The Saint Benedict Institute was one of the main factors of growth in my Catholic faith while I have been at Hope College. In my process of reversion to the Catholic Church, the members of the Saint Benedict Institute were an example of orthodoxy and holiness that was lacking in my life up until then. Meeting Fr. Nick and other students who were involved in the Catholic community on campus allowed me to immerse myself in my faith. Having a spiritual advisor (Fr. Nick) was very important to my development as a creature of God. Perhaps one of the most important services the Saint Benedict Institute has provided is the ease of access to the sacraments on campus. Daily Mass became a refuge for me, and being able to go to confession frequently was wonderful. The Saint Benedict Institute always strives to sanctify everything, from the beauty of St. Anne’s Oratory to Sunday Mass upstairs.
Access to Christian thought through the speakers whom SBI has invited to campus has been very helpful and important to me. I seldom see groups on campus bring speakers to talk about controversial aspects of the faith, and I am grateful to the Saint Benedict Institute for braving the storm and speaking the truth in love.
I got involved as an SBI intern at the beginning of this year. Previously, I started altar serving and Fr. Nick asked me to become the head server. Over the summer, Carly emailed me about an opportunity to serve as a liturgy intern for the Saint Benedict Institute. I thought this was a great opportunity, considering my love for the liturgy and the involvement I already had in serving. I was nervous about the responsibility of being this intimately involved with the Church of God, but ultimately, I felt I was called to this position and I have enjoyed every minute of it!
William Hurley is a sophomore from Glenview, Illinois. He is majoring in political science. In addition to being a liturgy intern for the Saint Benedict Institute, he works as a tutor for the Academic Success Center and worked as a camp counselor last summer. He enjoys dodgeball, skiing, and playing Minecraft (and his job).