Structuring Campus Ministry

A good structure is important for ministry growth and development. Having a team or teams of personnel insure the programs continue even in the event of a campus minister leaving.

Here are a few ideas on building structures for campus ministry:

Student Core Team

It is a good idea to have a group of students committed to campus ministry. Students can help plan and carryout programs, as well as assist with outreach and peer ministry. If funds are available, some students may even be stipend to perform specific duties.

In many cases the student team will be part of the Newman Club or Newman Association. This is a great way to create a specific catholic identity on campus. The only danger is in making sure it doesn't become a situation where students feel they are in the club or not in the club. Active members must view all students as part of the flock.

Parish Based Campus Ministry

With the decline in priests, many parishes are "taking on" the neighboring campus as part of their parish - especially in the case of smaller colleges. This concept may take a while to be widely accepted, but is highly effective. Rather than trying to create a separate parish on a small campus, the focus becomes drawing students into the life and mission of the current parish. In this model, a campus ministry board can be created within the parish. Chances are that there are faculty and staff from the college who are also parishioners.

College students themselves are excellent resources to help out with youth ministry and religious education programs. So there is definitely a benefit to a parish for "adopting" the campus community.

Advisory Board

This would be made up of catholic faculty, staff, alumni and student representatives. The group would meet occasionally to look at programs and personnel, and perhaps take on planning activities such as mixers. This type of group does well in drawing faculty and staff into the ministry.

This is only a thumbnail of possibilities. What are your ideas or experiences?

Email them us at : campusministry@catholicyouth.org

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