Mary Wilkinson, a retiree who lives in Fairfax County thinks there is something special in the air at St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel, on the grounds of George Mason University.
“I don’t know what they do with the priests, whether they sprinkle them with special holy water or what, but they are always so good, and their homilies are always so inspiring,” said Wilkinson.
She is not the only one who thinks this. Catholic Campus Ministry at the commonwealth’s largest public university continues to grow with more adults seeking information on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, formerly RCIA, than previous years — a lot more.
“There is an increasing unreality of their world, the rise of AI, and fake news, so there is a growing need for something real and that is found in the Catholic Church, especially in the sacraments,” said Father Joseph Farrell, chaplain of CCM.
Father Farrell estimates more than 60 adults have inquired about the faith this year, and about 40 regularly show up to events. Come Easter 2027, he expects around 50 will have completed the program and become Catholic.
By comparison, 45 expressed interest at the start of the 2025-26 year and 27 formally went through OCIA. Prior years, Father Farrell said the average was around a dozen.
This enthusiasm was on display Sept. 24 as more than 200 students, alumni and members of the George Mason and St. Robert Bellarmine community came together for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge.
“Pope Leo reminds us in ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ that we are God’s magnificent creation, his beloved,” said Bishop Burbidge, referencing the pope’s encyclical letter on artificial intelligence.
The bishop went on to remind the community that God’s love knows no bounds and his mercy is greater than any sin.
After Mass, most people went downstairs to the chapel conference room for a dinner celebrating the 40th anniversary of CCM at George Mason. Bishop Burbidge joined the festivities as well, talking with students and families for more than an hour.
“It’s important to have events like this because it helps build our community,” said Johnny Eschman, a freshman. He didn’t know Bishop Burbidge was coming until a few days before but said he enjoys the weekly CCM Thursday suppers.
“I have friends at other schools, some even Catholic colleges, and I think we have a closer-knit community here because of things like this,” he said.
John and Kara Lilly walked into Mass with their young children telling them this was the church where they were married. They live in Warrenton but happened to be close by when they heard about the Mass so decided to make it a family affair.
“Catholic Campus Ministry brought us together,” said Kara. “It literally changed my life. I led Bible study and John was the pro-life chair. It was and is such a great community with an incredible support system.”
Shaffrey is diocesan media relations director.
