Marc Foubert

Marc Foubert

Alumnus ’21 MS Aeronautics & Astronautics

“We college students should be more aware of the privilege it is to have such attentive, experienced and available counsellors to count on.”

I spent one year at Stanford, as a Master’s student, one year haunted by the pandemic, yet one blessed year during which I was a member of the Catholic Community at Stanford.

First things first, the community was the place where I could meet Christ, participating in the mystery of the Eucharist every Sunday. Attending mass in English, enjoying the teachings of Fr Xavier, Fr Dominic and Fr Bob, and learning a couple of the regular songs, each time fed the discreet candle of my faith, that I had brought with me. Being able to do so in person outside of St. Raymond’s Church, together with fellow students and other community members, was essential. Whatever one may say, screens don’t render fully these fundamental moments.

Then, the community was a place of friendship and discussion. Although I did not join a small group—which I may regret—but everything went so fast. I did make a couple of group encounters, which were worth the ride, if I may say. I was able to chat with some program classmates who I would otherwise not even have guessed were Catholics. Sunny afternoons following Mass, and the community social events, allowed for that.

Finally, it was thanks to CC@S’s firm presence and organized staff that I was able to meet Fr Bob, and benefit from his spiritual direction throughout the year. Thanks to my conversations with Fr Bob, my time at Stanford was not only a fulfilling academic and cultural discovery, but also an opportunity to learn more about God’s project for me.

All of this to say I’ll keep a grateful and bright memory of this year within the community!