RCIA is a program on campus that seeks to provide non-Catholic students on campus the opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith tradition. Throughout the school year, we will break open the teachings of the Catholic Church to share why we believe what we believe as Catholics. Within the program, students will have the opportunity to join the Church at Easter and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
Anyone wishing to enter into full communion with the Church is called to participate. Participants, or catechumens/candidates, may be interested in seeking full membership in the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. You may also participate as a sponsor for those in our community who are receiving the sacrament.
University Ministry offers several retreat opportunities for all students throughout the school year. These retreats are opportunities for students to grow in community and in their discipleship. All students are welcome to participate in our weekend retreats regardless of their faith tradition or where they may be in their faith journey.
Retreats reflect our Catholic identity by providing an opportunity for students to take time out of their busy lives to reflect on their faith and relationship with God. When possible, a student leader is mentored to lead and direct the retreat. Utilizing their own spiritual gifts, they are challenged to consider the goals of the pilgrimage and the spiritual needs of the participants.
Pilgrimages are an opportunity to travel to locations that reflect our Catholic, Franciscan, and Christian beliefs. Past destinations have included St. Meinrad for the Year of Mercy, Philadelphia to see Pope Francis, the Shrine of Christ Passion in St. John Indiana, and Turkey Run State Park to reflect on God's presence in nature.
Students engage in social justice issues, domestic and international, through a team formation process of prayer, reflection, and direct service.
These service-immersion experiences, offered during each Fall Break, Spring Break, and in May, are designed to provide meaningful experiences for students who want to immerse themselves in different cultures and serve those in need. They include travel to under-served communities in places like Appalachia, New Mexico, and Guatemala.
Led by the university's student Alternative Break (AB) Board and accompanied by faculty and staff advisors, the goal for these experiences is to open the eyes of students to global needs and challenges, empowering them to become transformational leaders for social change.
Students who participate in the Â鶹ֱ²¥ AB program describe it as " life-altering " and definitely move along the continuum of awareness, from volunteerism to more engaged citizenship committed to social activism.
Applications for student leadership positions are available in April and participants are can apply in the fall semester preceding Spring Break.
For more information contact Amanda Scanameo.
"Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8
Koinonia is a Greek word meaning community, and thus together the retreatants walk through these steps of Micah 6:8.
This retreat is Christian-based but welcomes all faiths to participate. The retreat consists of six talks that the leaders construct and give. There is also small group time for reflection and prayer, along with other bigger group activities. This is an opportunity to discover God, yourself, and others. This student-led retreat helps students form a community of friends in a quiet environment to help them reflect on their lives and get a chance to see God in a whole new way.
Koinonia is a student-led retreat. The core team dedicates their time and effort to creating the retreat. They meet multiple times a week to craft their talks and the retreat itself. If you are flexible, compassionate, and open-minded, you should consider joining the team.
Another pilgrimage opportunity is World Youth Day in the summer of 2023. Â鶹ֱ²¥ is taking a group of students to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate Catholicism with other youth from across the world. From experiencing the rich traditions of other countries to celebrating Mass with the Pope, students will deepen their faith through this pilgrimage.
Navigating one's personal spirituality and lived faith expression isn't simple nor is it meant to be done alone. In University Ministry, we offer ways for students across campus to seek out mentors to accompany and walk alongside them as they grow in their faith and discipleship. Our Faith Mentors serve our community as Peer Ministers, Covenant Ministers, San Damiano Scholar Fellows, and Spiritual Directors.
© 2024 Â鶹ֱ²¥
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Â鶹ֱ²¥ does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age or disabilities in the selection of administrative personnel, faculty and staff, and students.
*Placement rates are gathered from data collected from graduates within six months of graduation.
to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ is sponsored by the , Oldenburg, Indiana.
Submit a
Website built with