What’s that table of people sitting in the breezeway during lunch playing card games and making waffles? That, my friends, is St. Pius X’s Campus Ministry, whose focus is incorporating our faith throughout the school.
Campus Ministry was revamped over summer break, so the 2024-25 school year setup looks a bit different. But don’t fear, between new campus ministers, a full-time chaplain, and a newly designed space for people to hang out, this dream team is trying to make students feel more welcome.
The first major change in Campus Ministry is that St. Pius is back to having a full-time chaplain, Father Robbie Cotta. Father Robbie was the school’s part-time chaplain last year and is excited to be back working here full-time.
“It’s been a real gift,” said Father Robbie. “I love the availability of being full-time now, I can actually just be here and be present to the community, which has made it even more fun to be here.”
Because the school now has the opportunity to celebrate mass more frequently, Father Robbie is offering daily masses Tuesday through Friday starting at 7:15 in the morning.
“I love our chapel, and that chapel exists first and foremost for the celebration of the mass,” said Father Robbie.
In addition to Father Robbie becoming our full-time chaplain, Ms. Miranda Contreras joined the St. Pius community as the Director of Campus Ministry this summer.
Coming from a background in mission work, Ms. Contreras is thrilled to continue to help others on their faith journey.
“When we started, Mr. Byrne [Assistant Director of Campus Ministry], Father Robbie, and I just kind of sat down and we were trying to see how we could better walk with the people around us to Heaven,” said Ms. Contreras.
Campus Ministry’s main goal for this school year is to be available for the students.
Ms. Contreras explained her desire for her first year at St. Pius as “Walking with people to Jesus, to have them see the heart of the Father and know that it’s good and that they’re seen, known, and loved. So if that’s something that I can do by the end of this year, then I’ve accomplished my job.”
To better involve themselves with the students, Campus Ministry is implementing a schedule where there is a different activity each day of the week during all three lunch periods. The layout of a typical week features:
Mellow Monday: Hang outside with Campus Ministry
Tuesday Text: Bible study and theological discussion & sharing experience
Waffle Wednesday: Waffles and fellowship
Theater Thursday: Watch an episode of “The Chosen”
Fun and Games Friday: Play games such as cornhole and spikeball
Campus Ministry is looking forward to what this school year brings. Swing by their office or pay them a visit in the breezeway during lunch.
