Despite competition from student parties and social activities,
the 10 p.m. student mass held at St. Francis Xavier College Church
on Sunday evening was well attended by the Saint Louis University
community. Individuals arriving five minutes early found that
standing room was the only available option. Perhaps it was
shocking for incoming freshmen to see a church overflowing with
students, all embracing after a long summer vacation, but for those
returning to campus, this was no surprise. Although the weekly
liturgy does not always boast standing room only attendance, campus
ministry activities of all sorts are a major student priority at
SLU.

Individuals seeking to grow spiritually during their college
experience will be reassured to know that the Office of Campus
Ministry offers a variety of activities in which students can get
involved.

According to the program’s director, Michael Doody, S.J.,
“[Campus Ministry] can incorporate the gifts and talents of
everyone in all areas of ministry on campus.”

Retreats, faith development and peace and justice programs are
three of the main options offered.

Freshmen students feeling overworked after a hard first semester
might want to consider attending “A Fresh Look” retreat. At these
retreats, students are invited to rebuild the enthusiasm they had
when beginning their college experience. Exercises throughout the
weekend that are intended to do just that include group activities,
personal experience sharing and common prayer.

the Saint Louis University Christian Action Program’s Urban
Plunge is targeted at students who seek not only to serve others
but also to learn more about their own community. Throughout the
weekend, students will not only learn valuable life lessons through
hard work, but also participate in discussions focusing on topics
including options for the poor and faith in action.

In high school, many SLU students had the opportunity to
participate in Kairos, Search and TEC retreats. However, many
students who attended public schools or had scheduling conflicts
did not get to take advantage of this type of experience. SLU
Encounter is a weekend retreat that allows participants to explore
the foundations of their faith in God and Jesus Christ. During this
time, students will hear a series of talks given by a team of
students, faculty and staff and will also be involved in small
group-discussion, prayer and fellowship.

Throughout the year, students will undoubtedly see
advertisements for various student organizations sponsored by
campus ministry. Amnesty International, SLU Students for Life and
JUSTICE are three main organizations that depend on student
involvement.

Members of AI meet every week to write letters on behalf of
political prisoners worldwide. One of the main goals of AI is to
regularly inform the University community about the issues of human
rights in the world.

SLU Students for Life is a non-violent, pro-life organization.
The group seeks to provide a voice for the voiceless through
peaceful protest and other activities. Each January, members travel
to Washington D.C., to participate in the March for Life.

JUSTICE, a group that seeks to make the Jesuit Mission visible,
is a newly chartered student organization.

The campus-wide Food Drive, run by students and sponsored by
Campus Ministry is “a major campus event that is a very clear and
tangible way to respond to the needs of the poor,” Doody said.

The drive, which occurs each fall, raises awareness of and
provides help for the poor and hungry on the local, national and
international levels.

For students wanting to become more involved in the campus
liturgy, several different positions are offered, including lector,
Eucharistic minister, greeter, server and choir member. Training
programs are offered during the fall semester for those interested
in these ministries.

Additional information for any of the above activities is
available in the Campus Ministry office or by calling 977-2425.