This story is from the October 2024 Parent Newsletter.
Being a high school student today means that you are generally very busy. With so many ways to get involved in their school, a growing number of the Pius X student population has chosen to take their Catholic faith seriously. From making invitations to events to discussing more serious questions within a small group, students in all four grades have displayed courage in saying ‘yes’ to what God is asking of them. There are many different events and programs that our Campus Ministry Department works to provide throughout the year. A snapshot of these is listed below:
Among the programs that are offered, Encounter is a way for the freshmen students to get involved in a small group right off the bat. Each week during their Tuesday theology class, freshmen meet in gender specific groups with a mentor and discuss topics ranging from how to be truly happy to the necessity of going to confession. Many of our mentors this year are senior students, which is an awesome commitment that helps our younger students see their upperclassmen peers live out their faith.
Students in grades 10-12 can also join a Discipleship Group. Instead of being required, these groups are voluntarily chosen by Pius X students and generally made up of their friends or teammates. Groups are led by young adult mentors, priests or Pius X teachers/staff and meet at a variety of times throughout the week or on the weekends. What makes these groups special is that students can really go deeper and can get into the heart of various topics related to Jesus and faith, while growing in authentic friendship with their closest peers. Students who want to join a discipleship group can email Mrs. Maly – erinn-maly@cdolinc.net
One of the most popular events that Campus Ministry hosts is our monthly Restore nights. These powerful nights happen on the 1st Wednesday of each month and include adoration, praise and worship, confession, prayer teams, a student testimony and fellowship/snacks. From just about 95 students attending at the start of last year to nearly 300 students to begin this school year, Restore has been one of the most fruitful events at Pius in drawing students towards a true relationship with Jesus. See RESTORE Schedule
Another way that students can grow in their faith is to attend our monthly Pack the Chap event. The goal is to pack the Pius X Chapel with as many students as possible for Mass before school. We had our 1st Pack the Chap in September, and it drew nearly 185 students who worshiped God then enjoyed donuts afterwards! It is so encouraging to see so many students choosing Jesus before the school day even begins.
A growing number of Pius X students are also joining the Campus Ministry Team. This group of students have chosen to go above and beyond to give God greater importance in their lives. They meet before school bi-weekly on Tuesdays to learn about how to grow in their faith while also sharing it with their peers. The students in Campus Ministry have played an integral role in making invitations to their classmates and setting a positive example in the school. To join the Campus Ministry Team, email Scotty Sullivan- Scott-Sullivan@cdolinc.net
More than any of the things mentioned above, the Pius X Retreats are where the Campus Ministry Department puts in the most effort each year. During this school year, there will be 13 retreats offered to the student population! From overnight retreats this fall to silent retreats in the spring, students get the opportunity to really dive into their faith away from the stresses of school and other activities. We pray that the Holy Spirit touches the hearts of all the students as they go on retreat this year.
The growth we have seen in the ministries at Pius X does not happen without prayer. Thank you for your support of Pius X. Please continue to pray for the spiritual growth of each of our students, faculty, and staff!
For questions or to offer feedback for the Campus Ministry Department, please reach out to Tori Roberts- victoria-roberts@cdolinc.net.
