On the Road to Spiritual Growth of the Chaminade Man

There are many unique traits and special qualities that distinguish a Chaminade education. Surely the rigorous academic curriculum, robust athletic programs, and diverse extracurriculars set it apart from other schools. But it is Chaminade’s mission of educating the whole student - mind, body, and soul - that truly separates it. Campus Ministry and the retreat program are at the heart of Chaminade’s mission to help its students grow in their faith and relationship with God. They are guiding the Chaminade man as he engages in the good fight, in the presence of other witnesses to the faith.

Alumni know the special place faith development plays in the lives of the Chaminade student. But even recent alums would be surprised at how the Campus Ministry and retreat programs have grown in such a short period of time. A graduate of the Class of 1986, Fr. Peter Heiskell, Chaminade’s chaplain, has a unique perspective on this evolution. “Since I began as a freshman here in 1982, faith formation has certainly changed on campus. Of course, it has always been a priority, but it looks different today than back then. I am very proud of how we have adapted as a school community over the last several decades to meet the students where they are at,” remarked Fr. Peter.

Mr. Michael Foley ’99, director of campus ministry, together with a team of campus ministers, have helped spearhead many of the initiatives driving this evolution. “As a Catholic school rooted in the Marianist tradition, the school’s Campus Ministry department ensures that the Catholic identity permeates all aspects of the school's culture. Through frequent programs and events, we seek to create opportunities for each student to grow in his relationship with Jesus, with the goal of shaping our young men as sons of Mary and authentic witnesses of Christ, His Gospel, and His Church,” Foley said. The days of a retreat schedule that could only accommodate a limited number of students have been replaced with day retreats for every Chaminade student, CROSS events, and evenings of recollection - smaller group experiences that, as Mr. Foley states, “emphasize allowing relationships to flourish in a spiritual environment - students and staff with God; peers with one another; teachers with students.”

The job of helping advance this mission, however, falls on many, not just Fr. Peter and Mr. Foley. Both emphasize the “team environment” within the Campus Ministry department and the increasing role of laypeople in helping to carry out the mission. Fr. Peter states, “I would also highlight the major investment and collaboration of our lay staff, together with the Marianist Community, in the faith formation and spiritual life of the school. I am edified by the energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and collaborative spirit of our Campus Ministry team. The way they give witness to their personal faith by their willingness to share the joys and the challenges of their own spiritual lives is truly exemplary and inspiring for our colleagues and students alike.” In addition to the efforts of Fr. Peter and Mr.

Foley, Mr. Michael Dolce, '99, Mr. Mathew Chicavich '97, Mr. Michail Griffin (KMHS ’09), Mr. Thomas Griffin (KMHS ’09), and Mr. Kevin O’Neill serve as driving forces for Campus Ministry. But there are countless other people that make this ambitious program work, from religion teachers and student volunteers, to club moderators and teachers alike.

What will faith development and Campus Ministry look like going forward? Look at where it has come from! Currently there are over 60 day retreats that students are exposed to in an effort to help them grow in their faith. As Mr. Foley stated, “Many of the students see Chaminade as their ‘spiritual home.’ There is a weight of responsibility that comes with that.” Providing students with the opportunity to pursue a life of faith is at the core of what Campus Ministry hopes to accomplish. To that end, several students, inspired by their faith development through the day retreats and evenings of recollection, will take part in an exciting opportunity to further their growth. “Marianist LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) is a nationwide faith formation program rooted in the Catholic and Marianist tradition. This summer, we are sending five members from the Class of 2024 to this program in Ohio. This program is a serious commitment with much prayer, fellowship, discussion, and activities. It is our hope that this experience will deepen the students’ relationship with Jesus and Mary and help them to develop skills to be great Marianist leaders next year and beyond,” Mr. Foley remarked.