Wheelhouse | Issue 2 | March 9, 2025

Welcome to Wheelhouse: a periodic update and reflection on life and ministry at Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center. Let’s dive in and take a look back at the Fall Semester!

A Semester of Welcoming and Community

The fall semester flew by as we continued to reach out and welcome all to the CCC. Honestly, it’s amazing to see so many students find a home—for all sorts of reasons—at our church and center. The Ministry of Coffee café (MOC) is bustling with students as they grab a quick bite on their way to class, catch up with a friend, or enjoy a moment of pause from the hustle and bustle of college life. Our library and meeting rooms are constantly full of students seeking a beautiful space conducive to intense study and collaboration. For many of them, the CCC is the “secret study spot” they can count on as they pursue their dreams and career goals.

Students are not the only ones finding hospitality here but so are various groups and organizations connected with our Trojan Family and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. From the USC Office of Finance to Archbishop Gomez and the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL), we make it a priority to partner with our larger network to help sustain and drive our mission. We even hosted President Robert Dowd and the Fighting Irish at a festive Mass and reception before the USC vs. Notre Dame football game. Fight on!!

↑ Fr. Robert Dowd, President of Notre Dame, receiving a Catholic Trojan T-Shirt at our Notre Dame vs. USC Mass

Reaching Beyond Campus

Our mission to connect and inspire extends far beyond campus. This year, we’ve had the privilege of traveling to San Diego, New York, and Orange County, meeting Trojans from all over the country. Whether reconnecting with alumni, gathering young professionals for fellowship, or building bridges between different Catholic communities, these trips remind me of the incredible reach of the Trojan Catholic family. No matter where we go, there is a shared love for faith, friendship, and the mission of Christ.

Celebrating Our Annual Mass and Christmas Tree Lighting

I think the breadth and vision of our work here at USC became clear during our Annual Anniversary Mass and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. An event of this magnitude (1,000+ people!) is a lot of work for our staff and students, and it is totally worth it. For all of us to be united in prayer and Christmas cheer was absolutely amazing, and it reminds me of a special title of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mary, Mother of the Church. Traditionally, Mary as Mother of the Church is depicted with her arms open wide to all of her beloved children. It’s as though her warm embrace extends to the most remote peripheries so that within her mantle of love, everyone finds a place—there is room for all.

It brings joy to my heart that all of this takes place under the shadow of our church, and I know there are so many blessings flowing from our mission to create a Christ-centered home away from home where students are seen, known, and loved. As we begin this new year, I am full of hope for the good things to come!

As always, I love connecting with you and enjoy hearing your thoughts and insights, so don’t hesitate to reach out for a visit. USC is your home too, and I’m grateful for your prayers and ongoing support.

God bless and Fight On! ✌️

Fr. Matt ‘10

A Semester of Faith, Fellowship, and Growth

Welcome to Wheelhouse!