In rural Michigan, Hillsdale College students are finding more opportunities to engage with their faith, thanks to a major expansion of a key Catholic ministry.
St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish, which has long served as a spiritual home for these students, is set to more than double the space at The Grotto, a well-loved off-campus location where students gather for prayer, Mass, and community events.
The Grotto: A Hub of Faith and Community
The Grotto, a home and chapel operated by St. Anthony’s, has become a popular spot for Hillsdale students seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
However, it’s often bursting at the seams during events like Mass and prayer gatherings.
Recognizing the need for more space, the ministry leaders decided that now is the time for expansion.
Ben Hufford, the director of campus ministry at St. Anthony’s, highlighted the urgency of the project.
“We’ve been overdue for this expansion.
The Grotto functions well, but we simply don’t have the space for everyone who wants to attend our events,” he explained.
Students often hesitate to join activities, worried they won’t even find a place to stand.
A Growing Catholic Community
Hillsdale College has seen a thriving Catholic student community, with 15-20 students entering full communion with the Church each Easter.
Despite being a non-sectarian Christian liberal arts college, Hillsdale has garnered recognition for its active faith groups, with Princeton Review naming it the #1 most religious college student body.
Larry Arnn, Hillsdale College’s president, emphasized the importance of faith at the college.
“Faith is central here.
Our Catholic and Protestant students alike bring great blessings to the college, and their cooperation strengthens our community,” Arnn said.
Welcoming Students to The Grotto
The Grotto, overseen by a husband-and-wife alumni duo, serves as a welcoming space for students to attend daily Mass, confession, and various events.
The couple collaborates with St. Anthony’s and the student-led “Catholic Society” to host meals, talks, and small group activities.
Larry Arnn noted, “The Grotto has long been a place for spiritual growth, and this expansion will further bless our campus.”
Father David Reamsnyder, the pastor of St. Anthony’s, expressed gratitude for the growing demand.
“It’s a blessing to see so many students eager to grow in their faith, especially at a time when many young adults are drifting away from religion,” he said.
A Special Place for Students
For Hufford and his wife, Shelby, who live in The Grotto, the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in their home is a unique privilege.
“It’s a grace to have the Blessed Sacrament in our house and to meet so many students who come through our doors,” Hufford shared.
He emphasized that college is a pivotal time for students to make their faith their own, and St. Anthony’s and The Grotto provide them with the community and sacraments they need to do so.
The Need for Expansion
The growing number of students attending events at The Grotto has led to overcrowding, with students often standing outside or kneeling in hallways during Mass.
Kelly Cole, a fundraising volunteer, noted that the current space is simply inadequate.
“Students miss out on sacraments and formation because there’s nowhere to sit or even stand,” she explained.
Confessions are currently held in the kitchen, which also doubles as a pathway to the bathroom—an arrangement far from ideal.
The planned renovation will add 1,500 square feet, including a new chapel, more gathering spaces, and private areas for spiritual direction and confession.
The kitchen will be expanded to accommodate meals for over 150 students, and a basement area will be added for social events.
Fundraising Efforts
To bring this vision to life, St. Anthony’s parish is raising $1.2 million, with a matching donation offer of up to $150,000 until December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The Grotto’s expansion aims to ensure that every student who wishes to participate can find a place to grow spiritually.
The Grotto’s Legacy and Future
Since its early days, The Grotto has been a cherished space for Hillsdale’s Catholic community.
Kelly Cole, who joined the Catholic Church as a Hillsdale student, recalled how the parish celebrated when just three students entered the Church in her day.
Now, years later, it’s common to see 15-20 students joining each Easter.
The sense of unity among Hillsdale’s Catholic and Protestant students is also a testament to the college’s emphasis on religious freedom.
Cole observed, “Hillsdale is amazing for bringing together devout Christians who inspire each other, regardless of denomination.”
With many Hillsdale alumni entering religious life, The Grotto’s ministry continues to have a profound impact.
Father Michael DiPietro, an alumnus and priest, reflected, “Hillsdale was where I discerned my vocation.
The college ministry and parish played a crucial role in fostering that call.”
As The Grotto prepares for its expansion, Hufford emphasized that the goal is not to change its character but to make it more accessible.
“We’re just trying to create enough space for all the students who want to be here,” he said.
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