Colin Hayes

Name: Colin Hayes
Email: [email protected]
Role: Confirmation Intern
Major: Applied Statistics w/ a Computer Science Minor

How I got involved at St. Tom’s:

Despite being warned multiple times that college would probably be ‘make it or break it’ regarding my faith when I arrived at Purdue, I strayed from my faith. However, due to various reasons, I eventually remained alone as I watched my friends graduate before me. As more and more people graduated, I not only felt more isolated but was slowly feeling called to reconnect with my faith. One day as I checked my email, an email from Boiler Catholics caught my eye. Having made many friends through my high school youth group, I decided to go to St. Tom’s and explore that calling. The community was so welcoming, and on the second day I spent at St. Tom’s, I met the former Youth Ministry Intern who invited me to consider helping with Life Guides. I was invited to join an Ignite Bible Study group and continued to meet more wonderful people at St. Toms, who welcomed me to explore more ministries like Exalt (Adoration w/ praise and worship) and Hands and Feet of Christ (service).

Favorite Bible Verse:

2 Corinthians 12:10 “Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I love this verse because it reminds me that I face nothing alone. In my triumphs, I am strong and thank God for my blessings. However, just like everyone, I am not perfect. I have struggles, trials, and temptations. In these moments of weakness or when I am judged for my faith, this verse reminds me that I am still strong when I draw near to God. It reminds me that no matter what comes my way, if I base my actions in Christ, I can overcome any challenges. It reminds me that despite the fact that I am weak, any hardships I may face are an invitation to lean on God.

Bio:
I was born and raised Catholic in the small town of Pennington, New Jersey. One of my most prominent memories as a child was going to a 5:00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass followed immediately by dinner at a restaurant called ‘Pennington Pizza’ every week. After attending public grade/middle school, I attended Notre Dame Catholic High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and was heavily involved in my parish’s youth group C.R.A.S.H. (Christian Recreation And Spiritual Harmony). Service was always something that I gravitated toward and considered important growing up. Before helping with St. Tom’s and doing things like Spring Break Mission Trips and Winterization, I went on an annual summer mission trip with my high school youth group and replaced a worn-down cross outside my home parish, with a new cross, accompanied by a rock garden for my Eagle Scout Service Project. After exploring some of the organizations Boiler Catholics had to offer, I realized that I really enjoyed Life Guides as a form of service. Giving my Sunday morning to teach kids about their Catholic faith was surprisingly enjoyable. Therefore, after substituting in various classrooms for two years, I decided to apply for a leadership role within Life Guides.