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A new chapter for Campus Ministry

A new chapter for Campus Ministry

by Shannon Dufresne
 

Ursuline students will have more opportunities this year to step away from the demands of the school day, pray, and deepen their understanding of what it means to live their faith.

From retreats and liturgies to smaller gatherings for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and reconciliation, Campus Ministry is expanding opportunities for students across all grades to participate in the school's spiritual life. Serviam, the school motto meaning "I will serve," will remain an important part of that experience, helping students connect their faith with service to others.

A familiar face, a new calling

A newly formed Campus Ministry team, led by Director of Mission and Formation Dr. David Gelpi, will bring those opportunities to life. Maria Hanson '84 moves into the role of campus minister, while Catherine Harkins joins Ursuline as a religious studies teacher and member of the Campus Ministry team. Together with Service Coordinator Jennifer Schassler, they will provide faith formation, spiritual development, and Serviam programming for students across all grades.

For Hanson, the move into Campus Ministry brings a new dimension to a commitment to Ursuline students that spans decades.

A proud alumna and former English department chair, Hanson has spent years accompanying students through important stages of their education. Her commitment to their spiritual growth has remained constant. She has frequently volunteered for retreats, and her connection to Campus Ministry reaches back to her own student days as a Peer Minister.

"I feel the Holy Spirit moving in my life and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our school and our students in this capacity." 
- Maria Hanson '84, campus minister

One experience in particular illustrates why Hanson feels so drawn to this work.

While accompanying students on a trip to Brescia, Italy, Hanson recalled arriving at a locked church where the body of St. Angela Merici rests. An Ursuline sister from the convent next door helped them gain access, allowing the group to enter and spend time in the presence of the woman whose vision and faith gave rise to the Ursuline tradition.

For Hanson, seeing students encounter St. Angela in such a personal way was deeply moving. It also reflected something that has long been important to her: helping young people experience the Catholic faith and Ursuline tradition as living and relevant to their own lives.

More recently, a course exploring faith and spirituality in teaching and working with young people helped Hanson discern a new direction.

"I feel the Holy Spirit moving in my life and am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our school and our students in this capacity," Hanson said.

For Hanson, that work includes helping students develop a personal relationship with Jesus while also understanding the spirituality of St. Angela that is woven throughout the school. She believes it is important to intentionally invite Jesus into students' lives and create space for prayer amid the demands of daily life.

Maria Hanson ’84 led Ursuline students on a March 2024 visit to the Sanctuary of St. Angela Merici in Brescia, Italy, where they saw the body of St. Angela, foundress of the Ursulines.


Faith throughout the student experience

Harkins will help strengthen the connection between faith and learning through her work in the religious studies department and her involvement on the Campus Ministry team. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in secondary education and English from Seton Hall University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in theology and Christian ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Before coming to Ursuline, she taught English language arts and religion and worked in religious education in her home diocese.

Schassler's work as service coordinator provides another important dimension, helping students understand Serviam as an expression of their faith and responsibility to help others.

"Through prayer, liturgy, retreats and Serviam, we want students to see faith as part of their everyday lives and something that shapes how they engage with the world around them."
- Dr. David Gelpi, director of Mission and Formation

Students will begin experiencing the team's work immediately. Morning prayer will mark the first day of classes on September 14. Later in the month, students will participate in the Peer Ministry retreat and orientation, observe the International Day of Peace, and gather for the Mass of the Holy Spirit. October will bring the eighth grade retreat, Mother-Daughter Communion Breakfast, Ring Day Mass, and the Feast of St. Ursula.

More opportunities to connect

Throughout the year, students will also have opportunities to participate in monthly all-school liturgies. Smaller groups will take part in Mass at the Province Center twice each month, while Eucharistic Adoration, reconciliation, and celebrations of the Liturgy of the Word will provide additional opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Together, these experiences are intended to make faith and spirituality an active part of students' lives at Ursuline and deepen the connection between prayer and Serviam.

For Hanson, the opportunity to help students make those connections brings her own Ursuline journey full circle, from a student involved in Peer Ministry to an educator accompanying generations of Ursuline girls and now to a new role centered on their spiritual growth.

"Our hope is that every student finds meaningful opportunities to grow in her faith during her years at Ursuline," Dr. Gelpi said. "Through prayer, liturgy, retreats and Serviam, we want students to see faith as part of their everyday lives and something that shapes how they engage with the world around them."

 

  • Achievements
  • Alumnae
  • Faith & Spirituality
  • Serviam

More Connections

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