of the laity are interested in and trained to be financial managers, responsible for ongoing needs of buildings and grounds, fund raisers, interpreters of the law, and even preachers of the Word, as well as catechists and community leaders. It is at least one role of the priest to listen carefully to the whole community- to listen to their hopes and aspirations, as well as their fears and their pain. It seems that in listening carefully to the community, it might be possible to hear the whisper of God speaking quietly but powerfully. In this, listening, healing and nourishing of the spirit is possible. Rather than being the boss, it might then be possible to become the servant,
and in becoming the servant, God might become visible in the world. It is not that the Church needs the laity; the Church is the laity as it is the clergy and bishops - working and praying together, equally sharing the life of Jesus the Christ in compassion and love for the world in which we live.
at assembly collect ourselves; we must relax and be still. Consider the fact that in the word silence is the word listen. We must be silent to listen. Sister calls it a "process of interior puriftcation." She says to take deep breaths and repeat a single word like love. If you become aware of thoughts, return to the sacred word.
Campus ministry builds a stronger laity through faith action The campus ministry at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Ill. allows the students to integrate their faith into their daily lives. Brother Rob Robertson, CSV, along with Betsy Fons build a faith-based foundation for the students on three levels: worship, service and retreat. "By keeping their faith life alive, the students really are trained to run campus ministry for themselves," said Br. Rob.
'Students celebrate mass as Eucharistic ministers.
Involvement starts at the beginning of the school year when the call goes out to students to train for the Eucharistic ministry. "It's not unusual for 80 to 100 students to answer the call to be trained," continued Br.Rob. "Many students then get involved at their parishes in 路Eucharistic ministry." This training increases the students' participation in the monthly Mass on campus. Along with the priest's at Mass, the students are 100 percent involved in the planning of the liturgy, being the lectors, the Eucharistic ministers, performing the liturgical dances and songs. Campus ministry is about actively worshipping the Lord.
There but for the grace of God go I. Catholicism is about service and twice a month campus ministry takes the responsibility to bring groups of students to work in the soup kitchens in Chicago. Many students are amazed that when they interact with the homeless, their perception of life changes dramatically. One student couldn't understand how a college graduate could end up homeless and in a soup kitchen. The ministry also plans trips to the HIV coalition once a month. Three times a month, St. Viator students have the opportunity to perform service. Participation in the campus ministry is voluntary, yet many times students will be so taken by the service that when they go off to college, they pursue a career in social work or in the pastoral studies. Campus ministry introduces students to Special
Abbott Thomas Keating writes that contemplative prayer is the "opening of mind and heart, our whole being to God, who is the Ultimate Mystery beyond thoughts, words and emotions." Fr. Bolser believes contemplation is a spiritual dimension. "Often times prayer is just words, babbling. If we stay at that level it becomes superficial," he continued. "I believe that every one of the participants gained different experiences from the contemplative prayer assembly. So many times we are wrapped up in being busy and we don't have time to really understand what we're doing. We need to take time to listen; we need a few minutes to center and ask ourselves "what's the foundation of my focus?" "Contemplative prayers bring a new energy; we renew ourselves in Jesus," Fr. Bolser explained. "We center in on the essence of our life, Jesus Christ. We are then able to share this spiritual dimension with the community and with the parishioners."
Olympics, food drives, blood drives and other charities throughout the community. "But it's the retreat program where it all happens. When God touches a heart on retreat, it lasts forever," said Br. Rob. Student retreats begin in freshman year and are held on a Saturday at the school. This retreat is a Br. Rob Robertson, CSVposes with students. requirement for all freshmen. At this level, the goal is to build awareness among the students, that service is what it means to witness their Catholic faith. At one point, parents speak to the students about parental concerns and expectations as a parent of a teenager. The parents also ask the students what they expect from their parents. Teachers and upperclassmen are also invited to share their faith with the group. Student retreats then start to become voluntary with Qyest Retreat being the first overnight experience for the sophomores and juniors. Student leaders run the retreat; it is there that students hear other students witness their faith. By junior and senior year, students lead the four day Kairos Retreat; for most, it is regarded as the highlight of their high school career. It's four days with no distractions. By this time, the students are ready for witnessing their faith.
Contemplation leads to action. It's an understanding that there is God's presence in every atom, every molecule and every living thing on earth."
"It is our goal that St. Viator students take ownership of their faith through our campus ministry," said Br. Rob. "We want to make a conscious effort, enabling faithfilled students to take leadership roles, because they are the future the Catholic Church."
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