By Catholic Editor, Faith Addington
While there are many amazing qualities that Aquinas College has to offer, one of its most appealing qualities are the staff members. There are countless staff members at Aquinas that work above and beyond to provide students with the best experience, offering support, advice and comfort that they might need. Earlier, I approached one of Aquinas’ favorite staff members and asked her what she does to maintain her faith and any advice she has for the students of Aquinas College. Julie Bevins answered as following:
“You ask how I maintain my faith, which is like asking how I keep a strong relationship with my friend. To have a strong friendship, I need to spend time with my friend. I need to make our time together a priority. I strive to schedule my life around God—not plan my schedule and then try to fit God in. I plan for morning prayer. I spend at least 15 minutes every morning, reading the Scriptures for the day and then just sitting in silence to listen to God. Sometimes we just sit quietly together. I also attend daily Mass. I used to think I was too busy to get to Mass every day, but I told God this problem, and He said, I’m the Author of Time; start going to Mass and I’ll make it work for you. He followed through! I totally get how the lives of our students are crazy-busy and often filled with anxieties. I encourage you to give God a shot to prove that He will provide everything you need if you make Him first in your life. When I give God first place in my life, I experience way more peace and joy. A little note: we are not meant to be alone; God made us for communion. So get a friend and pray together and plan a schedule together; challenge each other to organize your day around God—and then check in with each other to keep one another on track. If you can’t think of someone to help you with this—or if you’re kinda feeling doubtful about God—reach out to me. Happy to talk about it with any one of His beloved children (that’s you!).”
Julie Bevins is the beloved Writing Center coordinator, however, much more commonly known as the campus “mom.” Her office – on the second floor of the library – is always open to students where she will happily greet you with hot tea and a hug. Next time you see Julie around campus, please stop and thank her for being such a blessing to this campus.
Please pray for Julie and her husband David as they begin their new roles as Deacon and Deacon’s wife in our Diocese!
The Saint 