The role of our Campus Minister, with the assistance of the administration, faculty, and Mission Effectiveness Committee of the Mater Dei School Board, is to foster personal and spiritual growth and to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community.
The first concern of our Campus Minister is the individual student. Through one-on-one interaction with students, augmented by the services of our counselor, we provide students with assistance when needed. Moreover, when deemed necessary, our counselor assists families with coordinating additional resources to provide support outside of the school day.
Since Church is a community of individuals with different gifts, Campus Ministry programs challenge students to develop their unique talents, especially within the sacramental and liturgical life of the Church. At Mater Dei, our Campus Minister also promotes the faith development of our students through weekly all-school Masses (in conjunction with the Theology Department), annual retreats for all students, the three-week Senior Service Project, and the promotion of additional retreats and conventions outside of Mater Dei, such as Quest, TEC, and NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference).
Know that our Campus Minister and our counselor, whose offices we refer to as “the students’ home away from home,” will serve as one of your many partners in the growth of your child!
Masses
Mass is celebrated each week, which provides additional opportunities for our students both to share and to further develop their faith! (For the schedule, please visit the "Liturgical Schedule" page.) The Masses, for which pastors from our surrounding parishes volunteer to preside, are held in our gymnasium. All parish leaders, as well as parents and alumni, are always invited to join our students for these celebrations of faith. In November, grandparents are our special guests, and in May, mothers are our special guests at our May Mass.
Lenten Activities
During the season of Lent, students and faculty are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Liturgical Opportunities
Our students are invited to volunteer their gifts and talents at our weekly Masses by participating in a variety of liturgical roles. Participation in specific roles is based on eligibility, liturgical guidelines, and pastoral direction. For additional information, please view the "Liturgical Opportunities" section on the "Activities" page.
Liturgical Music Group
Our students share their gift of music, both vocal and instrumental, during our Masses. All students are welcome to join this organization. For additional information, please view the "Liturgical Music Group" section on the “Activities" page.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Our junior and senior students who possess a desire to play a more active role in the celebration of the Eucharist and meet the requirements are invited to serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. After completing the required training, the students are then commissioned at a Mass. In addition to serving the Mater Dei community, our students may also serve their parish community.
Mater Dei Retreats
Each year, we provide our students with a one-day retreat (by class), which is held off campus. During these faith experiences, students are lead by a professional retreat team that focuses on a different aspect of faith for each class, yet challenges all of our students to deepen both their faith and their understanding of our Catholic tradition.
Diocesan Retreats
Quest
All freshman and sophomore students are encouraged to attend Quest, a 33-hour retreat sponsored by the Diocese of Belleville. As an experience focused on sharing with other teens, Quest provides participants an opportunity to discover more about God, themselves and their relationships with family and friends. Quest retreats are facilitated by a team of lay adults, priests, sisters and teens, and held at various locations throughout the year. For additional information on Quest, please visit www.bellevilletec.org.
TEC (Teens Encounter Christ)
All juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend TEC, a three-day retreat sponsored by the Diocese of Belleville. As an experience in Christian living, TEC is designed to provide participants an opportunity to reflect and live the Paschal Mystery. Quest retreats are facilitated by a team of lay adults, priests, sisters and teens, and held at various locations throughout the year. For additional information on Quest, please visit www.bellevilletec.org.
As a means of more fully nurturing the spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, and social growth of our students, Campus Ministry serves as a safe environment, or an “ear,” for students who need someone to listen.
At Mater Dei, it is our desire that each student feels important and “at home.” Thus, Campus Ministry, in conjunction with our counselor and teachers, puts forth every effort to recognize students who are experiencing difficulties and guides them to recognizing and sharing their gifts and talents.
Students have the opportunity to meet with our campus minister and/or counselor on a daily basis. When deemed necessary, our campus minister and/or our counselor will network with other agencies and/or counselors to arrange additional support and services.
