From the Campus Minister
+JMJ+
Peace be with you!
Welcome to Mary Help of Christians Academy! My name is Sister Pamela Rose, and I am the Campus Minister and I also teach theology for the Freshman, Juniors, and Seniors. It is my joy to be among the young women here at Mary Help of Christians Academy.
Unique to Mary Help of Christians is our Salesian Spirit which permeates the culture of the entire school. We build a sisterhood on MHCA's campus that is rooted in Faith, Family, Friendship, and Formation according to the joyful and lifegiving spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.
Here, we practice the formation and integration of Faith and Reason. Following Don Bosco's Oratory Model:
A HOME that welcomes (FAMILY)
A SCHOOL that prepares for life (FORMATION)
A CHURCH that evangelizes (FAITH)
A PLAYGROUND where friends meet (FRIENDSHIP)
All our activities encompass some, if not ALL these aspects.
Mary Help's Theology department is a dynamic part of our school's strong Catholic identity.
The aim of Campus Ministry & Theology at Mary Help is to accompany each student to develop her sense of spirituality and religious faith while respecting her unique journey and rhythm of growth. Our students are taught to be respectful of and to understand Catholic religious practices, but no student is ever forced to fully take part in something she is not spiritually prepared to embrace. If a student is not comfortable with something, she is asked to be a respectful presence. At Mary Help, we know that our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, so we get to know them as individuals and foster within them the relationship with God they are ready to express. As Campus Minister, I am available as a resource for each student as she struggles with questions of faith, morality, vocation, and meaning. Together with our faculty, staff and students, the Campus Ministry department forms the heart of Mary Help and gives life to the family spirit and joy found on campus.
As a Salesian school, we also believe that God has placed particular gifts within each young person meant to enrich the world and our school community. One of the opportunities available to Juniors through Campus Ministry is the chance to attend "Salesian Leadership Retreats" in October and March, which allow them to join participants from eight other Salesian schools as they explore and develop their leadership skills and spirituality. The participants of these retreats form friendships that last a lifetime. On our campus, all students have the chance to help animate the Masses and participate in leading spiritual experiences for their peers, as they are comfortable.
I invite you to visit us and to learn more about our programs and the opportunities available to our students as they become leaders of today and tomorrow, not just academically, but morally and spiritually.
In Our Lady,
Campus Minister
