Campus Ministry
As they were walking along the road to Emmaus, two men were joined by a stranger. They walked, talked, and then parted ways. Upon reflection, the men said, "Did not our hearts burn within us?" (Luke 24:32). In that moment, they realized the stranger was Jesus--in their midst!
Everyday, Jesus is with us, in some way or another. The Campus Ministry department at Marianapolis strives to help students pause and notice the moments when their hearts, too, burn within them. Through liturgy, retreats, service, and pastoral care, Campus Ministry seeks to meet all Marianapolis students where they find themselves along their spiritual journey. Through intentional work rooted in the Catholic tradition, students are exposed to faith in action and are called to become contributing young citizens of our ever-changing world!
Service
At Marianapolis, service is an integral tradition of our learning experience. Students find opportunities to impact their local and global communities annually.
Among others, service traditions include:
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Relay for Life
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Homelessness Awareness Night
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Turkey Dip for Muscular Dystrophy
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Holiday Food Drive
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Red Cross Blood Drive
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Disaster Relief Outreach
The school fosters an appreciation for service through Residential Service Sunday and Rake Day, traditions that help students give back to the MPrep community.
The Disaster Relief Club raises funds through various bake sales and events on campus to support those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. On the weekends, students have the opportunity to volunteer in the local community at the Matulaitis Nursing Home as well as the Paws Cat Shelter. Other service opportunities sponsored by Marianapolis student groups include the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, and the Turkey Dip to raise funds for Camp Quinebaug. Within academic programs, service opportunities are also found such as Mission: New Orleans and Mission: Appalachia, both LEAP Week offerings. Students are encouraged to get involved at any level in the numerous service opportunities available.
Liturgy
Salvete: Liturgical Service
Salvete: Liturgical Service
Salvete is a student led group that is responsible for staffing all full-school masses throughout the year. Students are trained as Lectors, Altar Servers, Greeters, and Eucharistic Ministers twice a year - in September and January. Salvete is open to students of all grades and of wide-ranging liturgical backgrounds.
Pastoral Care
During lunch, the Ministry Space is open for students to connect with peers, Campus Ministers, and God.
Our campus Chaplain, Father Tim Roth, is available by request to hear confessions. Additionally, the Campus Ministers can meet with students for direction and guidance.
Retreats
Knight Vision Retreat: The 9th Grade Experience
During orientation, each 9th grade student participates in the Knight Vision Retreat. After a prayer service with their families, the freshmen travel off campus for a day long experience. The goal of the Knight Vision Retreat is to establish the importance of faith in the Marianapolis experience.
Fresh Faith: Freshman Elective
To root themselves in an intentional faith community, freshmen can sign up for a faith discussion group called Fresh Faith. The group meets twice a month: once for students to reflect on their high school experience in light of scripture and once for students to socialize with faith-filled peers.
The Bread of Life Dinner: The 10th Grade Experience
The 10th grade class is treated to a family style dinner, compliments of the Campus Ministry department. The Bread of Life Dinner allows students to pause in a hectic and transitional year to evaluate the balance they find amidst many demands and responsibilities. The dinner includes social activities, a hands-on demonstration, and a delicious meal.
igKNIGHT Retreat: Open to All
The igKNIGHT retreat offers students the option to devote an overnight or an entire weekend to their faith journey. Lead by the Spiritus Leaders, this retreat promotes an atmosphere of vulnerability; students quickly feel comfortable sharing their life stories and questions of faith. These retreats - occurring three times a year - are open to all students and fulfill the junior, senior, and PG faith experience requirement.
Quest: Open to All
Once a month students have the opportunity to attend an evening "retreat." These faith sharing nights are similar to the igKNIGHT Retreats, but occur in just an hour and a half. They begin with pizza and end with meaningful connections. In between are student testimonials and small group discussions. These nights also fulfill the junior, senior, and PG faith experience requirement.
Spiritus: Student Leadership
Spiritus is a student-led group that assists with all class retreats and other Campus Ministry related initiatives throughout the year. Spiritus leaders are selected as part of the student leadership application process in the late winter/early spring.
Kairos
The Kairos Retreat offers students the opportunity to experience the power of a single-gender retreat and is offered both to boys and to girls on separate dates. "Kairos" is the Greek word for "the right time" and has become synonymous with the nationally recognized "Kairos" Retreat run in many Catholic schools across the country. It is set up as a series of student-led talks, small group discussions, prayer, reflection, and group affirmations at the end of the retreat. A penance service is offered on the final evening. It is an incredibly powerful experience and also fulfills the junior, senior, and PG faith experience requirement.