In the past, Non-protestant students attending Ottawa University may have felt their religious life lacking, but OU’s library director is hoping to change that.
Library Director Gloria Creed-Dikeogu said there are Roman Catholic students on campus who should have options.
“We need to help them feel at home and encourage them to practice their faith on campus,” she said.
Creed-Dikeogu said the group will focus on meeting students’ religious needs.
“If they need to have discussion, then that is what we’ll do,” she said. “If they need to pray or do the rosary or do some of the prayers then that’s what we’ll do. I am just hoping to meet their needs.”
Creed-Dikeogu sent out a campus-wide e-mail a few weeks ago hoping to spark interest in the group. Five people have responded so far, including University Controller Brenda Guenther.
“I saw where Gloria was putting the group together and that it would be good to have local ties,” Guenther said.
Guenther is a member of the local Catholic church and is hoping that the group will help students get involved in the church and community.
“It’s so important for the youth at the college to get involved and if this is one way they can do it that is awesome, and if that can get them closer to their faith that is really great,” she said. “I was a convert so I think it is neat to see what other faiths are doing and getting involved in.”
Creed-Dikeogu said the group is not just for Catholic students. She hopes the group will be a resource for students to find out more about the Catholic religion.
Junior Kristen Hochard said it may seem strange to have a Catholic group at OU but that there should be groups for everybody.
“The more diversity here the better,” Hochard said. “I think it will help a few more students become more active on campus and in the community.”
Creed-Dikeogu said the group has a long way to go before it is fully functioning.
“Once we have met for the first time then we can talk about forming the group,” she said. “We have a ways to go. At the moment I am trying to find a time since everybody is so busy.”
Creed-Dikeogu said that students that are interested in finding out more about the group are welcome to meet with her in the library. Students may also e-mail her for further information. She is hoping to send out another campus-wide e-mail in the near future to generate more interest.