SMC Handbook

The Division for Mission fosters the integration of the Gospel, the riches of the Catholic tradition and the heritage of the Sisters of the Holy Cross into the life of the College community; serves the College community by enlivening the hearts and minds of its members to respond to the Gospel call to community, prayer and service. The Division for Mission consists of the Department of Campus Ministry, the Center for Spirituality, and the Office for Civic and Social Engagement.

Website: http://www.saintmarys.edu/~cfsdfm

Campus Ministry

The mission of Campus Ministry fosters the call to community where freedom and
fullness of life are celebrated through word, sacrament, service, and action for justice. Its role is both to support and to challenge all members of the College community as they seek to deepen their faith and respond to the demands of the gospel in contemporary society.

Contributing to the liberal arts tradition, Campus Ministry has a particular responsibility to encourage students to grow in both intellectual and experiential knowledge of their faith and to assume leadership roles within the Church and society.

To carry out this mission, Campus Ministry offers the regular celebration of the Eucharist, Reconciliation, and monthly Prayer Services such as Taize Prayer, Praise and Worship, Memorial Prayer, and Evening Prayer. In addition to these prayer opportunities, the department offers the availability of the sacraments, processes of Christian Initiation, liturgical ministry formation, small faith groups, Bible study, prayer groups, retreat, spiritual guidance, and educational programs.

Campus Ministry also offers opportunities for peer leadership in the areas of liturgical ministry, retreat ministry, initiation ministry, Bible study, and faith sharing and high school ministry through the Spiritual Leadership summer program. The Lay Ministry Certification Program is a program designed and facilitated by Campus Ministry, in collaboration with the Religious Studies Department, to prepare students for future work in ministry.

There are chapels located in Regina, Holy Cross, Le Mans, and McCandless halls and a reflection room is located in Opus Hall. Students are welcome to join the Sisters of the Holy Cross for prayer at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto.

Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~campmin

THE CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY

The Center for Spirituality is the locus where the mission of Saint Mary's College can be advanced with particular attention to spirituality considered as both academic discipline and a way of life. Founded in 1984, CFS was the first such center established in the United States. Since then it has energetically promoted an awareness of, and an appreciation for, a theologically well-grounded spirituality among the entire college community, including alumnae and friends of the College – both regionally and nationally. CFS offers programs that address contemporary religious issues and that create a network for education in spirituality, especially for women.

An emphasis on the multi-faceted nature of spirituality includes attending to the social dimensions of spirituality. Incorporating the voices of persons who are poor, oppressed or otherwise marginalized by society is a key component of the Center – s mission. Thus, CFS works closely with other departments of the College, co-sponsoring various programs and emphasizing that authentic spirituality culminates in work on behalf of justice and peace.

Further, CFS is in a unique position to address the broader issues of how faith and reason interact. For example, scholars from here and abroad convene in various formats to engage the community in discussion of critical issues related to spirituality. Other projects, such as the Catholic Common Ground Initiative, invite the college community to discuss issues of concern as they arise. CFS is a reminder to the College and others that the life of the mind and the life of the spirit are intimately connected and mutually enriching.

Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~cfs

OFFICE FOR CIVIC AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT (OCSE)

The OSCE provides information and referral services to students, faculty and staff regarding volunteer service opportunities in the local community. The OCSE can help you find an internship in a local nonprofit agency, participate in alternative Fall/Spring Breaks, or consider post-graduate national or international service. We have several core programs including the Indiana Reading Corps and a partnership with Marquette Primary School, providing ample opportunities for tutoring and mentoring. No matter where you feel called to serve (with women's issues, children, homelessness, healthcare, etc.) we can help you find a replacement that is both meaningful and enriching, and that fits your schedule. Take the time to share your gifts and compassion with others –it will change your life!

Our office is located on the second floor of the Student Center and you are always welcome to visit.

Website: www.saintmarys.edu/~ocse

Section 4: Campus Services >>>