The feelings of excitement, sadness, and relief swirl. It’s the last day of school, and I am standing out in front of the school, wishing our high school students a great summer. As a Catholic high school campus minister, the end of the school year brings mixed emotions. Although the day-to-day schedule greatly changes, it’s important to remember some of the most important work you can do is just beginning. So how should a high school campus minister spend their summer? The following are just a few suggestions:
MISSION TRIP
A summer mission trip is a great way to help our students put their faith into action. Theology teachers can spend all school year teaching about the corporal works of mercy, and we can even have service requirements for students each year. But something is compelling about students choosing to spend a week or so in the summer with their schoolmates serving the poor. It is also a great way for students to form and grow relationships with staff and faculty in a relaxed environment.
MASS AND BREAKFAST
This is my favorite summertime activity within our ministry. There is a standing offer for any students to attend daily Mass with us on Wednesdays and then breakfast afterward. There are several benefits to this activity. First, the students receive the Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ an extra time throughout the week. Second, it is an opportunity to spend time together at breakfast which helps deepen relationships among the students and between students and adults. Bonus-we often gets recent alumni as well who are in town from college to join us. It is a huge benefit for our students to hear them discuss how they have grown in their faith while in college.
SMALL GROUP/VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
We have a small group program within our school which has been such a blessing. Without the frantic pace of the school year, there is more time to pour into the adult small group leaders. This could mean meeting with potential leaders for next year, or it could mean meeting regularly with current leaders for training. Just as the relaxed atmosphere of the summer helps us grow in relationships with students, it also allows us to grow in relationships with our adults who are pouring into the students throughout the school year.
There are many other ways campus ministers can do important work throughout the summer. What are some of the ways you grow your ministry in the summer?
Mike Young is, first and foremost, a husband to his wife Mandy and a father to their seven children. He has been involved in youth ministry, mostly high school campus ministry, for over 17 years. He is currently the Director of Christian Formation/Campus Ministry at Quincy Notre Dame High School, his alma mater, in Quincy, Illinois.