Greg Richards, the director of the diocesan Ministry in Higher Education, delivered the report on our college ministry program. Richards asked Council if he could take some pictures of them. He said, “Just as you are not sure our college students exist, they are not sure you exist. However, this will assure them.”
Richards said he is so thankful for his opportunity to watch young people encounter Jesus, discover who they have been created to be, and watch them flourish. “I get the chance to witness this life-changing experience all the time,” said Richards.
Our diocesan college ministry is actively involved with college students on a variety of campuses, meeting once a week at each. There are different levels of effectiveness and engagement. Richards travels to each campus every week and engages the students in prayer and worship, and they also eat together and play together.
Other programs are in formation as our investment in college ministry is just beginning. Richards said he recently started meeting with students at the University of Texas – San Antonio. A group of college students from several campuses will travel to the Dominican Republic during spring break to engage in mission work. Richards is also helping to lead a group during the national day of collegiate prayer with over 350 students on the campus of St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
A number of college students from our diocese go to school outside the diocesan boundaries. Because of this, our college ministry program held the first “Reconnect” retreat in 2011, which served as a homecoming for these students and was successful. Richards said, “Though Reconnect was successful, it paled in comparison to the Vocare” (a 3-day spiritual retreat for young adults, part of the Cursillo movement). Vocare #27 in 2011 was the largest on national record with over 70 attendees. After prayer and in hope, the Diocese of West Texas will hold two Vocare retreats in 2012, in April and in October. Vocare is for young adults ages 19-35. Richards said to Council, “If you’re this age, you’re probably not here, but if you are or you know a young adult that would be interested, please see me for more information.”
The diocesan Ministry in Higher Education is undergoing new visioning in 2012 as was noted in the bishop’s address. The task force is headed by the Rev. Jason Roberts, vicar of Holy Spirit, San Antonio. Richards recently attended a national college ministry conference and said, “We have an amazing chance to shape the direction of our church and not just locally. College ministry genuinely has the opportunity to produce a whole new section of leadership in our diocese.”
Richards encouraged all to contact him to discuss college ministry. He wants to hear what each church wants and what individuals want to know. You may contact Richard at greg@stirflux.com. Richards once again thanked the diocese for supporting our ministry to college students and told all to “keep going forth in hope.”
