Campus Ministry, also known as “the heart of Mater Dei,” plays a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual life of our students and community. Campus Ministry is a lively, supportive community that fosters deep connections with each other and with God.
Being a part of Campus Ministry requires dedication and weekly commitment. Students and staff members consistently plan retreats as well as set up for Adoration, Masses, and meetings regarding the school’s prayer life and writing morning prayer.
One of these dedicated staff members is Executive Director of Campus Ministry Helen Steves, whose role is to grow and form the spiritual lives of students and create a familial, supportive community within the school.
“I have the privilege every day to work with a team of people through the retreat programs to the Christian service program, through prayer and worship and through pastoral ministry, building up the body of Christ here at Mater Dei and understanding the wonder of our patroness, Mary Mater Dei,” Steves said.
Steves expresses the unique opportunity to serve the Mater Dei community with Campus Ministry as Executive Director. This position allows her to connect with students through faith experiences as well as to plan various school events and activities. Working with a group that is dedicated to the school’s betterment of spiritual life is gratifying and builds a sense of purpose and belonging.
Director of Retreats Anthony Bravo emphasizes the transformative power of spiritual life and the sense of community that students can experience by being part of the Campus Ministry. He believes that joining Campus Ministry is not just a privilege, but also a journey that allows students to grow closer to God and each other.
“What students benefit in joining Campus Ministry is the opportunity to be able to begin and grow in a journey that is so crucial, which is their spiritual life,” Bravo said. “Spiritual life is truly one of the most important things that we can work on. And by joining campus ministry, they are involving themselves and being able to grow closer to God, but also grow in community with one another and to be a part of Campus Ministry. We get the opportunity to journey with them in that process.”
Campus Ministry acts as a nurturing hub that helps students be active in their faith lives and to grow as individuals because of the diligent staff and commissioners that have been actively involved in campus to make the rich culture of Mater Dei that we know and love today.
Senior Charlotte De Leon is one of the head commissioners of ASB’s Campus Ministry commission. She appreciates the fulfillment that comes from being part of this tight-knit community and highlights the sense of solidarity and purpose that comes from worshiping and serving together on campus.
“I returned to the program [after taking a break] because I was drawn to that welcoming community, and I loved having a community I can worship with on campus,” De Leon said.
De Leon’s sense of belonging within the community drives her commitment to Campus Ministry. Her dedication is further exemplified in her role as a Campus Ministry commissioner, by actively participating in the program and assuming leadership roles, De Leon embodies the Mater Dei values of Christian service and community fundamental to the campus environment.
“Commissioners are in charge of making afternoon announcements every day. So, when you hear ‘good afternoon Mater Dei, we have no afternoon announcements,’ it is one of the Campus Ministry commissioners speaking,” De Leon said. “These commissioners are also responsible for writing the prayers every week.”
De Leon highlights the fact that Campus Ministry has not only developed individual growth, but also formed a community that inspires students to serve others and develop a strong, active faith life. It’s a place where students can find support, make lasting connections, and enhance their high school experience. Being a part of this program is an opportunity to be part of something truly special.
“People should join Campus Ministry, because it’s just a really great community to get to know people and grow in your faith and serve others through lots of acts of service and really give glory to God,” De Leon said. “And when they say that Campus Ministry is the heart of Mater Dei, it really is the heart of Mater Dei, because there’s just so much life and love in it.”
