Message from the Director

A Message from the Director of Campus Ministry:  

Hey there! 

We are glad you are here! “Here” as in Christian Brothers University, but also “here” as in wherever it is that you are: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether we acknowledge it or not, “here” is always a privileged place to be because “here” is where God is, though we sometimes forget that reality. That’s why Lasallians so frequently say, “let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God.” God is here with us right now, and that’s a fundamental place to begin. 

I’m biased, but Campus Ministry does a lot of great and important things at CBU. Perhaps the greatest and most important thing that we do is walk with students on their journeys of life. On some days, our students are on the top of the world, unstoppably achieving their dreams, succeeding in the classroom, in the athletic arena, in the workplace. On other days, they are wrestling with big decisions: “Is this the right major for me?” “Should I keep dating this person?” Or “What do I want to do with my life?” On the hardest days, our students deal with unthinkable tragedy that changes the trajectory of their life, like the loss of a loved one. In the midst of success, confusion, or loss, Campus Ministry is here. Sure, we offer a lot of great programming and events, like our frequent on-campus Masses and social gatherings, our faith groups and retreats. But we also have our doors open, ready to meet students right where they are. We celebrate, counsel, and most significantly of all, we listen.  

The reason that we are willing and able to do this is because we are inspired by Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Make no mistake: we are here for all students, regardless of their religious affiliation, even if they don’t profess any faith. We walk with students because we are Catholic, Christian disciples, not because they are. In the many opportunities we offer for faith, service, and community, we want all students of all religions and backgrounds to feel welcome and that they belong.  

We hope you get involved in some of our events! Check out weekly Mass or our Prayer and Worship service. Join a faith group. Sign up for a retreat, even if you’ve never done one before. Eat some s’mores with us around a fire (that one’s the easiest — we know how to have a bit of fun, too!). Whatever the case may be for you, we hope to offer something that interests and engages you.  

So again we say, “Welcome! We are glad you are here!” Please don’t forget, during your time at Christian Brothers University, Campus Ministry is “here” for you, too.    

Peace, 

Joel Kelley  
Director of Campus Ministry