By Roger Ruiz

Pulse Staff Reporter

"Through faith sharing, prayer, liturgical celebrations, retreats, community service, social events and leadership training, we strive to build a faith community on campus," said Sister Imelda Phelan, Campus Ministry Coordinator.

Campus Ministry participates in a variety of service projects, such as Christmas in April, where they helped to fix up a home in the community. Campus Ministry also participated in the Basura Bash, a clean-up effort along the San Antonio River.

"The ministry is where Palo Alto students can interact and give back to the community," said Steven Gamez, sophomore Philosophy major.

Recent religious celebrations during Holy Week provided intercollegiate and community interaction through the annual Walk for Justice, a modern interpretation of the 14 stations of the Cross, reflecting on Jesus' journey to crucifixion.

Each Campus Ministry chapter chose a station to reflect on during the walk. On April 13, Palo Alto selected Jesus falling for the second time. Four students lead the participants to compare school violence to the station. Victims of school violence were remembered as their names were called out.

"The Walk for Justice takes the stations and tries to think of current-day issues that represent that same idea," said Julie Kern, Campus Ministry Adviser and Palo Alto Math Professor.

In Campus Ministry, students also develop leadership skills through intercollegiate retreats offered once a semester. At the retreat, students form groups where they discuss topics related to the theme. Later, the leaders of the group present their topic to everyone at the retreat.

"This is one of the ways for students to evolve their leadership skills," said Stacy Orosco, Campus Ministry President and Physical Therapy major.

"Does your life need direction?" This past Fall's retreat offered those involved an opportunity to meet with others in Campus Ministry chapters.

"By the end of the first day and throughout the rest of the retreat, there was a brother/sister relationship with everyone," said Adrian Hernandez, a sophomore Occupational Therapy major.

The "Busy Person on Campus" retreat, geared toward reaching students otherwise unable to attend a retreat, provided an opportunity for self-growth. From April 3-7 for an hour a day, Campus Ministry offered spiritual mentors and directors "to talk and share with and get guidance from them," said Kern.

Leadership training can also be obtained through social events. This past Spring Break, the ministry attended a conference in Lubbock with colleges from across Texas. While there, they were able to meet and hear keynote speakers.

"There was a great speaker by the name of Bishop Ramirez from Las Cruces that offered much insight for us," said Gamez. "He inspired me as a Catholic youth to put my faith into action."

Experiences with the ministry give growth to students' spiritual and personal development.

"I have learned how to read the Bible, and how to become more sociable around people," said Adrian Hernandez.

For those looking for an organization to join and an escape from the hustle and bustle of school, Campus Ministry is an option.

Christmas in April: Stacy Orosco, Sister Imelda Phelan,

Victor Sanchez, Maria Vega, Selana Silca, and Julie Kern.

"For that one hour, you get away from everything and reflect upon God and yourself and feel at peace," said Orosco.

The ministry meets every Wednesday at noon in GE 138 to reflect on what they have accomplished and to talk about up-coming events.

Gamez, Orosco and Hernandez agree that Campus Ministry is a place to go to pray, worship and have fellowship with other students who believe in the same thing you do.

For more information, contact Julie Kern at 921-5153.