Collaboration with Catholic Gators at the University of Florida
Several Agrupados accompanied Fr. Christian Saenz, SJ, Luis Sanchez and Erik Vieira for a meet and greet with the Catholic Gators at the University of Miami. The visit is the beginning of a mutually beneficial referral relationship whereby the ACU can recommend the Catholic Gators program to graduating seniors from high school and the Catholic Gators can recommend the ACU to its graduating members. Both organizations realize the need for strong formation directed at men not only at the university level, but also post-university. The visit consisted of a meeting with the leadership of each respective organization at a brunch hosted by Fr. Dave Ruchinski, the pastor of St. Augustine Catholic Church and Student Center. Next, the groups held a meet and great with senior members of the Catholic Gators program, including various alumni from the Esto Vir Group. The students were given an ACU thermos and a booklet on the spiritual exercises, both of which were designed by CJ Cristobal, the ACU Media Communications Specialist. Everyone then attended the UF football game against the FAU Owls. Agrupados and spouses in attendance included:
Fr. Saenz
Luis Sánchez
Andres Manrara
Ramón and Mayra Ferrer
Jay Velasco
Ignacio and Lourdes Abella
Jerry and Carlotica Fernandez
Gerry Portela
Erik Vieira
The groups discussed further collaboration including a spring retreat and monthly sessions of formation for the men's group at Catholic Gators. God willing, the ACU can continue to use its talent to assist the Catholic Gators in forming their university men to propagate the faith in the world.
