By MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
Ever since Father Carlos Castilla was named chaplain of the Catholic Campus Ministry at Monmouth University by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., he has continuously prayed for all the students who attend the West Long Branch school.
“And we can see how our prayers have been rewarded by the increase in number of students who now come to the Catholic Center,” he said.
As the CCM started the 2024-2025 academic year with the celebration of Mass on Sept. 8, Cristina D’Averso Collins, campus minister, reflected on how “incredibly important” campus ministry is in the lives of Catholic college students.
“There are so many challenges that young adults face and finding like-minded friends is important for the life of faith,” she said.
“Our students come to Catholic Campus Ministry to strengthen their faith and build lasting friendships,” D’Averso Collins said. She added that during her nine years at Monmouth University, she has seen “so many of these friendships continue well beyond the college years.”
“I, myself, am still in touch with several alum on a regular basis,” she added. “It is very special.”
Speaking about the goals of the campus ministry, D’Averso Collins believes that one of the most important is how it provides life skills, or what she would call “human formation,” as well. Describing the programs the campus ministry offers include weekly meetings each Wednesday where students can participate in Lectio Divina or they explore a different topic or hear a different speaker. There is a Men’s Group and a Women’s Group and this year, she said, “we will have additional times when students can come to the chapel for the Divine Mercy Chaplet or for quiet prayer/study.”
In the upcoming year, D’Averso Collins said it’s her intent to offer a Senior Transitions series for those graduating to prepare for the next stages of life.
“Often, I wish that many things would be taught earlier and, so my hope is that this series provides something to fill that gap so that people can navigate the next phase of life,” she said.