There’s a new club on campus focusing on the spiritual side of students. Catholic club has been at Harmon since the beginning of the school year, but since February, it’s been held in the library’s professional learning room from 7:30 to 8 a.m. every Thursday.
Sponsor tennis Coach Ryan Vezina said the idea came from a club during his time in high school.
“My motivation was inspired by my experience at the Salt and Light Bible Study Club when I was a student at Flower Mound High School,” Vezina said. “It was great to have an experience where I can pray in school with my peers. I thought it would be good to give the Catholic and Christians at this school the same opportunity I had.”
With its focus on spirituality, Catholic club has had its benefits on students for letting them know that religion is accepted in all places, even school.
“This club can benefit students, knowing that their school is a safe place for their Catholic Identity and devotional practices,” Vezina said. “The club has already provided the students an opportunity to grow closer together as friends as well as to God through communal prayer.”
For president Ruby Acre, the club has helped her in terms of freedom of expression and growing with others who hold the same views as her.
“Personally, this club has helped me learn how to express my faith more freely,” Acre said. “I’ve always been open about my faith, but with the Catholic club, I feel like I can express it better. I’ve also grown my faith in a way I didn’t even know was possible.”
Apart from the prayer and worship opportunities, Catholic club provides the chance for students to devote themselves to service, such as volunteering.
“The students had an opportunity to serve by organizing a baby donation drive for Loreto House Pregnancy Center in Flower Mound, which benefits mothers in crisis pregnancies right here in our community,” Vezina said.
With the season of Lent, member Amerika Vallejo has some insight as to what students can give up on for the annual tradition.
“[Students could give up] social media, listening to music, favorite foods, technology or anything [someone] has struggled to give up,” Vallejo said.
For anyone who wishes to join the Catholic club, they can email Vezina at [email protected].
“The Catholic Faith is also very much integrated and important into Hispanic history and culture, which serves well with many of our students,” Vezina said. “My goal is simply to provide the space for students to embrace their Catholic faith.”
