St. Al's Friendships: 20 Years & Counting!

It’s not because of what we did at MTU or at St. Al’s, but whose we were and who we had in common- Jesus. That common link has held us together,” says Helen (Hamlin) Mantooth ’97. 

Helen and her husband Carson ’97 stay connected through an annual newsletter, the Powerhouse Pages and annual camping trips.

Helen says attending St. Al’s was a turning point in her faith. “I was excited to go to college and not have to go to Mass, because I didn’t own my faith (yet). But God works in mysterious ways and one of my best friends from fourth floor Wads invited me to go to Mass up the hill and I said 'yes'.”

That yes led her to attend and help with retreats, join Teen Ministry, and invite others to build their faith foundation. 

Favorite memories of Helen’s include Wednesday night Mass, bonfires, Winter arnival, Muppet movie marathons, and disco parties. 

The Mantooths have been married for 23 years and have five children. Helen has served in leadership roles to guide others by helping to plan and run VBS programs and co-leading a Women’s Bible study for many years. 

I heard them when I sat in the silence. There have been many challenges, but my faith and friends have helped me through them all and I owe that to St. Al’s.”

Chris ’96 and Hollie ‘96 Jarman also met at St. Al’s and have stayed friends with the group. The couple married in 1995 and have eight children including current St. Al’s student leader Cora Jarman. 

When Hollie came to St. Al’s she joined the Music Ministry. “I wanted to make sure I would keep coming to Mass week after week. St. Al’s and the community became the place for extra-curricular activities and formed 

“These were opportunities God placed in front of me and though I miss His whispering words often, the best friendships of my college years; friendships that are still lasting today.”

Chris was not raised Catholic and says when he attended Michigan Tech he was “leery of any church, but was seeking a deeper relationship with Christ.”

Hollie invited Chris to Wednesday night Mass. He then entered the RCIA program with Fr. Bill Callari (who served at St. Al’s from 1984-1987) and joined  the church in 1994.

While at St. Al’s, Hollie and Chris served in many ministries including music, retreat, teen and helped with odd jobs for the elderly. They both agree Wednesday night Mass was a favorite time. 

Hollie says the relationships the group formed at St Al’s have been life-giving. “The friendships formed were authentic and lasting because they were built on the foundation of our faith.”