University Ministry Lauded in New Book

Dominican University is featured as one of several innovative collegiate and university ministries in a new book, “Catholic Campus Ministry: Fifteen Profiles in Achievement.”  Recognizing the exemplary work being done in Catholic ministries as a whole, the book celebrates the success of programs at universities including Johns Hopkins University, Xavier University and Boston College, as well as Dominican. The book is intended to showcase practices that can serve as models for enhancing the faith of young people during a formative period in their lives.

As one of only a few Catholic universities in the country designated as Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI), Dominican has developed a national reputation for fostering the spiritual growth and leadership formation of Latinx students in culturally responsive ways. The book highlights Dominican’s Ministry en lo Cotidiano (“ministry in the everyday”), a program that empowers student interns by combining theological reflection and contemplation with paid service opportunities with immigration support services, labor-organizing nonprofits, Spanish-speaking legal aid groups, and youth ministries. The Beloved Community program, similar to Ministry en lo Cotidiano, creates immersive service opportunities for students in African American communities. 

Another program highlighted in the book is Vocation Across the Academy, which embeds university ministers in liberal arts seminars where they work with faculty members to incorporate restorative justice circles into students’ learning experiences.

“All of these practices point to the reality that Church is not confined to a building, but is everywhere, which is why partnerships and collaboration are such an integral part of our ministry. We are grateful that the Catholic Campus Ministry Association and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recognized Dominican for building momentum, engagement and enthusiasm for faith and justice in the lives of our students,” said John DeCostanza, director of University Ministry.