Campus Minister's Message
As the local and world news – day after day - puts before us a bleak picture of societies and nations dominated by violence and divisions stemming from destructive values, beliefs, and behaviors; it is truly a gift to minister within a Good News faith community of young men and women. My first months among these talented students with promising futures, has been – using their favorite word – awesome.
Most amazing to me, is that in the midst of being super busy with academic demands and other commitments, so many Newman students give top priority to developing their faith life, to creating a welcoming community of care and outreach, while having lots of wholesome fun. My experience thus far, is that they put much energy into living the Catholic Newman Center mission of Engaging Life, and Proclaiming Faith on numerous levels.
What I find most energizing coming into this dynamic atmosphere, is working with the Newman Student Council, its Executive Committee, and accompanying the Spiritual Life and Social Concerns Committees. Together, we are committed to living out the clear goals and purpose of a Newman Center, as delineated in the US Bishop’s Pastoral on Campus Ministry, through our programs and activities:
· to create a welcoming Christian community;
· to help students to appropriate their faith;
· to assist in forming a Christian conscience;
· to educate for justice;
· to facilitate personal development; and
· to develop leaders for the future.
As campus minister, I am hoping to focus my primary energy and time on being there for the students – both as individuals and as a community - and to assist in providing individual guidance, retreats and varied prayer experiences which meet the deeper spiritual needs and hungers of those coming to Newman. In this way I am sure that each will carry forth the Good News from Newman, to their next local Church and into their new home and work space. It is delightful to meet alums who “return home” to Newman to visit and touch back into its blessing in their lives. As we sing often,
All are Welcome!
Sister Laura Jean Spaeth, SSND
Cardinal Newman Catholic Campus Ministry Center
P.O. Box 838
Rolla, MO 65402
Telephone: 573-364-2133
Fax: 573-368-3560
Email: staff@rollanewman.org