Campus Ministry Helps Students Find Faith, Friends

Rev. Ernest Hardesty, Pastor, St. Leo the Great Catholic University Parish and Student Center at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR

Deacon Richard Papini, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College in Conway, AR

Imagine a parish that rebuilds its Church community every August. Where most of the parishioners are unemployed. Where a folding table serves as an altar. Where international visitors ask, "What is a Catholic?"

At St. Leo the Great Catholic University Parish and Student Center, located at Arkansas Tech University, Rev. Ernest Hardesty, "Father Ernie," faces challenges like this as a pastor all the time.

But his church, a single-story, 60-year old house, is literally overflowing with parishioners - college students who want to deepen the experience of faith in their lives. Young adults who want to advance peace and social justice in the world around them.

Across the Diocese of Little Rock, which covers the entire state of Arkansas, Catholic student college attendance is on the increase and places like St. Leo's are flourishing. These campus ministry programs are major recipients of Catholic Extension support and could not function without outside financial assistance.

"Getting involved in the Catholic Campus Ministry was one of the greatest decisions I made in college."  senior at the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College

A Home Away from Home

Catholic Extension's grants to support campus ministry make faith "real" in college students' daily lives. This ministry provides a Catholic presence on college campuses in a diocese with no Catholic college or university. It fills an important gap in adult faith formation and creates "a home away from home" for many young adults.

"The programs, fellowship and support we provide the student body also play a big role in student retention," said Father Ernie. "Because of this, college presidents offer tremendous backing for the work we do."

Spring break mission trips. Summer service trips. Fall retreats. MAN Mondays*, Help With the Homily Wednesdays. Free Lunch Thursdays. Sunday Masses. Finals "de-stress" Week. Cookouts. Service projects. Whatever the day of the week or month of the year, the Catholic Campus Ministry calendars at Arkansas Tech and the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College are full.

As the Centers become more and more popular, student participation grows each year. This growth increases costs and program expenses, and places tremendous pressure on providing enough space for all to participate. "Fifty to 60 students, or more, attend the weekly Sunday Mass here at our 1,100 square foot Catholic Campus Ministry House, and believe me, it is packed!" said Deacon Richard Papini, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College in Conway. Father Ernie also struggles with space issues. "I can't encourage any more students to come to St. Leo's because they would have to sit outside!"

"I would give anything to feel the way I felt this past week for the rest of my life."  College student reflecting on her mission trip to Juarez, Mexico, to build a 20’ x 20’ house

Mission Trips Change Young Lives

Getting off campus is as important in a student's faith experience as hanging out at the Campus Ministry Center. "Mission trips are the best," said William Burmester, a junior who is also on staff part-time for Deacon Papini and has gone on several trips as a college student. "It's selfish to think that Mission trips are only made so that the missionary can change the lives of the less fortunate. Instead, I found that the people we helped changed my life. Even though they have so little, they still are able to give thanks and love God so much."

"I am extremely grateful to have found friends who I can talk with about my faith."   student talking about her experience to find a niche in college at campus ministry

* MAN Mondays is for men only to meet, discuss books and share activities