Faithful Opportunities


by Kelsey Myers          

Campus ministry is a vital part of the foundation of Delone. Campus ministry provides a way for students to explore their faith and socialize with like-minded people. There are many ways to be involved in campus ministry. Examples include the yearly pilgrimage, March for Life, Respect Life Club, Adoration on Fridays, Mass on Thursdays, Peer Ministry, and Kairos.

Mrs. Phenicie, the Spiritual Life Director, has been able to “give so many more opportunities for students to grow in their faith, both inside and outside of the school building,” during her nine years at Delone. The newest addition to campus ministry is the Spiritual Life Center across the chapel that is open to all students.

Phenicie was inspired to become a Spiritual Life Director in high school; she studied Theology at Mount St. Mary’s where she was able to concentrate in religious education and youth ministry.

 “I wanted to help students develop the same personal relationship with Christ that I was given,” stated Phenicie.

She has listened to her calling and has accomplished great things for Delone Catholic. Phenicie says the biggest challenge of being a spiritual life director is “how countercultural the faith has become.” Many teens have fallen to the pressure society creates and find it difficult to live a Christian life. Phenicie hopes to make teens aware of their worth and the importance of strong relationship with Christ.

Fr. Fischer, the Chaplain at Delone Catholic, is also an integral part of the success of campus ministry.

“I do enjoy being a chaplain. It is a change of pace from my other days of parish ministry, and it gives me a chance to get to know and connect with many students, a demographic I do not normally see as often,” state Fr. Fischer.

There are many rewards and challenges that accompany being a chaplain for high schoolers. Rewards include the ability to see God at work in young people’s lives and be an “instrument in God’s work in others,” said Fischer. The challenges of being a chaplain in a high school are that teens are facing many challenges, such as anxiety, stressors, and a time of transition. Fr. Fischer is always open to answering questions or addressing concerns.

There are many ways to become involved in campus ministry. Margaret Grenchik, a senior, wass involved in peer ministry, went on the pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Washington, D.C., attended Kairos, and was on the Kairos core team.

“Campus ministry has allowed me to always make time for God and others through prayer and service,” explained Grenchik.

Elliott Alster, also a senior, is in peer ministry, Respect Life Club, attended the pilgrimages, and went to Kairos.

“Campus Ministry provides an environment of like-minded and supportive people,” noted Alster. “I can always rely on the people in Campus Ministry to help me through a rough time in my faith or in my personal life.”

“My advice for both people is the same: be persistent in your prayer. I cannot emphasize enough how important I have found that daily prayer is for my faith, my relationship with God, and my mental well-being.” Phenicie strongly encourages daily prayer and stated, “God wants our prayer and conversation, and that communication is a great place to start.”

“Give thanks to God for this gift, and never take it for granted. Something your faith should always give you is growth, and that growth is never finished. Be open to God stretching your comfort zone, and always be ready to learn more about your faith from a variety of sources,” explained Fr. Fischer.

He added that “for those who are struggling [with your faith] you are in good company. If you read many passages in the Bible, from Jeremiah to Ecclesiastes, Job to the Psalms and Saint Paul, there are so many people in our religious history who have struggled and had trials in faith. God does the best work in us when we are in darkness. Many saints have experienced this also. Hang in there, and engage others about faith.”

Campus ministry is such an important part of the Delone Catholic community provides an opportunity to be actively involved in the Catholic faith. If debating on whether or not to join Campus Ministry, try it out because there many people in the ministry who will provide support.  


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