College Connection for Catholics

The Purpose

To help High School graduates locate the "Catholic presence" when they arrive on campus - especially at schools that have an active Catholic Campus Ministry program.

The Rationale

A recent study completed by CARA for the U. S. Bishops concerning Catholic Campus Ministry (November, 2005) confirmed a strong opinion that those who were active in Campus Ministry: attended Mass more often than those who did not participate in Campus Ministry; donated more to their Parishes; became leaders in the Parishes; and were more likely to consider a vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life. The obvious conclusion: increasing the number of students participating in Campus Ministry should greatly benefit the Church in many ways.

The Method

Serra Clubs in the United States are being asked to solicit student information from Catholic High Schools and Parish Youth Ministers. This information will allow to preparation of small packets of information about the school’s campus ministry programs and facilities (location - time of Services - who's in charge – programs –fellowship, etc.).

By furnishing the Campus Minister names and addresses of Catholic students coming to their school, the Campus Minister has an opportunity to send a personal invitation to the student to visit their facility when they arrive on campus. Should there be no official “Catholic presence” on campus, the student will receive information about a nearby Parish.

Approvals

Serra is working closely with the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA) and the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministers (NFCYM) The program has received the written approval of the several Past Chairmen of the Bishops' Committee on Vocations, including Bishop Blasé Cupich, our Episcopal Adviser; Archbishop Eldon Curtiss; and Bishops Robert Carlson and Paul Loverde. Other letters were received from Archbishop Wilton Gregory (Atlanta); and Bishop Leonard Blair (Toledo).

The program was featured nationally on “Life on the Rock” (EWTN June 14, 2007) and with an article in National Catholic Register (September 2, 2007.) Articles appeared in “trade” magazines or newsletters of National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD); National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC); National Catholic Education Association (NCEA); and of course the CCMA, and NFCYM .

Further Information

For further information on the COLLEGE CONNECTION for Catholics program contact Judy Cozzens, Program Coordinator SerraUSA Vocations Committee.

Get started today

We are pleased to release the revised College Connection for Catholics Activating Kit. While the program typically begins in the Spring, it will help to get a head start. Download the new College Connection for Catholics Activating Kit today.

Downloads

2010 College Connection for Catholics Activating Kit

College Connection Club Newsletter Insert (PDF)

College Connection Club Newsletter Insert (RTF)

Excel Student Enrollment Form

Excel Student Enrollment Form (PDF)

Excel Student Enrollment Form Example (PDF)

Additional Information

Program helps college Catholics stay connected to their faith

By Kara Hansen, Leaven staff

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — After sending three children through Catholic grade school and high school, Bill McHale was more than a little surprised to learn that each of his children, one by one, stopped practicing their faith once they left for college. <read more....>

Campus Minister Pleads for Help

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