opportunity to talk about faith, Christ and other issues they faced . What are your goals for enhancing University Ministry's role on campus? A I would like to see the ministers collaborating more. Some of the ministers have a passion for evangelizing, some have a passion for social justice and some excel in faith development, and I'd like to see their strengths combined. Another idea is a project called "Adopt a Population." Instead of waiting for groups on campus to come to us, we could go out to them and be of service. What function does University Ministry have on campus?

In the News

Back in the Swing A fter a year of playing on-again, off– again tennis, 2000 graduate Zuzana Lesenerova has landed a sponsor and is headed for Women's Tennis Association pro circuit. "Most people who worked with Zuzana this past year feel she can be in the top 50," says women's tennis coach Sherri Stephens, who coached the Czech Republic native to 1999 NCAA National Singles Championship, the first national title for USD. Lesenerova, who holds more Inter– collegiate Tennis Association Grand Slam titles than any other player, is expected to train in Miami.

with Mike McIntyre Director of University Ministry A former Catholic seminary student who opted to serve the Church through avenues other than the priesthood, Mike McIntyre '76 (religious stud– ies) recently was named director of University Ministry, filling the vacancy left by Father John Keller, now principal at St.Augustine High School in San Diego. McIntyre, 48, has been married for 25 years to Mary Anne, and has three daughters: Katie '00; Beth, a USD junior; and 16-year-old Tess. After four months in his new role, McIntyre says he's confident he made the right decision to serve God through his ministry to young adults. How has religion been woven throughout your life? A I was born and raised Catholic and was among the last of the bilingual altar boys who served when Mass was said in Latin. As a boy, I hadn't yet discov– ered faith for myself and found it simply was easier to just go to Mass rather than have a big fight with my parents. Then, in high school and college, I had friends who were evangelical, and I found that so attractive. I was steeling my nerves to tell my parents I wasn't going to be Catholic anymore when a woman came witnessing door-to-door and asked me what would happen if everyone who felt like me decided to leave the Catholic church. In essence, she gave me permis– sion to have issues and work through them slowly. I talked to a priest and real– ized that, despite my issues, the Catholic church

Zuzana Lesenerova '00 joins the pro tour.

Mike McIntyre '76