Report of the Campus Ministry Directors' Meeting

Report of the Campus Ministry Conference on Tuesday, June 17^th

Present: Archbishop Mar Joseph Powathil, Bp.Mar Jose Puthenveettil and thirty delegates from the colleges.

The meeting was inaugurated by Abp. Mar Joseph Powathil. In his inaugural address, he explained the reasons behind the protection given to the Minorities in the Constitution of India. The Minority Educational Institutions are given special protection in order to keep the social balance in the country as the majority would always be in a position to preserve its culture without any Constitutional guarantees. Hence the minorities should pay special attention to preserve their values and spiritual traditions. The institutions belonging to the minorities have an obligation to keep and preserve their spiritual values and traditions.

 Bp. Mar Jose Puthenveettil in his presidential address asked the directors and chaplains to be with the students in their concrete situations of life and to be available to them. It would be much easier to draw them to the Lord, if the teachers are close to them. He mentioned the special way in which the present Holy Father approaches contemporary issues. His style of speaking about God through the concern he shows for the daily struggles of the people makes his words more acceptable and credible. He explained further the difference between the Theology of the past which was theology from above and the new trend of coming down to the level of people and then speaking to them about God as Theology from  below. He encouraged person to person evangelization.

Rev.Dr.George Danavelil gave a brief introduction to the “ Joy of the Gospel” through a power point presentation.

After the talks, the participants introduced themselves and then shared  their respective programmes and projects. Some of the common programmes mentioned during the sharing are the following:

Regular classes in Religion and Morals, Holding Eucharistic celebrations on week days as well as on first Fridays, Prayer vigils, Prayer meetings, Jesus Youth gatherings, CSM gatherings, Rosary devotions in October, Distribution of meals  to the poor ,Regional Arts competitions, Visiting the homes of the poor, Showing movies on Saints, Pro-life programmes for senior students, Retreats, audio-visual classes, Leadership Camps, Pilgrimages, Visiting Orphanages, Prayer Groups for Teachers, Value Education classes, Counseling sessions, Free noon Meals, First Friday devotions, Celebrating Christmas with street boys, Old clothes collection and distribution, Supply of meals for Orphanages, Visiting the homes of students, Bible classes, and Adorations. 

Dr.Chackochan Njavally gave the summary of the discussions of the committee meeting that was held previous to this meeting and gave an outline of the plans to be implemented in the current year. Dr. Chcokochan presented the two e-Campus magazines and explained how it could be done in the coming months as a bi-monthly.

Fr. Anish Angadiath spoke about the feasibility of publishing a Campus magazine.   

After lunch, the participants remained for a short discussion on a few special projects to be implemented this year.

The following are the new programmes that are visualized to be implemented this year:

1.     Preparing a common text book for Religion and Morals classes

2.     E-Campus newsletter

3.     A bi-monthly Campus magazine: Fr.Anish Angadiath from the Bharatha Matha college will be taking initiative in this matter and will publish a pilot magazine.

4.     Short-film competitions

5.     Music competitions

6.     Holding a meeting of the office bearers of Catholic organizations

7.     Seminars       

Mr. Justine Joseph of St. Joseph’s college proposed a vote of thanks at the end of the morning session.