By Amy Reisen
Coordinator of Youth Evangelization and Discipleship
Behind every transformative moment in a young person’s faith journey is a quiet hero who listens, guides, and walks alongside him or her.
Far more than coordinators of liturgies or bible study leaders, these “heroes” are the beating heart of spiritual growth within our schools.
But what does it take to dedicate one’s life to such a mission? The answer lies in a tapestry of faith, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to walking with Christ and guiding young people through life’s peaks and valleys. In the Diocese of Lincoln, we are fortunate enough to have a fairly typical title for these “heroes.” That title? Campus ministers.
From the outside, it might seem that campus ministry teams are simply the coordinators of school liturgies and occasional bible studies. However, reducing their work to these tasks is a profound injustice to the incredible impact they have within our diocese. The campus and youth ministers of the Diocese of Lincoln are passionate, committed, and faithful individuals who have done the hard personal work to prepare themselves for a mission of spiritual accompaniment.
Each campus minister brings a unique background to his or her role. Some have served in FOCUS (The Fellowship of Catholic University Students), others received formation in the seminary, and still others are devoted mothers who have experienced firsthand the transformative power of strong faith programs. Despite their different paths, they share a common mission: to facilitate an encounter between young people and the person of Christ. But their work doesn’t stop at creating that encounter; it continues through the ongoing journey of accompaniment in discipleship—walking with students as they learn to walk with Christ.
A role in campus ministry is anything but typical. It is not bound by the structured hours of a school day or the predictability of a 9-to-5 job. Instead, it demands flexibility and an openness to what each day may bring. Every day is “consistently inconsistent.” While there are routine tasks to accomplish, campus ministers also embrace the unexpected: a breakthrough conversation with a previously disengaged student, the spark of inspiration while planning a new event, or the quiet joy of witnessing a student’s authentic encounter in prayer.
As adults, we understand the highs and lows of the Christian life, and campus ministers are uniquely positioned to guide young people through these moments. They sit with students in the valleys of their struggles, helping them process difficult emotions and bring their challenges to Jesus. They also rejoice alongside students in moments of spiritual clarity and growth. For every mountaintop experience, there are inevitable valleys, but campus ministers remain steadfast companions on this journey of faith.
The impact of campus ministers extends far beyond the immediate student body. Their influence often reaches families, school communities, and even parishes. By helping young people develop a personal relationship with Christ, they plant seeds of faith that bear fruit in countless ways. Students who grow in their faith often become leaders in their churches, role models for their peers, and witnesses to the power of God’s love. Campus ministers play a crucial role in building a generation of young Catholics who are prepared to live out their faith boldly in an increasingly secular world.
This work is not without its challenges. Campus ministers face the emotional weight of students’ struggles, the unpredictability of their schedules, and the need to constantly adapt to the unique needs of each individual they serve. Yet, they persist, fueled by their deep love for Christ and their desire to share His love with others. Their perseverance is a testament to the strength of their vocation and the grace that sustains them.
The work of a campus minister is not just a job; it is a calling to be present, to listen deeply, and to invest in the spiritual well-being of young people. Their dedication ensures that the next generation not only encounters Christ but also learns how to walk with Him through the complexities of life. The impact of their ministry is profound, shaping lives in ways that ripple far beyond the walls of our schools and into the wider Church and world. By fostering an environment where students feel seen, heard, and loved, campus ministers embody the essence of Christ’s ministry on Earth.
