Testimonies
Jason P. Meyers, class of 1993
"Back in 1989, as a freshman at MTU, I went to the outdoor mass and someone invited me to participate in the fall weekend retreat. I had a truly wonderful experience that weekend! While at MTU, St. Al's was truly my spiritual "Power House" on the hill. I became active as an altar server, lector and eucharistic minister. Later, I ended up serving on St. Al's pastoral council. MTU helped me to develop my skills I needed to become an engineer. However, it was my many friends at St. Al's that helped prepare me to serve God."
Melissa Shall
"Hi, my name is Melissa (Koning) Shall, a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student from Capac, Michigan. When I first came up to Tech, I only went to St. Al's for Sunday Mass. Slowly but surely, I began to hear about all of St. Al's great activities and joined the Youth Ministry Retreat Team. I have also attended a Catholic Campus Ministry Retreat and served as a sponsor for my husband in the RCIA process last year as he became a Catholic. He and I have also enjoyed our marriage preparation & Natural Family Planning training through St. Al's. I also served as one of the co-chairs for St. Al's involvement in Winter Carnival special events last winter. St. Al's has given me so much support and encouragement to grow in my faith. I know this parish has been one of the greatest blessings during my years at Michigan Tech!"
Phillip Gaudette
"Hello, my name is Phillip Gaudette. I am a sophomore Biology major who has absolutely enjoyed my time at Tech so far! There are so many fun and interesting things to do that even though my hometown of Iron Mountain is only two hours away, I rarely go home for visits! Nearly every Friday we have Friday Night Fireside Fellowship where there have been such auspicious speakers as our very own Father Larry and his pastoral associate, Mr. Colin Jenkins. I also am a part of St. Al's Youth Ministry Retreat Team that puts on retreats for Catholic children and high school students locally. St. Al's offers so many different activities that I sometimes feel like I am at church more than at my room! The people here have made college such a wonderful experience. I was wondering how I would fit in at college at first, but from the very first day the people of St. Al's made me feel welcome. I can truly say that I could not be happier being a member of St. Al's. I am also involved in undergraduate research with one of the biology teaching assistants. In addition to being a new member of St. Al's pastoral council, I enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and basically any outside activity."
Akhuemonkhan Osifo
"Hi, my name is Akhuemonkhan Osifo, a junior chemical engineering student from Nigeria. Here at MTU, I am involved in a number of student organizations which include the African Students Organization and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. I've been attending St. Al's for two years, and I help out as an Usher and an Altar Server. I have also assisted with the St. Al's Watering Holes, serving juices, punch and other non-alcoholic drinks at K-Day and at the Freshman F'All Nighter for new students. As an international student, my participation in activities for St. Al's has made my adjustment process easier and quicker. Here at St. Al's I have met a lot of really nice and friendly students who have helped me out in various capacities during my time here. Now all I have left to do is somehow adjust to the snow!"