By God’s grace, Augustine College continues into the 2020-2021 school year with a class of 8 students and 2 part-time students with an age range from 16 to 34. Concerns regarding the pandemic resulted in a few students deciding to defer coming. On the other hand, two of our students decided to take a break from their previous academic institutions and attend Augustine College because of the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The students in this year’s class have quickly built friendships and enjoy life together in the two residences of the college.

With relocation of the campus to downtown, students have a 25-minute walk to and from class that is often spent discussing what they are learning. The college campus also has enough space for students to safely stay behind between classes. In between classes students work on assignments together as well as reading texts together.

Our small numbers and our new facility have allowed students to experience an almost-normal year.

Activities have included a hike and a bike ride in Gatineau across the river in Québec as well as other communal recreation such as board games and at the pool table available at the college.

Devotions are an integral part of student life – praying and singing hymns together accompanied by reading and reflecting on Scripture. Many are also attending a nearby church that is meeting in person – with COVID-19 protocols in place.

Every Friday, the student residences take turns hosting dinner followed by a movie.

It is hard to gauge the full effects of the pandemic and our experience of this year while we are in the midst of living it. In this season of Advent, we are especially preparing our hearts and minds even if Christmas might have many of the things we have taken for granted temporarily curtailed. But it is enough to be grateful for these small graces, with young people reflecting deeply on the things that last, on the things that endure, so that we can all ground our hope in Christ and let the Holy Spirit help us mature and grow.