CAMPUS MINISTRY
The Education work of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres is always centered on the Christian Formation of all stakeholders. Thus, Christian Formation is seen as both a way of life and a process. As a way of life, it permeates all activities, policies, rules, and regulations of the institution and as a process, it can be organized, structured, and programmed to ensure interdependence in the development and integration of the three components: Religious Education, Campus Ministry and Community Extension Services.
In effect our faith as Paulinians should be nourished and strengthened by the grace we received in the celebration of worship and prayer, inspiring us to do our daily service routine to God and neighbor. Thus, the Christian Formation Office through the Campus Ministry creates an environment by providing opportunities for growth in the spiritual, sacramental, and prayer life. With the Education Ministry of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, various activities are scheduled to reach out to our Sisters, students, employees, and other stakeholders.
Focusing on the spiritual nourishment of the Paulinian Family, Devotional Masses (e.g. Wednesday Devotion to our Mother of Perpetual Help and First Friday Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Marian Feasts) and Institutional Masses (e.g. Holy Spirit Mass, Christmas Thanksgiving Mass and the like) are scheduled to bring nourishment to the soul. Aside from that, students and the Paulinian formators participate in annual recollections (for the undergraduates) and retreats (for both graduating students and the Paulinian Personnel). It serves as a moment to take a momentary pause from all the hustles and bustles in life, spend quality moments with God, and to spare a moment to oneself away from all the noise of the world. In every recollection and retreat, the participants are led into interaction through talks and reflections. Participants are also given the opportunity to reconcile themselves to God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Which in turn will usher them into receiving Jesus in the Holy Mass.
The quest for spiritual nourishment also allows us to deepen our connection with our Blessed Mother who is our model and guide in this journey of faith. Aside from the Wednesday devotions and celebrating important Marian Feasts and Solemnities, we gathered last December 7 (after the two-year pause due to the pandemic restrictions) to celebrate our Annual Marian Camp. It was an opportune time for our dear students to learn more about the virtues of the Blessed Mary in this contemporary time which was given emphasis by the talk of Rev. Fr. Carmelito Limbaga, Jr. The celebration also highlights the opening of Christmas decorations, the Agape celebration, and the praise and worship which brought the entire Paulinian community to sing our praises to the Almighty God. The said moment also ushered us to the celebration of the Eucharist on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the night was concluded by the recitation of the Rosary. Indeed, it was a meaningful comeback after the threats of the pandemic as we gathered as a family to relive, and deepen our love for Mary and Jesus.
Aside from fostering devotion the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Campus Ministry also encourages the spiritual growth of our students in their sacramental life. That is why, students in the grade school particularly the (Grade 3-4 pupils) who were not able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, were given the opportunity last December 10 to have their First Communion. It was a joyful moment to see these children so eager to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood for the first time. Enrich by the food that brings life, our quest to strengthen the sacramental life of our students doesn’t end there. Rather it allows us to extend our ministry even to the young as we prepare our students to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thus, on May 20, 2023, our students and some guests were able to be inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit as they received the sacrament of Confirmation. These young people then were commissioned by the Church to be living witnesses of the faith, especially in these challenging times of our society today.
Important milestones and significant moments are also given importance in the schedule of activities for the Campus Ministry. Thus, we actively took part in the preparation and celebration of the Installation of the new University President last September 5, 2023. Aside from that, we had our share in the festivities during the 118th Foundation Anniversary which included the blessing of booths, food stalls, and animals. We facilitated the Alumni Mass and the Thanksgiving Mass for the gift of mission for this esteemed institution. In time for the celebration of the 118th Foundation Anniversary, we were blessed to receive in our midst the relic of St. Titus Brandsma – the defender of truth. These then are moments of grace and opportunities to grow much deeper in our faith. As we acknowledge our mission to the Church, we too recognize the people who tirelessly work for this mission. That is the reason why, as we honor our patron St. Paul last January 25, we too acknowledge our colleagues who tirelessly work in the vineyard of God for quite a number of years already. Aside from that we too joined our sisters last February 2, as they renewed their vows to God and His Church.
The Campus Ministry also extends its service, especially to departmental activities and the celebration of important milestones in the life of our students. We facilitate in the Eucharistic Celebration for Pinnings, Capping Ceremonies, Ring, and Pin Ceremonies which acknowledges the tireless efforts of our dear students as they reach for their dreams. We also help facilitate the Year-end thanksgiving Masses and Baccalaureate Masses, which allow our students to extend their gratitude to God for all the blessings received and for sustaining them in their Academic Journey.
Although faith and devotion is always personal commitment, the Campus Ministry provides ample avenues for faith to grow and devotion to flourish. The activities then are our means to help our students as well as our Paulinian formators and other stakeholders to deepen their spiritual life and to grow in their relationship with God.