Outlook on Campus Ministry
As a member of Peer Ministry for two years now, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of the group that is the culmination of Bergan’s mission: Peer Ministry.
The Peer Ministry group has existed to support students in both school and class retreats, and to be positive role models for students, younger students especially, to follow. During my class’ couple years as Peer Ministers, we saw several transitions between multiple pastors, and are experiencing another transition as Fr. Nolte has moved into helping the Peer Ministry group recently.
In the past, Peer Ministry has been mostly used as a tool in class retreats with no formal roles in the school. Although the expectations for the retreats haven’t necessarily changed, the role that Peer Ministry will play in the school seems to be changing quite a bit. One of the first things that Fr. Nolte has addressed in the school is giving the Peer Ministry their room to operate. With this change in mind, it can be reasonably inferred that the Peer Ministry will likely play a role in school operations that will exist beyond class retreats.
Mr. Vanek has also given quite a bit of freedom to the Peer Ministers in leading all of the class retreats. With this decision comes a lot of responsibility, but also a good amount of power in being able to take charge of the program more. As I look back on my time as a Peer Minister, I’m proud of the work I’ve been able to accomplish, the change that I’ve brought to the group, and I’m looking forward to all of the positive change that Fr. Nolte will bring to Bergan.
