St. Paul once said that he was striving to “be all things to all people, that he might save some.” Much of campus ministry at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg involves following his good example, and this has especially been the case this past year.
For example: How do you invite hundreds of freshmen to visit your property and get to know you during orientation, even if they’re not Catholic?
Why, you’d host a petting zoo, of course. And how would you advertise for such an event? Nothing catches the eye quite like an inflatable animal costume. All things to all people took on a different flavor this fall, and lo and behold, it worked. The ministry was blessed with a record crowd for our welcome petting zoo and ice cream social.
Or consider: How would you engage more students across the university to serve the poor or feel comfortable enough with friends to attend a Bible study?
In that case, UMW CCM hosted Rise Against Hunger, a group dedicated to providing meals to the homeless and hungry throughout the world. More than 150 students joined the event, coming together from all corners of campus to pack 20,000-plus meals in just over an hour. It was a work of mercy of magnitude. Moreover, the ministry also hosted several events to help students step out of their comfort zone and into new characters and friendships. This was particularly the case with a “Roaring ’20s Murder Mystery Party” in the fall semester. No actual students were harmed in the production of the party, but many deepened friendships and invites to deeper faith happened as a result.
Being all things to all, that we might save some. That also means walking with students in Christ and forming them in faith, day by day. Likely no better picture of this exists than a eucharistic procession through campus, which the ministry hosts each October, followed by adoration on the main quad, Ball Circle. Christ enters into the fullness of our humanity and even into college life. The UMW Catholic Campus Ministry is privileged to be the vehicle carrying him there, to every portion of campus life. All things to all, that we might save many.
Fr. Miserendino is chaplain of the Univrsity of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
