4 minute read
Prayer, Purpose, and Service
Campus Ministry at PVI
Campus Ministry exists to encounter students with the love of Christ, support them in their pursuit of the spiritual life, and equip them to be evangelizers, with the ultimate goal of inspiring them to a life of prayer within the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.
Campus Ministry supports the spiritual and community-building activities already present within our community, such as all-school Mass, retreats, mission trips, service, and community events. All students, faculty, and staff are “part of” Campus Ministry, as they are a part of our PVI Family.
Offerings to Students:
Campus Ministry facilitates teams of students who serve the spiritual needs of their peers, while growing deeper in their own faith. Students can contribute to Campus Ministry through:
• Visiting the Chapel – Jesus is always present in the Eucharist in our Mary, Mother of the Church Chapel. Students are welcome to come for even a few brief moments between class, before or after school, and during lunch. Fr. Jonathan is always nearby and desires to hear confessions whenever a student wants to receive the sacrament.
• Liturgy Team – This team of students serves by preparing the Panther Athletic Center for all-school Masses. Students serve as sacristans, lectors, ushers, and altar servers.
• Mission Trips – Sophomores through seniors may apply to serve on a PVI mission trip. There are mission trips to Camden, New Jersey through DeSales Service Works during the school year, and our juniors will be serving the needs of rural Appalachia this summer.
• Sacramental Prep –19 students received the Sacraments of Initiation and entered the Catholic Church in spring 2024. PVI has a robust program to assist students in this discernment and preparation. Forty students are exploring the Catholic faith this academic year!
• Bible Studies – Student Bible studies are offered around interested students’ schedules. Bible studies often take place during study halls and after school, offering time to share in fellowship with each other and be fed by the Word of God.
“The positive experience and environment that I encountered on my Junior Retreat greatly influenced my decision to become a Retreat Team Leader. This has been one of the most impactful leadership roles that I have been a part of here at PVI. Not only am I leading a group of juniors on their faith journey, but I have been witness to an exponential growth in my own faith life. Retreat team leaders are in a unique position when it comes to the effect that can be had on juniors, serving as a role model and someone who they can look up to and inquire about their faith.”
— JOHN NOEL ’25
I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young!”
But the Lord answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.”
To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak.
— JEREMIAH 1:6-7
Mass Appeal
What is Pack the Chap? On the first Friday of every month, many students attend the 7:10 a.m. Mass and fill Mary, Mother of the Church Chapel, aka “Pack the Chap.” It is a wonderful way to start the month!
In addition to this popular tradition, Advisories attend Mass in the chapel as a group a few times during the semester and Advisories sit together during all-school Mass in the PAC.
Retreat Team Leaders
The seniors on the PVI Retreat Team attended their own retreat this fall to grow in prayer, community, and leadership skills. These seniors facilitate small groups on Junior Retreats throughout the year, and commit to living high moral standards as witnesses to Christ working in their lives.
“I chose to be a Senior Retreat Leader because I love guiding young women, like myself, closer to God. I am not an expert at all on the faith, but I love sharing my own experience and advice with girls I can relate to. I have already served as a leader on the October retreat, and it was truly a rewarding and wonderful experience.”
