Integrating Ministerial Visions: Lessons from Campus Ministry

Barbara H. McCrabb,Maureen K. Day

doi:10.3390/rel11120642

Abstract

In recent years, colleges and universities have seen an increase in a relatively new model of Catholic campus ministry: missionary organizations. As these missionaries grow in number, there is also an increase in the number of campuses that simultaneously use missionaries and long-term, professional ministers with graduate degrees. Drawing upon two national studies of Catholic campus ministers and the work of a national task force, this article will illuminate the obstacles these blended teams face in crafting a more holistic engagement with the Catholic tradition. It will also outline the steps to promote a more integrated ministerial vision and to become more pastorally effective. Implications for ministry more broadly are discussed.

Highlights

Before exploring the data from the two studies and determining effective pastoral approaches, it is important to outline the social context of young adults, with particular attention to young adult Catholics
The data from the two studies were illuminating for the USCCB Secretariat of Education and campus ministry leaders
The Secretariat recognized the potential for challenges among blended ministry teams and wanted to better support these

Summary

Introduction

Before exploring the data from the two studies and determining effective pastoral approaches, it is important to outline the social context of young adults, with particular attention to young adult Catholics. Emerging adults—regardless of race, economic background or other factors—are characterized by an intentional exploration and formation of identity (something once exclusive to adolescence), a sense of being in-between adolescence and adulthood (growing in responsibility while still dependent emotionally and financially on family of origin), and a time of instability (especially geographic moves, career changes, and a number of romantic relationships). Undergraduates, even while they may have a fairly predictable four-year plan, are no less caught up in discovering who they are and what their future might hold. The Catholic Church—at the highest levels—has acknowledged the gifts and struggles of the world’s young adults (Pope Francis 2019)

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Conclusion