Campus Ministry is at the heart of Fairfield’s active and involved student body, offering programs and opportunities for students of all faiths and backgrounds. Egan Chapel stands proudly in the center of campus, drawing the eye to where it rests on the hill and drawing students into the many different ways to be included. Underneath the beautiful church is the sort of “living room” of Campus Ministry, where staff and students are all welcome to work, study, or just hang out.
A crucial part of what connects Campus Ministry to the student body so effectively is its capacity for listening to student requests. In addition to the already vibrant programs within Campus Ministry, such as retreats, service opportunities, the Gracenotes choir, watch parties and even therapy dog visits (my personal favorite), the possibilities are expanding even further in response to Stags’ strong interest in faith groups where they can grow spiritually, even outside of Mass.
In the coming weeks, there will be Bible studies on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, led by different members of the Campus Ministry team. In the future, however, the program may be led by students themselves. “Students have been asking for years for these types of programs,” says Kathleen Byrnes, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, “and we are excited to bring them this coming week!”
Campus Ministry began creating more small discussion groups last year with the addition of the weekly watch parties for the series “The Chosen” on Netflix, which tells the story of Jesus’ life with his disciples. These watch parties allowed students to come together, learn more about their faith and share with one another. The Bible study groups will extend these benefits to even more students, welcoming them into the Campus Ministry community and stretching its reach even farther.
Along with the newly established programs such as these, Campus Ministry’s devotion to student wellbeing and growth is evident in the popular “Fairfield on Fire” day, its university-wide day of service. Stags can sign up to be placed in various locations around campus or the surrounding community, where they get to spend a day hanging out with friends and working for the betterment of others. Fairfield University is rooted in Jesuit beliefs, so events like Fairfield on Fire are crucial to maintaining and practicing the values held by the university. Not only does it allow students to practice living out their faith, but it also provides them with the chance to make friends and get to know their classmates through fun activities.
Campus Ministry is not just for students who share the Christian faith; it offers part-time Protestant, Muslim and Jewish Campus Ministers, and religious and non-religious Stags alike are welcome. “I hope that every student, whether it’s through a Mass, a service opportunity, or any other program, knows that they are loved,” says Byrnes. “Students are also welcome to come and talk to a Campus Minister anytime – it’s literally my favorite part of my job! Whether you are struggling with something as big as homesickness or feeling disconnected, or just want to celebrate a good grade, we are here for you!” Byrnes also stressed that Campus Ministry is the home of the campus food pantry, and that anyone in need of food should not hesitate to reach out.
Faith is a central part of many Fairfield students’ experiences in their years here, so having a spiritual community that seeks to grow and welcome as many Stags as possible is a crucial part of campus life. Campus Ministry has done an excellent job of taking students’ needs and ideas into account and striving to create new pathways for students to get involved based on their feedback. Campus Ministry is more active than ever, and the wide array of opportunities for students really reflects that. For those students looking to get more involved on campus, widen their circle, or even learn more about themselves and their place here at Fairfield, Campus Ministry is the best place to start.