Campus ministry boosts faith

"We're integrating our faith formation efforts," said upper school principal Mary Anne Vigliante. "The presence of a campus minister is part of that. This pastoral presence has made an appreciable impact that has been really important."

Sister Constance Casey, SNJM, president of the school, said, "We want students to develop, for life, something that will become a very important part of their lives."

Positive change

Junior Kara Hena agreed, saying: "Masses have been better," while classmate Aja Lownes said, "For a time, a lot of kids started to not believe and to turn away from the Church. With Sister Joan Mary, the whole school has become more [faith-filled]. We're not afraid to talk about our faith."

Junior Kelly Collins has noticed a change in herself since becoming involved in campus ministry. "I used to blame God," she said. "I'd ask, `Why has this happened?' Now I trust in God to get me through it."

Filling a need

She looked at those components and the needs of the school to determine the focus of campus ministry for the year: prayer and worship, pastoral care, and evangelization.

Once a month, the school celebrates Mass with the music led by the school's new music ministry. "It's a fun part of ministry, and the kids love to sing," Sister Joan Mary said. "By the last liturgy, the whole student body was singing."

Aja joined the music ministry because "I know Sister Joan Mary, I love music, and I wanted to be involved."

Involving students

Sister Joan Mary said the retreat teams met weekly throughout the year and became small Christian communities. "The depth of the talks [at retreats] was inspirational," she said.

Kelly found that she grew through her participation in the retreat team, gaining "self-respect, courage, respect for others and a new understanding of things."

Prayer at school

Sister Joan Mary has been impressed with the students' desire to reach out to those in need. While the school has a long tradition of providing community service opportunities, this year the students also reached out with prayer. For instance, when the war in Kosovo started, students gathered in the campus ministry office during lunchtime to pray the Rosary for the people of Kosovo.

The students also wanted to do something for the youth of Littleton, Colorado, where two teens murdered several students and a teacher. The Holy Names students came up with the idea of "Crosses for Littleton." They made a cross and wrote a poem for each person who died. The students signed the crosses, which will be mailed to the families of those who were killed, and will plant columbines in the school courtyard.

Both the prayer for Kosovo and the crosses for Littleton had an impact on Kelly. "It makes us realize how fortunate we are," she said, "and to not take things for granted."

Effort by all

"Theology [classes] should stimulate the questioning of their faith," she said. "Campus ministry helps them live their faith. Both have the goal of conversion."

There is not just one way of reaching out to young people. "God plays in a thousand places," she said. "There are many ways to bring God to kids. Campus ministry hits a lot of kids you wouldn't [reach] in the classroom."

(06-10-99) [[In-content Ad]]