GENERAL INFORMATION

The Campus Ministry department was organized in 1971 by former president Father Joseph Schell, S.J. The Department of Campus Ministry is in the division of Student Affairs.

Our Philosophy Statement:

The office of Campus Ministry encourages students, faculty, staff, and administrators of JCU to integrate personal faith into the academic and social environment of the university. We value the university’s commitment to academic pursuits, and welcome the opportunities we have to bring a Catholic and Ignatian faith perspective to bear on issues and trends that may surface in various disciplines. We have identified the following statements as our purpose:

• We embrace the Jesuit, Catholic intellectual tradition as an indispensable partner in the search for truth and wisdom.
• We promote a faith that does justice through education, advocacy, service and reflection;
• We foster the development of whole persons who are servant leaders in their local, global, and faith communities.
• We provide an open, caring, hospitable and collaborative atmosphere that supports the mission of the University.
• We establish a sense of community through vibrant worship, retreats, and small faith communities, with Eucharist as the primary spiritual experience.
• We advocate for a community comprised of a diversity of faith and spiritual perspectives that seeks both wisdom and a fuller spiritual life.

Departmental Goals

In solidarity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, we aspire to instill a basic knowledge and understanding of the six aspects of Campus Ministry outlined in the 1985 US Bishop’s Pastoral Letter “Empowered By the Spirit: Campus Ministry Faces the Future.” The six aspects are:


Forming the Faith Community
Appropriating the Faith
Forming the Christian Conscience
Facilitating Personal Development
Educating for Justice
Developing Leaders for the Future

In light of these aspects, our departmental goals are as follows:

1. To form the faith community in the Catholic and Ignatian tradition, as well as provide our non-Catholic population with opportunities to gather with others of their faith traditions.
2. To aid the JCU community in the appropriation and appreciation of their faith.
3. To provide programs, panels and discussion groups that aim at the formation of conscience and character.
4. To facilitate the personal development and spiritual growth of our student leaders.
5. To educate the community in a faith that does justice.
6. To inspire individuals to excel in learning, leadership, and service in the region and in the world.