The work of Campus Ministry (Fremantle and Broome) and Chaplaincy (Sydney) is at the heart of the community of The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Guided by the university’s Objects, and observing a rich tradition of Catholic faith and values, Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy provide opportunities for students to become involved in university life in ways that are instrumental for faith formation and personal development.
Above all, Campus Ministry and Chaplaincy aim to reflect the joy of the Gospel and promote, encourage and engage students’ faith on campus so they can flourish and seek excellence beyond measurable criteria.
In 2016, the innovative QndA forum will be held again on the Sydney Campus to showcase faith and reason in action for the Notre Dame community. More than 350 people packed into St Benedict’s Hall for the first instalment on 19 August 2015, to debate issues involving racism, social media, terrorism, the future of religion and much more.
In Fremantle, the Holy Spirit Choir continues to flourish while the weekly Plunge In event remains a fantastic vehicle for students to make new friends and grow a sense of community on campus.
Daniel Carney, a final-year Sydney Law student, said Chaplaincy was an important way to engage with the Catholic community, both at Notre Dame and within the broader society.
“With many avenues for discussion with experts both from the religious and laity, students are able to grow, explore and develop their faith,” Daniel said.
For Marcel Biggar, a final-year Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student, Campus Ministry has provided him with many opportunities to develop his faith and positive friendships.
Marcel was one of six Fremantle students to attend the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Adelaide in December 2015, along with the Manager of Campus Ministry, Fremantle, Tom Gourlay.
“Plunge In allows all students to take time out and enjoy a free coffee and chat with people outside their school. Campus Ministry staff have been instrumental in my faith formation and personal development by providing a great example of what attributes comprise a true role model,” Marcel said.
“I would definitely recommend to other students to become involved with Campus Ministry, especially first-year students, as there are so many opportunities for personal development, friendships and events.”
Mr Gourlay added that the Plunge In event had been the seedbed of a variety of student initiatives, including a weekly Bible study group as well as a place to inform students of other activities available on campus.
“The Theology of the Body discussion group, which met across both semesters in 2015, regularly had more than 30 students attend, and our Holy Spirit Choir, run by Musical Director and Choir Master Cameron van Reyk, has a growing reputation and generates significant student interest and involvement,” Mr Gourlay said.
Sydney Campus Chaplaincy Convenor, Patrick Langrell, said Chaplaincy offered the chance for students to get involved in the university’s community and grow in faith and service.
“It provides opportunities for fun and friendship, for discovery and wonder, for prayer and service, for liturgy and life, and we hope to support the spiritual life of the university and allow students of Notre Dame to receive a holistic education,” Mr Langrell said.
Mr Langrell said the QndA forums were just one of the many ways the university, guided by a rich tradition of Catholic faith and values, aimed to promote, encourage and engage students’ faith on campus through Notre Dame Chaplaincy.
For more information, please visit nd.edu.au/campusministry.
From page22 and 23 from Issue 1: ‘The Year of Mercy: Seeking an Encounter with Christ’ of The Record Magazine