Dear Catholic Community at Stanford,
The bishops of the United States have defined 6 specific areas with which university campus ministry in our country must be engaged for the good of the Church, the good of university communities, and, especially for the good of the students we serve:
Forming the Faith Community: Building a Christian community on campus is a responsibility of all baptized people.
Appropriating the Faith: Campus ministry must be faithful to the Church's teachings while also adapting to the needs of the academic community.
Forming the Christian Conscience: Campus ministry is a way for baptized people to use their talents and gifts to serve the Church.
Educating for Justice: Campus ministry is a way to educate for justice.
Facilitating Personal Development: Campus ministry can help students develop into well-rounded people.
Developing Leaders for the Future: Campus ministry can help students prepare for their vocations in life.
The bishops also stress that this work is to be accomplished by all the baptized on Campus. Your support makes it possible for us to offer programming that fulfills this rather ambitious list of goals. Your participation in our programming offers our younger brothers and sisters examples of those who are living the Christian life in the world, examples that they might emulate. Thank you for your commitment ministering to the students who form the focus of our ministry.
Since my arrival last Summer, I have continuously said that the best thing that I encountered in this very complicated ministry is the staff I inherited from Fr. Xavier. They are a talented, committed and experienced group of ministers who clearly love this ministry and all it entails. And you and I have a great deal for which to be grateful in these ministerial leaders. I fear that I do not express my gratitude and appreciation for them and their hard work enough, but the real focus of this letter is to thank you for the donations that make this staff possible.
In addition to our staff, I am equally grateful for the many of you who volunteer your time, talents and treasures to keep this ministry operating for the good of the young men and women who seek a Spiritual Home in our community during their university years. Jesus has given us a mandate to bring the Gospel to the world. Our shared corner of that world is the Campus of Stanford University. Thank you for helping us to fulfill our mission.
As is true for my first 4 months here, I continue to listen and learn, to assess and to plan. I welcome your feedback and concerns about our shared ministry. Do not hesitate to reach out. Again, thank you for helping to make all this possible,
Yours in the love of Jesus,
Fr. Bart Hutcherson, OP
Pastor
