Think campus ministry means only high school and college students? Think again.

Treats help break the ice before Campus Ministry meetings

Treats help break the ice before Campus Ministry meetings

St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas launched a Campus Ministry program last year for its junior high students, and this year’s monthly meetings are off and running.

Viatorian Associate Rosy Hartz coordinates the faith formation programs at St. Viator, and she works with her husband, Viatorian Associate Paul Hartz, as well as parents, college leaders and other volunteers to plan monthly meetings.

Inspirational speaker, James Silvas, addresses eighth graders during an opening retreat

Inspirational speaker, James Silvas, addresses eighth graders during an opening retreat

They hear from guest speakers, explore different forms of prayer and break into small group discussions, all in an hour format held after school.

“We spend time developing our call to serve and live out Catholic social teaching,” Rosy says. “And, as a Viatorian parish, students spend time learning who we are as Viatorians.”

The Viatorian Provincial Council supports the Campus Ministry program, and this year provided the parish with one of its grants, specifically designed to further faith formation and Christian leadership training for adult lay ministers and youth leaders in Viatorian parishes and schools.