Students heard a new voice on the steps of the Willard Building yesterday.

Instead of the sermons of Willard regular Gary Cattell, students saw Diane Burke, a member of Christ Community Church, 1606 Norma St., who has been coming to preach for the past several Thursdays.

Shortly after noon, Burke stations herself in front of the steps with Bible in hand to begin her preaching.

Unlike Cattell, Burke is a soft-spoken individual. She describes herself as non-confrontational, feeling out of her element while in front of the Willard Building.

Burke said she is a licensed minister or an "outreach pastor," in addition to running prayer meetings at Christ Community Church, a non-denominational church located downtown.

She said she found herself in front of the Willard building after approaching her pastor with a request to pursue ministry preaching.

Her pastor then put her in contact with Cattell.

She now takes her turn on the steps every Thursday, vocalizing her message to Penn State students. She said she has only braved the Willard steps "four or five times."

With four children of her own -- and two who are in college -- Burke said she targets her message at college-age students. For the first time while preaching her message, tears filled Burke's eyes yesterday.

"God gets so intense sometimes," she said in response to her crying.

Burke said she is not trying to force her message on anyone. Students cannot be won through speaking, she said, and she only wishes to share her experiences with God.

Several students paused to see the new face preaching on the steps.

Dan Washington (junior-political science) said he stopped at the sound of a new voice. Washington said he admired her efforts, even if he did not agree with everything she was preaching, he said.

Cattell relaxed outside the doors of the building, conversing with other students while Burke preached.

"We share a common belief in Christ but are different theologically," Cattell said.

The two have rarely listened to each other speak, both concentrating on sharing their own messages with the students, Burke said.

Philip Narsh (sophomore-theatre), a frequent visitor to the Willard steps, said he stopped momentarily to debate with Burke. He usually speaks with Cattell but has begun to look for Burke each week to speak with her as well.

Narsh said he listens to all sides of the argument while discussing religion with Cattell and Burke.

Narsh, being a theatre major, said he gave Burke some tips on projecting her voice so students can hear her better over passing conversations.

Burke remained in front of the Willard building for only an hour yesterday. She said she will return next week if she feels God's call to do so.