We asked Shayna to speak on her perspective on her role as campus ministry.
At LaSalle, ministry has always been looked at from a holistic and clergical perspective. While I acknowledge that ministry is very much about supporting students to become stronger in faith and find spiritual healing through the Bible and prayer, this new ministry program has allowed our boys to challenge themselves and their faith in a way that confronts their experiences, behaviors, and the person they aspire to be after LaSalle. Ministry has transformed into a program allowing our boys to choose how they practice their faith and view Lasallian spirituality. As a guide, I walk with our boys on whatever path they choose, whether exploring their Catholic faith, Christianity, or any other religious background. One of the projects our boys are the most excited about participating in is our Ministry student council, consisting of 4 appointed student positions and 3 student representatives. With the Ministry student council, our boys participate in the campus ministry programming, allowing them to become faith leaders to their peers and staff. Our boys also partake in weekly Bible studies and fun team-building activities based on Lasallian virtues. Campus Ministry has blossomed into a program that runs 24/7 and, like Lasallian pedagogy, is encompassing. The boys at LaSalle are a particular group of children from diverse backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: faith, faith in themselves, and faith in an opportunity for a brighter future.
If you are interested in participating or volunteering in ministry programs at Lasalle, contact Shayna Ortiz at [email protected].