Students come to college for many reasons. People come to church for many reasons as well. Catholic Campus Ministry exists to support students in their faith journey during college. So, we need to understand these reasons for being here.
Some students come to church for community. They are searching for other Catholics and other students seeking deeper faith. They are coming to realize that neither faith nor life is a private matter but calls for establishing new friends in safe ways. Campus Ministry is here to help by its many gatherings.
Some students come to church for a deeper theological education. For them, college is a natural time to study many things, including theology. They are coming to realize our rich Catholic tradition, utilizing reason and study as avenues for deeper relationship with God and Church. Campus Ministry is here to help with various study groups.
Some students come to church, drawn by Jesus’ example to serve others… to wash the feet of the needy. They are coming to realize that it is in the face of the least that we see our Lord’s presence, God drawing us into the lives of others. Campus Ministry is here to help with social ministry outreach and advocacy.
Finally, some students come to church to pray, to find that time and space alone with God and in community with others. They are coming to realize that being a sacramental people centered in Eucharist means taking the time for prayer and worship, trying to really become the Body of Christ which we receive and adore. Campus Ministry is here to help with student-prepared Sunday Mass and various seasonal prayer experiences.
None of these reasons are mutually exclusive. All of us come to church for many reasons. Campus Ministry is here to respect all of these reasons and support the journey. But, most importantly, Campus Ministry is here to help us realize that why we come to church does not start with us. God in gracious mystery brings us to the door and to the Body of Christ. It is grace – God continuing to give his presence to us in love.
Check out this FRESHMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
