Meet Matthew Merry, Peer Ministry Coordinator

It is great to be in the Elon family! My name is Matt Merry and I am the Peer Ministry Coordinator for CCM living at the Newman Center at Holland House. I graduated from Belmont Abbey College near Charlotte, NC, with a degree in theology, and I have been very excited to apply it to enhance the Catholic culture of Elon University through programs such as RCIA and bible studies. Born and raised in North Carolina, I have enjoyed working amidst the beautiful oaks of this historic campus.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the New Student Convocation a few months ago, and I felt like I was a part of the group being welcomed. The tradition of giving a unique acorn to each first-year student really hit home for me. As most of you know, the transition into the "real world" is a scary time, but through prayer, the Eucharist, and the direction of the loving Fr. Gerry Waterman, I have been welcomed into the Phoenix family and I am getting adjusted to the campus culture.

I have constantly been meeting new students and working to spread the Kingdom. Through this daily journey, the vibrant CCM community has made me feel at home, and in turn, I try to provide a home for the faithful of Elon through events like our weekly Tuesday night suppers (season-appropriately named "Crockpot Stewsdays"), CCM Tailgating, Waffle Cone Wednesday, and much more. To show the loving hand of Christ through a delicate balance of spiritual events and spirit-filled social events has been my purpose and goal here at Elon University, and I thank everyone for their prayers and support.