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Faith Formation and Education
Esselen Peer Ministry
Overview
The Newman Catholic Center offers up to four Peer Ministry Fellowships to UMass undergraduates each year. Esselen Peer Ministers reach out to UMass students "where they are", in both a practical and a spiritual sense. As fellow students, the peer ministers easily identify with the challenges and opportunities faced by classmates, dorm-mates, or teammates.
Launching the Program for 2010-2011
We are pleased to post that UMass students Katie O'Gara and Sara Deady will be joining the Newman Center staff later this month for an intensive training session and will engage with the UMass community as Esselen Peer Ministers for 2010-2011. Part-time campus minister Chris Clark will coordinate the program.
Peer Ministers' Outreach Extends in Three Ways:
MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
Peer ministers witness simply by living the Gospel in the midst of campus life. Easy-going confidence, helpfulness, and interest in others is just a natural extension of their faith.
MINISTRY OF FELLOWSHIP
Clear about who they are in Jesus Christ and experienced in the rhythm of UMass student life, the peer ministers respectfully engage with others' interests and concerns. They make time to extend fellowship with other members of the campus community. This fellowship can take various shapes, such as: hosting friendly gatherings, being there for a discouraged first-year student, bringing people together in a time of need, or hosting mid- or end-semester study breaks.
MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS
Peer ministers also respond to others' interest in the Catholic faith by offering basic orientation events geared to college students. They also invite and encourage others to check out lectures, study groups, prayer and Sacramental events, and service opportunities.
Nuts and Bolts for the Esselen Peer Ministry Program
For each academic year the Director of the Newman Catholic Center appoints or re-appoints up to four Peer Ministers to assist in campus ministry. Preferably, two of those appointed will be men and two will be women -- usually two incoming juniors and two incoming seniors. To be eligible to apply, students must be: baptized and confirmed, practicing Catholics; in good academic and judicial standing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst; registered at the Newman Catholic Center; have a demonstrated interest in reaching out to their fellow students.
During the summer and winter breaks the peer ministers receive a several-day intensive training session by members of the Newman Center staff. During the semesters they are supervised and receive training by the program coordinator, who reports to the Director of the Center. They also enjoy mentorship with a member of the Newman team. The peer ministers are compensated at the rate of $2000 to $2500 a semester. The peer ministers devote an average of 15 hours a week to the mission during the school year. Of course, allowances are made for family and academic commitments.
Two fellowships will be available for 2010-2011
After the fall semester gets underway we will accept applications for one to two peer minister positions for the current academic year. If you are interested in joining the team, contact Miss Chris Clark, Campus Minister.
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08.19.2010 mcc
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University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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Last update: Mon, 30 Aug 2010
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