Responding To The Great Commission In Catholic Schools
I started this blog to share tips and insights about serving as a Campus Minister in a Catholic high school. I have worked in parish and school youth ministry for 17 years. My focus has always been on walking with teenagers through the journey of faith leading up to adulthood. My own faith walk was challenged when I entered college and early adulthood. I didn’t have the confidence to speak about my faith or know how to pray on my own. Catholic high schools offer an amazing opportunity to walk with students every single day. These are the formative years when they ask big questions. They want real answers during this time. Campus Ministers are responsible for creating a supportive culture. Students should feel comfortable discussing faith topics and asking questions. They need tools to help deepen their faith. Most importantly, they should meet Christ regularly in many different ways.
Why? Because Jesus said so!
Go! Christ founded His Church to spread the Good News of the Gospel. His goal was to build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. This was so that all may join in His saving love. Before He ascended into Heaven, He gave His authority to His apostles to teach, sanctify, and rule in His name. His instructions are clear in Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you.” As a Campus Minister in a Catholic High School, I have confidence in knowing that I am answering this call.
My Experiences
During my time in parish ministry, I served as a Core Team member and Youth Minister. I instantly fell in love with the mission of teaching teens to know, love, and serve Christ. As a Campus Minister, I have implemented many of the ways that parish youth ministry is approached. This has proved to be valuable in retreats, school assemblies, Bible studies, and more! Students have shared favorite memories from high school being about their time spent with their class on retreat. I often hear from former students who are now serving as FOCUS missionaries in college and beyond.
Some of the things that I plan to share include:
Forming a Team
Implementing a Small Group Program
Planning and Executing Retreats
Celebrating the Liturgy and Sacraments
And more!
Are you a Campus Minister who is looking for direction? Are you new and have no idea where to start? Are you burnt out and looking to freshen up your ministry? This is the place for you!
It is by God’s grace that I am where I am today. I am nothing without the gifts He has given me. I know that He is “with me always” and is moving my heart to share what I have learned. I appreciate you joining me on this journey.
