 One of the great benefits of
campus ministry is that it allows a much more in-depth study of our Catholic
faith. Most of the students have had the experience of being the only Catholic
in a classroom or group discussion. Many of them have been criticized or
ridiculed for holding fast to Catholic teaching on issues of faith and morals.
Some of them, unfortunately, have bought into false religious teaching and
moral relativity. Many of them have been looked upon as being different for
belonging to a Church popularly associated with non-African-American ethnic
groups. All of these issues are addressed with great candor in the Newman
Club. In theological and moral discussions at our weekly meetings, students
are presented with the authentic teaching of the Church and reasons for the
teaching. Their own reasoning process is challenged by the wisdom of the
Church. Bible study enables the students to gain a deeper insight into the
power of the Word of God and group discussion allows them to engage healthy
debate among their peers. Students inclined to contemplative prayer come
together once a month for Eucharistic adoration and because of the religious
diversity on campus, we also participate in many ecumenical activities.
Campus ministry also provides a unique opportunity to develop a preaching
ministry that is as intellectually challenging to the students as their
other academic presentations. Students poised to rebel against the received
wisdom of the ages are challenged to critically examine the political,
social, and moral and religious trends of contemporary society in light of
the weekly lessons from Scripture presented in the Lectionary. The social
dimension of the Gospel is experienced through volunteer service,
sacrificial offerings, and political responsibility. This is especially the
case when students are challenged to bear witness to the Gospel of life in
opposition to this culture of death in which we live.
Guest speakers are very important to Campus ministry. Speakers are chosen
who have knowledge and expertise and the ability to engage the minds and
hearts of the students. Our most effective guests have spoken to us on
pro-life principles and activities, prayer, Catholic lay movements in the
Church, volunteer activities, Catholic psychological principles and therapy,
national activities for Catholic college students, and African-American
folklore.
Our pride and joy have been our publications and our
website www.hunewmanclub.org . We publish a
weekly bulletin keeping all informed of what is happening in our community and
a newsletter which is a vehicle for creative expression and exchange among
members of the Newman Club. The website enables us to share our ministry with
a larger community. All these are the responsibility of student committees.
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