| |
|
|
Campus Ministry
It is the role of Campus Ministry to invite and nurture students,
along with the total academic communities, in the Christian, Catholic and Benedictine way
of life. Campus Ministry envisions itself as a catalyst of discussion within the two
colleges. By engaging students, faculty, staff and administrators in ongoing conversations
about what it means to be Christian, Campus Ministry hopes to empower our communities to
bring meaning and authenticity to our mission.
To fulfill this role, Campus Ministry employs a variety of people
and programs. Since liturgy is the "source and summit" of the Christian life,
students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in campus worship. Besides the
regular Sunday evening Eucharist, Campus Ministry also provides small group prayer, Bible
study and reconciliation services. The Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults initiate
and incorporate students into this worshiping community. Campus Ministry responds to the
Gospel by promoting peace and justice issues and groups on the two campuses. Campus
Ministry sponsors retreats, days of reflection, spiritual companioning, marriage
preparation, speakers and panels. Each year during spring break, Campus Ministry offers a
variety of service trips throughout the United States that seek to awaken consciousness of
social issues and the need for Christians to embrace the Church's preferential option for
the poor. Last year, a total of 250 students participated in twenty service trips.
Campus Ministry promotes Christian service through the Volunteers
In Service To Others (VISTO) program in which students direct and coordinate the
recruitment and training of student volunteers from both campuses. The VISTO student board
coordinates its volunteers with a wide variety of educational, social and religious
organizations throughout the surrounding area.
Campus Ministry calls forth and empowers student leadership
through the Student Campus Minister program (SCM). In conjunction with the professional
staff, students working in the Campus Ministry office are involved in planning and
implementing many of the Campus Ministry programs. These women and men are to be the ears,
eyes, hands and heart of our campus communities, giving witness to the risen Christ, as
they serve with compassion.
|
