The first three and a half months at Augustine College have gone by in a flash. And, it comes as no surprise. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Yet, it seems almost miraculous how much has transpired in these past few months in addition to the students’ dedication to their schoolwork.

While the students have undergone an intellectually rigorous first semester, they have also learned to strike a balance between work, play, and prayer.

Here are some highlights so far.

In September, the students and professors gathered at the Patricks’ farm for an annual corn roast. After a tour of the property, the students promptly jumped in the pool to cool off. Later a discussion was lead on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together as a foreshadowing of life at the College. As the evening progressed, a group formed near the household piano, where hymns were spontaneously sung in joyous harmony. The day could not have ended more delightfully, and although everyone was sad to leave, we looked forward to a year’s worth of fellowship ahead.

That melodious evening forecasted our Hymn Sing at St. Barnabas on October 20th, with distinguished organist Wesley Warren. It was a prayerful evening of music and thought-provoking reflections shared by the College staff. For those who were less familiar with the Anglican custom of a Hymn Sing, the event paved the way for the students to explore different forms of Christian worship, such as Evensong, Vespers in the Byzantine tradition, Taizé (an ecumenical prayer service), and a praise-and-worship adoration service lead by Catholic Christian Outreach.

By that point in the semester, the students were itching to explore the surrounding Ottawa area. At the end of October, a group of us (students, parents, and staff) embarked on a hike through the Mackenzie-King Estate in Gatineau. Although the leaves were past their colourful prime, we enjoyed the fresh (and, yes, slightly frigid) outdoors.

Among the engaging events such as Student for a Day in September and Dig & Delve in November, the students have been participating in movie nights once a month hosted by Daniel Bezalel Richardsen, a friend of the College (and my fiancé). It has been an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the fruits of discussion of such films as Wild Strawberries (1957), Babette’s Feast (1987), Finding Forrester (2000) and The Way (2010). These monthly movie nights are set to continue next semester.

The students continue to keep their families and friends (far and near) close to their hearts through weekly devotional prayers. Please also pray for their continued spiritual growth and wisdom and that they learn to navigate trials and temptations through God’s enduring grace.