Inside UD’s Catholic Community and Campus Ministry Life

Brookelyn Rice | Contributing Writer

At 10 a.m. on Sundays, the loud hum of church bells can be heard, their echoes resounding through the heart of campus at the University of Dayton. The chimes serve as a call to worship and many answer as they file into the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Some choose to bless themselves by dipping their fingers into the holy water font and others elect to find their seat among the congregation, kneeling in reverence before entering the pew. 

As the choir sings the entrance hymn, the congregation stands and the priest and servers slowly walk down the aisle. They reach the altar and bow in front of it. The priest faces the people to deliver his greeting, which recognizes the presence of God.

Sunday Mass is a crucial part of what it means to be Catholic. It helps foster a sense of community, important to all who call themselves Flyers. The service marks the beginning of the week and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ through the receiving of Holy Communion. 

Mass is one of many opportunities to grow in devotion and experience fellowship, but others can easily be found. Students may join the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) to convert to the Catholic faith or participate in the student organization Catholic Life. Regardless of the avenue a student takes, they will get a unique chance to walk with others in faith and live life abundantly. 

OCIA has a life-changing impact. The group meets weekly on Sundays to discuss church practices and the sacraments they will soon receive. Currently, the group is in a period of Purification and Enlightenment. This is the last phase before Easter which involves spiritual preparation as those going through the process look forward to Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion. 

Those unfamiliar with the concept may think of it as another class, however it involves much more. In her seven years leading, Campus Minister for Liturgy and Sacraments, Katie Matthews has seen lives changed by the experience. Some participants have been called to a spiritual vocation, such as becoming campus ministers.  Although the process of discernment looks different for every individual and depends on one’s faith background it is very communal in nature.

“It’s not only a place to learn, but it is actually an opportunity to learn about yourself at the same time,” Matthews said. 

Even after students accept the sacraments and enter the Church, they will never find difficulty getting involved with their Catholic community. Campus Ministry is rooted in collectivism, and it is present in all sponsored events. The immersive experiences range from retreats and service projects to small faith groups and even mission trips. Many activities are organized in collaboration with Catholic Life, a campus organization that hosts events such as guest speakers and Bible studies. 

No person could be more credible about Campus Ministry and its impact than University Chaplain Fr. Bob Jones, S.M. Aside from his duties concerning Mass, reconciliation and anointing of the sick, he makes a point of being available to students for pastoral counseling. 

Considering the university is of Marianist tradition, Jones works with Campus Ministry focusing on holistic education, vocational discernment, mental health resources and formation in faith. Also vital to the organization is residential living, meant to help students find their people and thrive. As he noted these things the university chaplain recalled a group of students who elected to live together in faith housing. Having recently attended the wedding of one of those students he was glad to see all the former housemates of the groom present as well, proving meaningful relationships never leave us. 

Another unique faith opportunity provided to students is the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which Jones helps lead. During this journey of 160 miles in 13 days, he says people focus not only on the destination, the grave of Saint James but also on the trek. He believes it allows people to be free from traditional life and become immersed in faith. As students move through the struggles of hiking, they indulge in community, sharing meals with their fellow travelers and even hikers from other countries. 

Regardless of all the chances Campus Ministry provides for students to get involved and build community, one thing is prioritized, faith. Jones encapsulates the mission of Campus Ministry by quoting scripture. 

“A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NABRE). 

The chaplain said the mission is to help students find the fullness of life through faith and their relationship with Jesus Christ. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brookelyn Rice produced this article as part of CMM 330: Media Writing, a course offered through the Department of Communication at the University of Dayton. In this class, students develop writing skills for journalism and public relations across media platforms, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and effective information gathering. This story, featured in Flyer News, explores the impact of faith and fellowship at UD through Campus Ministry. Work like this gives students the opportunity to report on real stories while building a strong foundation in media writing.