The first-ever RISE Awards were presented to recognize innovative evangelization projects on college campuses. The awards highlight the efforts of students, faculty, and staff who are actively involved in sharing their faith. Winning projects demonstrated creativity and effectiveness in reaching out to the campus community. The RISE Awards aim to inspire and encourage further evangelization initiatives in higher education.
4 months ago
The Associates of St. John Bosco (ASJB), a nonprofit dedicated to helping college students maintain and grow their Catholic faith, recently launched its inaugural RISE Awards (Renewal of Innovative Student Evangelization) 2 3. Announced on August 6, these awards aim to inspire and fund creative evangelization projects on college campuses 2 3. The initiative seeks to address the common challenges faced by campus ministries, such as limited funding and a need for more innovative outreach methods, as noted by ASJB executive director Danielle Zuccaro 2 3.
A total of $25,000 in funding was distributed among the first three winning Catholic campus ministries 2 3. These recipients include George Mason University, The Catholic University of America (CUA), and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) 2 3.
George Mason University's winning project focuses on creating a community rooted in Christ among student athletes from various sports 2 3. These students will serve as "ambassadors," using branded gear to attract fellow athletes to small groups and the broader ministry 2 3.
The Catholic University of America's innovative approach involves outdoor Eucharistic adoration on campus, accompanied by praise and worship music and opportunities for confession 2 3. This event is scheduled for the first Saturday of students' return to campus and during Family Weekend in the fall, aiming to reach a wide audience of students and families 2 3.
Virginia Tech's award-winning initiative is a "Pour Into Others" program, featuring a new coffee shop for students 2 3. The cafe will operate weekly, coinciding with Eucharistic adoration in the Newman Center, with the goal of drawing students in and inviting them to experience adoration and other campus ministry events 2 3.
The inspiration for the RISE Awards came from ASJB founder Father Christopher Vaccaro, who observed that campus ministries often lacked both funds and creativity 2 3. The awards are designed to incentivize ministries to develop "outside the box" projects that serve specific campus demographics 2 3.
Currently, the awards are open only to college campuses in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, but the ASJB has expressed hopes for future expansion 2 3. Winning ministries are required to submit a video showcasing their project and a detailed plan, which will be made available on the ASJB website 2 3. This resource will allow other college campuses nationwide to replicate successful evangelization projects, further extending the initiative's reach 2 3. Danielle Zuccaro emphasized the organization's desire to "cast the widest net" to reach as many students as possible 2 3.
What is the Church's mission in higher education?
The Church's mission in higher education is multifaceted, aiming to integrate faith and reason, foster moral and spiritual development, and contribute to the common good through the pursuit of truth and the formation of individuals . This mission is primarily carried out through Catholic universities and colleges, which are called to be centers of intellectual excellence and evangelization .
Catholic higher education seeks to demonstrate the intrinsic harmony between faith and reason . It recognizes that both are gifts from God and are essential for a complete understanding of truth. The Church believes that faith illuminates reason, allowing for a deeper comprehension of reality, while reason can explore and articulate the truths of faith. This integration is not about reducing one to the other, but rather showing how they complement and enrich each other in the pursuit of wisdom.
A fundamental aspect of the Church's mission in higher education is the unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth in all its forms . This includes scientific, cultural, and religious truths. Catholic universities are called to engage in rigorous academic inquiry, critical thinking, and open dialogue, always striving for a deeper understanding of the world and humanity's place within it. This pursuit of truth is seen as an act of worship and a service to humanity.
Catholic higher education is not solely focused on intellectual development but also on the holistic formation of the person . It aims to cultivate moral virtues, spiritual growth, and a sense of social responsibility in students. This involves fostering a personal relationship with Christ, encouraging a life of prayer and service, and instilling a commitment to ethical conduct in all aspects of life. The goal is to form individuals who are not only intellectually capable but also morally upright and spiritually mature.
Catholic universities are called to serve both the Church and society at large . They contribute to the Church's mission of evangelization by preparing individuals to live and spread the Gospel in their professional and personal lives. They also serve society by addressing pressing social issues, promoting justice, and contributing to the cultural and intellectual development of communities. This service is rooted in the Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the dignity of the human person and the common good.
To fulfill its mission, a Catholic university possesses several distinctive characteristics:
These characteristics ensure that Catholic higher education remains true to its identity and effectively carries out its mission in the contemporary world.