Sometimes in the life of a college student, the competing interests of academics and social life can make some voices harder to hear.

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed as a college student,” said Rachel Lai, who is entering her final semester at the University of California, Berkeley. “It’s hard to listen to what we’re guided toward.”

Over Presidents’ Day weekend, Catholic students from all campuses of the University of California, as well as other colleges and universities around the state, will converge on Berkeley for the UCCC 2018. The conference, with its theme “Born of the Spirit,” provides an opportunity to “focus on how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives,” said Lai, who is directing the event this year.

The UCCC was founded in Berkeley during the 2012-13 school year, holding its first conference in Berkeley in 2013. After its second conference in Berkeley in 2014, the event has been held at three other UC campuses before its homecoming this year.

Speakers include Tim Staples of “Catholic Answers” on Catholic radio; Sister Bethany of the New York-based Sisters for Life; and Paul J. Kim, a speaker and musician who has appeared at UCCC each year.

Oakland Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, will host the college students on the Saturday evening at the Cathedral of Christ the Light for dinner, a tour and Holy Hour. Bishop Barber hosted the students in 2014.

Full story at The Catholic Voice.