Student Liturgy

Student Mass for 2011-2012 is scheduled for 5:00 pm. Students are encouraged to be involved in liturgy in a variety of ways. Students help plan and implement the university student mass each week, either by being Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, or Liturgical Coordinators. Students play the piano and other instruments, cantor and form small singing ensembles.

Bible Study

There are a variety of Bible studies offered throughout the year and include: topical studies, book studies, apologetic studies, people of the bible studies, intro to bible studies and much more. A very popular study students enjoy is the Theology of the Body study. This study incorporates Pope John Paul II teaching on scripture and church teaching on the sacredness of our sexuality as Christians. See below for offerings coming up this fall.

Prayer Groups

Prayer groups lead by students form each year, sometimes formally and sometimes informally. For example students have gathered to pray the rosary for the past two years weekly, other students share together in the Divine Mercy Chaplet and still others enjoy centering prayer and informal extemporaneous prayer. Of course the height and summit of student prayer is our weekly prayer together at the College student mass

Faith Sharing Groups

Faith sharing groups also arise formally and informally and are student lead and staff lead. These groups gather around a weekly scripture and devotional thought. Groups of students share how their faith is alive and transformative. They use the “tools” of faith (Bible, Catechism, Encyclopedias, Theology books, dictionaries and concordances) to dive deeper into the questions they are exploring. Many groups also socialize together and begin to experience Christian community.

Retreats

Each year students are organized to provide retreat experiences for each other. Retreats for students by students are always fun to experience. Most retreats are actual “retreats” where students get away from the hustle and bustle of hectic campus life and renew their spirit at a retreat center. Other opportunities are made available for busy students, for example the Busy Student’s Retreat.

Spiritual Direction/Mentoring

Fr. Joel McNeil and Tom Primmer M.Div. are available throughout the school year for one on one spiritual direction and mentoring. Students often times have deep questions about faith, life, vocation and culture and Fr. Joel and Tom are excellent at helping students unpack the mysteries of faith.

Devotional Practices

One of the richest blessings we enjoy as Catholics is a deep spiritual well of devotional practices. From devotion to the Blessed Virgin to monastic and contemplative prayer. Students can find their niche at St. Kate’s. For example, Eucharistic adoration is offered during the school year during the Thursday Vigil Praise.

Sacramental Participation

In addition to daily and weekend Eucharist, students are encouraged to practice the sacrament of reconciliation. Fr. Joel is available each Saturday after mass or private appointments can be arranged by contacting him. Sacraments are also a popular study topic in faith sharing and bible study groups.

Other Opportunities

Throughout the year St. Kate’s offers evenings of “Catholic Questions” and “Stump the Priest/Theologian.” These provide an informal setting for students, Catholic or non-Catholic, to come together to share coffee or pizza and ask any question he or she might have about Roman Catholicism.