It is hard to believe August is here and that school will begin in just about two weeks! A warm welcome to the Class of 2028 and their families, as well as to any new students and their families. Of course, a warm welcome back to all our our returning students and their families, too. This monthly newsletter is designed to keep you informed of all Campus Ministry happenings around the school and even within the diocese.

The month of August is celebrated in the Church as the month of The Immaculate Heart of Mary. As a Catholic School in the Marianist Tradition, we believe that Mary is the perfect model of how to be a true disciple of Jesus. As we begin school, there is no better time than now to ask Mary to intercede to Jesus for us. May Mary wrap her mantle of care and protection around all our students, families, and staff this year. You can read more about the Immaculate Heart of Mary here. Please also read more about the Marianists and the Blessed Mother Mary in the Marianist Moment below in this newsletter.

This year, the Campus Ministry Theme, to coincide with the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Catholic Church, will be H.O.P.E.; an acronym for Helping Others Prepare for Eternity. We will use Saint Padre Pio and his words of, "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry," as an example to live by. The Jubilee Year of Hope begins with the Year of Prayer and so we will help others prepare for eternity as we learn and share how to grow in relationship with God through prayer. Here is a special Litany Prayer to pray each Monday for all our students. I will have a printed version available on Curriculum Night. I also ask you to pray for Mrs. Faetanini, all our administrators, faculty, and staff, too, as they work so hard to lead and grow our students in love of God and love of learning. Thank you in advance for praying for our students and staff, since the power of your prayers will assist and comfort them.

Please read on to find the latest happenings and information, some important dates, and some new programs in our STVM Campus Ministry.

May Mary's Mantle Cover You,

Mrs. Goshe

Director of Campus Ministry

Freshman and their families are invited and encouraged to attend a Mass of Welcome at St. Vincent de Paul Church at 8:30am on Sunday, August 18, followed by breakfast and fellowship at STVM. Freshman and new families, please see the details in your email.

We will be celebrating our opening Mass for the '24-'25 school year on Wednesday, August 28 at 9:30 am, the Feast of St. Augustine. Fr. Damian Ference, The Vicar for Evangelization for the Diocese of Cleveland, will be our celebrant. Please know that Mass is one of the most special ways we pray together as a school family and all of our STVM students are required to attend. Students will be given information about how and why Catholics celebrate Mass and expectations for behavior, participation, and dress during Theology classes before our August 28 opening Mass.

Jesus, in his three years of public ministry, picked the 12 apostles to accompany him. Marianist Founder, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, knew that new times called for new measures and worked to form small groups or sodalities of lay people to accompany and support each other in their journey of faith. The most current research in Youth Ministry states that relationship and authentic accompaniment are an incredible means to help grow a disciple of Christ for life.

In light of this, Campus Ministry will be seeking students interested in forming small faith sharing groups. The groups will be single-sex groups of 5 to no more than 8. The groups will commit to meeting for one hour, once per week. A Catholic mentor from outside the STVM community will, after receiving both ministry training and VIRTUS (the Diocesan program, Protecting God's Children), journey in faith with the small group. Groups will do an initial study and then, working with their mentor, determine the next faith step activity.

Students interested in learning more or becoming a member of a Sodality Small Faith Sharing Group should complete this google form. If any students or parents have any questions about this new endeavor, please email Mrs. Goshe.

Campus Ministry would like to continue to increase the amount opportunities offered to pray together. We will be trying the following schedule during the 1st Quarter. If you are interested in learning more about any of these opportunities, please email Mrs. Goshe.

Mondays - Pray the Litany for Students (together or alone and wherever you are)

Tuesday - Divine Mercy Chaplet during last 15 minutes of each lunch in Chapel

Wednesday - 5 Minute Prayer in the LRC immediately after school

Thursday - 15 Minute Lectio Divina/ Scripture Study during lunches in Campus Ministry Office

Friday - First Friday Masses at 7:15, every other Friday Rosary at 7:25am. All day Adoration 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month (parents welcome).

Marianists believe that Mary is the perfect model of discipleship. She shows us how to love, trust, and follow Jesus better than any other human being. She also encourages us to "Do whatever He tells you." John 2:5

Did you know that as a Marianist school, we are part of big family of Marianists across the United States and the world? STVM is just one of 19 Marianist high schools in the United States. To get a greater sense of our larger Marianist Family, please click here to read the latest publication of Marianist Family Online.

We also invite you to download the Marianist App for lots of great resources and information.

It is also important to understand why we, as Catholics, hold Mary in high esteem, call her our Mother, and ask for her intercession. This short video with Fr. Mike Schmitz gives a good introduction and explanation to help us to understand our relationship with Mary.