Seton Hill University’s (SHU) Campus Ministry is a campus organization that encourages religion amongst interested students. Along with the start of a new school year, this fall semester also welcomes Sister Maureen O’Brien as the new director of SHU’s Campus Ministry.
By Sarah Last
Head Copy Editor
Seton Hill University’s (SHU) Campus Ministry is a campus organization that encourages religion amongst interested students. Along with the start of a new school year, this fall semester also welcomes Sister Maureen O’Brien as the new director of SHU’s Campus Ministry.
O’Brien was taught by Sisters of Charity through both grade school and high school. When she first applied to SHU, she entered as a music major and was also interested in liturgy and education. Towards the latter part of her senior year, she felt the call towards a more religious vocation and decided to serve God as a Sister of Charity.
“I think SHU and [the] Sisters of Charity have been an important part of shaping me and who I am, especially in education. That attraction in my life has been fostered by the values of the Sisters of Charity and what I learned here,” said O’Brien.
Father Stephen Honeygosky, the pastor at SHU, said, “She [O’Brien] comes with ‘seasoning’ from her many years with the Sisters of Charity, her years in spiritual formation, her being with young adults, and teaching, all give her a wealth of experience. She has an easy, welcoming, patient, caring style that anybody who spends a little bit of time with her will feel.”
Campus Ministry also encourages students to integrate all fields of knowledge with religious and spiritual dimension. Liturgies and holiday masses are provided on the campus in the chapel, as well as bible study.
“We see a compatibility between reason and faith,” O’Brien says.
“Campus Ministry is an approach to a service that is holistic,” said Honeygosky; “It involves our caring about the entire person: body, mind and soul. It is a style of addressing the needs of all the people whose needs we wish to serve.”
“Our goal is to address the spiritual needs of students,” said O’Brien. “[We want to] help them see that a life of service [to God] is important. No matter what occupation they choose, [if they stay close to God] spiritual development deepens.”
Rooted in Catholic tradition, Campus Ministry has always been, and continues to be, a vital part of SHU. It presents service opportunities, such as the Labor of Love, Liturgies, contemporary worship groups, occasions to socialize, spiritual counseling, and the chance to learn more about other religions.
Jess Orlowski, a junior and a student who participates in Campus Ministry, said, “Every leader at Seton Hill has the opportunity to reach out to the student population, and I believe that Sister Maureen’s dynamic personality and genuine concern for the students will most definitely encourage students who are already involved to continue to attend campus ministry events. Also, I think that she will draw other students in who were not involved in the past. Regardless, I think that we can expect a novel twist on things that only Sister Maureen can bring.”
O’Brien will be working with Honeygosky, the pastor at SHU, as well as Marilyn Fox and Rita Fields to keep Campus Ministry running strong.