This school year has brought various changes to our school community. One of the major changes includes a new addition to the Campus Ministry Team: Mrs. Cathy Abrahamian. She has previously worked as an Administrative Assistant to the President for 25 years, working for six different presidents. Currently, she serves as the Student Ministry Director and helps with the three parts of Campus Ministry: liturgy, service, and growing faith. Her role includes focusing on improving the service aspect of our community, checking up on student’s service hours, and providing more opportunities for service. When asked for her opinion of her new role, Mrs. Abrahamian said, “Campus Ministry has always been my dream job, so I really feel like God led me here and I hope to do a good job.” She is grateful that she is able to interact with the students everyday while also deepening her own faith.
However, it was a difficult change as this role was distinct from her previous position. “It is a privilege to learn a new job with people that I know and love and have already worked with. Even though I’ve been on a lot of retreats and done a lot of service with young people, I haven’t seen the planning that goes into everything”, said Mrs. Abrahamian. She feels that this is not only her job, but her ministry and believes that God led her here. Mrs. Abrahamian is hopeful for the new school year as there are various events and retreats that will be offered to all grade levels. There will be a Day of Reflection for freshman, sophomores, and juniors at Saint Viator, two Quest Retreats for freshman and sophomores, three Kairos Retreats for juniors and seniors, a service immersion trip, and possibly a service trip over spring break.
Campus Ministry is also working to improve our service program to strengthen the connection between service and faith. Saint Viator High School has been selected as 1 of 6 high schools in the country to form a National cohort with the McGrath Institute of the University of Notre Dame. Fr. John Eustice, C.S.V. spent time this summer at Notre Dame working with other schools on the “Pathways to Communion” initiative.
Many students are excited to see her new addition to Campus Ministry, “I’m excited to see what new changes Mrs. Abrahamian will add to Campus Ministry and how [Campus
Ministry] will continue to move forward with Mass, service hours, and faith life”, said junior Madzia Mokrzycki. Lastly, Mrs. Abrahamian offers advice for students to stay on top of their service hours this year by looking at the weekly Wednesday service emails, encouraging service with sports teams, and by coming to Campus Ministry with any questions or concerns. She is highly motivated to increase student involvement in faith life and will be a great addition to the Campus Ministry Team this school year.