Kalee Probasco

Year: Senior
Major: English with a minor in communications

Tell me about your experience at the St. Lawerence Center and how it has impacted your time at KU?
So I wasn’t Catholic before I came here. I came over a year ago to All Saints Day Mass. I didn’t know anyone and went from going to Mass, to going to Slow Drip, and then went on a Koinonia retreat. I went from knowing no one to knowing everyone. It has been insane the impact St. Lawrence has had on my life. I found a community on campus that I didn’t know I was going to have. It helped convince me to become Catholic.

What sparked your conversion? Was converting on your heart or was it solidified at All Saints Day Mass?
I hit a really low point and my grandpa passed from Covid. I knew I needed something. I was agnostic but I didn’t know what I needed. Out of the blue, I knew my friend was coming to Mass and I asked if I could join. She welcomed me and I knew this was where I belonged. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be Catholic or just with God but I just had so many insanely good conversations around faith, got into spiritual direction with Sr. Ruth, and had some hard questions ironed out for me and I never left.

For a student who might be on campus who might be scared to walk through these doors, what would you say to them?
I say give it a shot! The community is so warm and welcoming and there are always students hanging out in Fireside. I am personally someone who believes in seeking discomfort, so if you never take a step in a place you are uncertain you never know what God will offer you.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about St. Lawrence?
Walking by, you really don’t know what to expect and I think one of the best conversations that I have had was when someone walked through the door and asked what this place was. I explained to them that it was a Catholic Center and gave them a tour. Just walk through the door and you’ll see a friendly face. Even if SLC isn’t for you at least embrace it.