Growing Campus Ministry Services in the Honors Program

Volunteering, one of the pillars of the Honors program, is often described as one of the most fulfilling methods of student involvement. The Honors sophomore class can attest to that, having individually spent two hours a week on independent service learning for the past two months. For many students, it is the involvement of Campus Ministry that has made this experience so rewarding.

Cara Annese, Campus Minister and Hall Chaplain, is teaching a section of Reflecting on Service, which is the course all Honors sophomores are required to take alongside their service. Annese describes her experience with the course, saying, “Honors students are able to converse in a way I’m used to. There’s a lot more give and take.” The involvement of Campus Ministry in the course makes it more than simple reflection on service. Topics from the college’s Augustinian values to economic and social justice are discussed. The course is designed to challenge students to view their world differently, and Campus Ministry is helping the Honors program do just that.

The reason, Annese explains, that both departments work so well together, is because they share the common goal of “exposing people on campus to Augustinian tradition.” The values of Campus Ministry are reflected in the pillars and tenets of the Honors program, cultivating a relationship that strengthens every year. “The Honors Program does a good job including Campus Ministry,” says Cara, citing the recent Honors Reception and the upcoming Alternative Spring Break trip in May of 2016. She is glad with the connection Campus Ministry is now making with students, stating, “I really enjoy the fact that we’re doing this and connecting to the Honors Program academically.” With many Honors students feeling similarly, hopefully the involvement of Campus Ministry in Honors affairs will only continue to grow.