Father Mike Schmitz discusses the unique aspects of campus ministry, highlighting its blend of faith and intellectual exploration. He emphasizes the importance of campus ministry in providing a space for students to grow spiritually while also engaging with academic life. Father Schmitz views campus ministry as an opportunity to connect with young people and guide them in their faith journeys. The article portrays campus ministry as a supportive community that helps students navigate the challenges of college life.
4 months ago
Father Mike Schmitz, widely recognized for his "Bible in a Year" podcast and national speaking engagements, primarily serves as the chaplain at the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) 2. This fall marks his 21st year in campus ministry, a role he describes as "the best of both worlds" 2. His current "Parables Tour" is also part of the "Seeds of Faith Campaign," which aims to fund a new Newman Center on the UMD campus 2.
Schmitz highlights the distinct advantages of campus ministry over traditional parish work, noting the remarkable openness of college students 2. He observes that young adults in this phase are often asking profound life questions, leading to numerous conversions within the campus setting 2. This environment contrasts with parish settings, where he found young people could be "fickle" in their faith 2.
The Newman Center at UMD, also known as Bulldog Catholic, has demonstrated remarkable success in fostering vocations and strengthening faith 2. The ministry has guided 400 couples through marriage preparation, seen 8 women enter religious life, and witnessed over 16 men enter seminary, with 7 ultimately ordained as priests 2. Father Schmitz particularly enjoys marriage preparation, viewing it as a process of discerning how God calls individuals to discipleship within their lives 2. He also considers it a "great grace" to accompany individuals discerning religious life 2.
Father Schmitz is deeply concerned by the statistic that nearly 85% of Catholic young adults disengage from the Church during college 2. He emphasizes the Newman Center's mission to counteract this trend in Duluth, striving to keep students connected to their faith 2. He also expresses hope that the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, being from America, could make God feel "closer" and more real to young Catholics, potentially inspiring a resurgence in conversions 2.
Based on his extensive experience, Father Schmitz offers three key recommendations for growing involvement in campus ministry 2. These include offering daily Mass and confession, establishing engaging Bible studies, and regularly hosting retreats 2. He stresses the importance of community, stating that "as Catholics we worship in rows, but we grow in circles," underscoring the need for small groups where individuals feel known and supported 2. Retreats are crucial for students to escape the "loud" world, encounter God, and return to campus with a renewed sense of purpose 2. Ultimately, Schmitz's goal for UMD students is not merely to become more devout, but to be prepared as "martyrs"—witnesses to their faith in all aspects of life, regardless of the cost 2.
What is the Church's role in young adult formation?
The Church plays a vital role in the formation of young adults, recognizing this period as a crucial time for spiritual growth, vocational discernment, and integration into the life of the Church. This formation is not merely about imparting knowledge but about fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and equipping young adults to live out their faith in the world.
The Church's efforts in young adult formation encompass several key areas:
The Church recognizes that young adults face unique challenges, such as navigating a complex secular world, career pressures, and forming new families. Therefore, effective young adult ministry often involves:
By focusing on these areas, the Church seeks to accompany young adults on their journey of faith, helping them to become mature disciples of Christ who are fully engaged in the life and mission of the Church.