What the Campus Ministry is all about

Since they are on a crucial crossroads in their life, today’s young people are often misunderstood, alienated from their elders. The irony is, their elders (their parents, their teachers, their spiritual advisers) are the very people who could guide them and lead them to the straight-and-narrow path.

In this light, the Campus Ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila has always sought to bridge the gap, that seemingly wide chasm between the different generations. After 26 years in the Archdiocese, the people behind this movement are mounting the first-ever National Convention of Campus Ministry (which will be held at the Westin Philippine Plaza, from Oct. 20 to 22).

Campus Ministry, as a concept, has been evolving through the years, adapting to the changing times and the changing needs of today’s youth. In this fast-paced, frenzied world, it is imperative for the Church (in the macro level) and the Campus Ministry movement (in the micro level) to engage the youth in active dialogue and to address their needs and concerns in the process.

That, in a nutshell, is one of the many goals of the first National Convention of Campus Ministry. It’s a coming together, in more ways than one.

Msgr. Vicente Bauson, director of the Campus Ministry and chief operating officer of the national convention, firmly believes that in order to come up with the answers we must discuss, dissect, and deliberate on the issues as a community. "If we wish to come up with a certain solution to a problem or if we want to improve the spiritual development and moral life of young people, we must attack it in a holistic manner," he asserts. This means everyone concerned must be involved in searching for the solutions, "Not just one sector," he affirms, "but all the sectors of the school community."

That is why Campus Ministry has now evolved to include not just the youth. "We are not just focusing on the students, but the whole school community, which includes the administration, the faculty, non-teaching personnel, together with the parents, the entire family," the monsignor volunteers. It really takes a village to build a "faith community on campus."

And in the first National Convention of Campus Ministry, all these voices will be heard and valued. The monsignor eyes a concrete goal for the two-day convention. "We hope to be able to come up with a support structure," he attests. "A vision without a support structure will not be able to prevail and endure."

The national convention, which will be divided into four main discussions, aims to tackle myriad issues confronting the Campus Ministry movement, according to Rebecca Baldonado, programs and events coordinator of the landmark event. "For example, the first discussion is on the state of today’s youth in the Philippines," Ms. Rebecca explains. "And the importance of the partnership of the church and the educational system in responding to the growing needs of the youth. This discussion will be led by Dr. Edilberto de Jesus."

The convention has lined-up a powerhouse roster of speakers, among them are Dr. Merton Strommen (who will present a new model in transforming a campus into a faith community), Fr. Bienvenido Nebres (who will expound on the Philippine experience), and Fr. Rolando de la Rosa (who will perforate on the role of the faith community in the larger community, in social transformation).

Indeed, a highly interesting and insightful series of discussions will be facilitated throughout the two-day convention. But more than a one-way monologue, the convention aspires to be a dynamic and vibrant dialogue among the different sectors in the faith community.

As such, there will also be workshops after each lecture, "to deepen the understanding of the participants," says Ms. Rebecca.

"The delegates will be able to interact and share their experiences in their own settings," Msgr. Vicente concurs. As a result, there will be an engrossing "cross-pollination" exercise, where a constant flow of ideas will encourage the delegates to explore the more complex, more challenging world beyond the four walls of their classrooms.

Deepening his understanding is one of the professed goals of one of the campus ministers participating in the conference, Paolo Josef Blando of the Philippine Normal University. "I’m getting a national context," he elaborates "It’s really about enjoying and learning at the same time and growing in the process. It will be very helpful to know more about the experiences of the other campus ministers from other parts of the country, on how they minister to the young out there."

Another campus minister, Romina Tuazon of the Far Eastern University, agrees wholeheartedly. "I really hope to improve as a campus minister," she intones. "Hopefully, to pick up good ideas on how to give more to the ministry."

Maribel Corcolla, a fellow campus minister from the SCA Public High Schools, echoes her colleague’s sentiments. "To gain further knowledge, to familiarize myself with the experiences of other campus ministers and to be inspired all the more." After all, she looks at campus ministry as a journey they can embark on as a team. "We can travel together."

The campus ministers chorus that today’s youth only yearn to be listened to. Msgr. Vicente concurs: "You have to speak their language. You have to connect what you are saying with their lives. Make it relevant to their lives."

On this note, we listen to an actual member of the youth sector, Jonathan Castañeda, a PSBA student and a Campus Ministry Young Peacemaker on Campus (Yup.PEACE). Since getting involved with the movement, he has seen for himself "God’s plan in his life." He pipes in: "I’ve become more spiritual." After all, intellectual and physical development should not be the only priorities on campus; spiritual enlightenment should also be a vital concern.