May 7, 2020
Through a mix of virtual meetings, check-ins over the phone, and synchronized prayer events, Campus Ministry has ensured that students in St. John’s Catholic Scholars program remain engaged with the University and connected to their faith.
A community of 121 St. John’s students who are called to serve as leaders in the Roman Catholic Church, Catholic Scholars take part in a four-year developmental program that translates faith into action. Students apply for membership in their senior year of high school and earn grants of $5,000 for each of their four years of study at the University.
Recently, a series of Catholic Scholars events and celebrations were held remotely, marking the end of a chapter for graduating seniors; a transition for underclassmen; and a new beginning for high school seniors accepted into the program.
Catholic Scholars Cohort Commissioned
After four years of scholarship, faith, and service, 30 graduating members of the Catholic Scholars program were virtually commissioned on Wednesday, April 22, the fifth cohort in the program’s history.
“While we are disappointed that we cannot gather with our students and their families in person, we are thankful that we can still honor, thank, and celebrate the students—commissioning them to live our mission as proud alumni and as light for the world,” said James R. Walters, Ed.D., Director of the Catholic Scholars program and Residence Ministry.
Each of the students received personalized video messages from Catholic Scholars leadership congratulating them on the completion of their journey. In addition to meeting with their Campus Minister moderator on several occasions, the scholars broke into smaller groups over the semester and met virtually for spiritual direction sessions with faculty, Campus Ministers, Vincentian priests, and local faith leaders.
“The group spiritual direction gave me the time to open up to some people outside of my family and hear how other people have seen God in their lives during this time,” said Nicholas Wunsch, a senior in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “The experience provided me a feeling of marked closure for the program and a real sense of faith and accomplishment in this tumultuous time.”
The evening of their commissioning, students recited a special prayer from their homes at 5 p.m., the same time their originally scheduled commissioning ceremony was to have taken place. This prayer is traditionally said by the seniors at the Commissioning Mass before their friends and family.
They will also receive a copy of the Commissioning service. Their graduation medal will be mailed to their homes at a future date.
Returning Scholars Reflect and Reconnect
Catholic Scholars met online for their final check-ins of the semester using the Webex platform. Each of the three first-year, sophomore, and junior cohorts met in virtual workshops to be together as a community.
These monthly workshops normally take place in person and provide members with an opportunity to touch base with the larger group, with a broad focus on faith and leadership development.
“It felt amazing seeing everyone again during these difficult times,” said Vanessa Diaz, a first-year student in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. “Coming together reminded me of what it really means to be a part of a Vincentian family. Praying for not only one another, but for the rest of the world, brought a sense of hope that is needed during this time.”
Matthew Halpin, a first-year student in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, had similar thoughts. “It was a great chance to catch up with our cohort and reflect on how we are doing,” he said. “By coming together in prayer during this worldwide pandemic, it shows how we always turn to our faith as the answer to get through all of it.”
A New Beginning
During another remote session, St. John’s recently welcomed to the University admitted students who will become part of the ninth Catholic Scholars cohort. The event featured a welcome message, a short webinar-style presentation, and a Q&A session where the newest Catholic Scholars could learn from current scholars.
“We are excited to welcome our incoming Catholic Scholars to St. John’s this fall,” said Dr. Walters. “These students face many challenges, including the loss of loved ones, and the loss of many of their end-of-year high school experiences, as well.”
He continued, “We are already strategizing ways to welcome them home at St. John’s, preparing to support these exceptional faith-based leaders as they transition into higher education. We are blessed to call them Catholic Scholars and Johnnies.”