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:·: LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Putting belief in Campus Ministry
Dear Editor,
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As Campus Minister I am addressing comments made concerning Campus Ministry in a recent Loquitur article ("College's lack of Catholic identity concerns some students," March 11, 1999). I would like to begin by noting that its writer, Anne Miller, never contacted or attempted to contact me by phone, in person or in writing concerning this article.
In her article, Ms. Miller quotes Cabrini student Linda Gross as saying, "Mass here doesn't follow a traditional format." I have never spoken to Ms. Gross concerning liturgy on campus and am perplexed as to what her comment actually means, but I can assure you that mass is celebrated on campus in accordance with the Roman Catholic tradition. We use the same ritual books and rites that are approved for use in Catholic Churches.
As to the rotation of priests, any student who attends mass regularly on Campus can get to know the priests in our small pool of presiders, who voluntary come here to celebrate mass specifically for Cabrini students. At the same time, I would like to point out that the focus of
Catholic mass is not the priest but the entire community's celebration of the Eucharist. Your assertion that "students are now attending mass held at Villanova University due to such concerns" is vague and misleading. There have always been Cabrini students attending mass off-campus for various reasons, even when we had a resident priest chaplain. In fact, student mass attendance is up from four years ago. If more Cabrini students want to become involved with mass and liturgy on campus I would love to hear from them!
Later in her article, Ms. Miller mentions the Search Retreat, stating that the retreat has received "mixed responses." This statement is also vague and confusing. Of course the response to any particular retreat will be mixed as a result of the various personalities involved. The overwhelming and overall result of the Search Retreat at Cabrini has been extremely positive. Just ask some of the almost 100 students who have attended Search.
In addition to the one-sided information presented in Ms. Miller's article, she failed to mention any of the other successful Campus Ministry programs and groups that sup- rm not asking for special attention. I'm asking this school to give credit where credit is due. I am sadly disappointed that I cannot come back. r11 never forget the times I've had at this school. I will always hold a special place for Cabrini in my heart. Unfortunately, Cabrini does not feel the same way about me. port Catholic identity. These groups and programs include Hunger and Homelessness, Respect Life, Amnesty International, The AIDS Walk, Scripture and Supper, World AIDS Day Prayer Service, Out with Sisters, Our Lady of the Rosary Marian Vespers, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, The Fall New Student Retreat, Project Appalachia and the Border Experience. Need I go on?
Joe Elliot this past year. I'll never forget the countless hours I've spent in Joe and Nick's room, just killing time and having fun. I had a great time working with and becoming great friends with the theater department. I had a great time working with campus ministry, and even though I don't want to admit it, I'll miss good ole' Reggie, my tennis coach.
It is, then, in this spirit that my final act as a Cabrini student will be a return to Mexico for the Border Experience. At least I know that I'll be doing something worthwhile for this school before they give me the boot.
TonyBarrettis a sophomoremajoringin English/ communication.Heis a staffwriterforLoquitur. Atthismoment,he'spracticingthestepsnecessary to builda perfectBigMac.
Lastly, what saddens me most about this article is that it is an affront to the many hard-working and dedicated student leaders in Campus Ministry who demonstrated a true commitment to supporting and advancing the College's Catholic identity.
In closing, I would be glad to enter into a meaningful dialogue on the topic of Catholic identity with Ms. Miller or any member of the College community, and am always looking for additional ways to build upon and promote the College's Catholic identity. I look forward to her response.
Sincerely,
John DiMucci Campus Minister
