One Faith, One Family

Growing in Grace During the College Experience

By Sister Sharon Glumb, S.L.W. Diocesan Director of Campus Ministry

If you asked a typical 20-year-old what's on their "top ten" list of important issues, you might be surprised to learn that God will be found on the list. For a large number of college and university students, spiritual matters do matter! Those who regularly interact with such students are impressed by their deep level of spiritual searching.

Campus ministers in the Memphis Diocese are privileged to share faith and values with thousands of Catholic students throughout the area, providing an assortment of programs to enhance their faith life and many opportunities for "growing in grace."

Nearly thirty Catholic students from three colleges recently attended a daylong retreat, "A Spirit of Trust," where their hunger for God was evident and strong. And another group devoted their spring break to rebuilding New Orleans (see sidebar article).

Rhodes College students organized a second annual caroling event in December to bring holiday cheer to the elderly homebound of Little Flower Parish. The University of Memphis students hosted a Halloween Party, complete with a "mystery tour" and costumes.

Other programs provide regular, weekly interaction with students. Graduate students at UT Health Science Center find nourishment of body and soul available each Tuesday at a lunchtime speakers' program. Students at the UT Martin campus meet monthly for a dinner / speaker program at the Interfaith Center adjacent to campus. The weekly celebration of Sunday Mass on campus is a cornerstone event for Rhodes, CBU and the U of M students, where they regularly serve in leadership roles of readers, musicians, and Eucharistic Ministers. And, of course, a social is provided afterward!

Campus Ministers provide assistance and guidance for programs, working closely with the officers of Catholic student organizations on campus, leaders who are reaching out to their peers on campus. Generally, these initiatives coincide with the direction statements contained in the U.S. Bishops' pastoral letter on campus ministry, Empowered by the Spirit, a document that guides all campus ministry efforts in the U.S. Church.

Campus ministry personnel serving in the Memphis Diocese include Father Paul Watkins O.P. and Sister Sharon Glumb S.L.W. at UT Health Science Center, Rhodes College and the University of Memphis, assisted by Deacon James Schmall and deacon candidate Walt Bolton; Brother Rob Veselsky F.S.C. at Christian Brothers University; Father Joseph Paolozzi at UT Martin campus, assisted by deacon candidate Rodney Freed; and Father Thomas Kirk at St. Mary parish in Jackson, Tennessee, providing ministry to students at Lambuth University assisted by Sam Moak who is a staff member at the university.

In mid-March the Memphis area campus ministers hosted a first annual Benefit Dinner to raise awareness of the ministry and funds to support it. A capacity crowd of over 140 packed the Catholic Campus Ministry Center on Mynders Avenue in Memphis and enjoyed a sit-down dinner served by students along with an array of entertainment.

College Campus Ministry is one of the nearly 60 ministries supported by donations to the Bishop's Appeal. Without the support and prayers of the Catholics in the Diocese of Memphis, Catholic Campus Ministries would not be able to reach so many young people.

Call 901-323-3051 for more information about Catholic Campus Ministries.

Call 901-373-1208 or visit www.cdom.org for more information about the 2008 Bishop's Appeal.