At a recent Sunday night Mass, it was announced that Campus Ministry would be introducing a new opportunity for spiritual fulfillment on campus. In an answer to students’ requests for a faith group, Campus Ministry has implemented a program in which students can gather on Monday nights to view “The Chosen,” a series that follows the life of Jesus through the eyes of those who knew Him. Hosted by Fr. Savard, the viewing will take place at 7:00 p.m. in the McGrath Commons, on the bottom floor of the chapel. At each meeting, students will have the opportunity to watch an episode of the series, which will be followed by a discussion among the group.
Mr. Charlie Miller, a retired theology teacher of sixteen years at Fairfield College Preparatory School, came up with the idea to show students “The Chosen” with the intention of giving them an outlet to both strengthen their faith and socialize with others who have the same interest. He and Fr. Savard worked together to create the program and add it to the schedule of Campus Ministry events.
Once a week, students meet in the Egan Chapel to watch an episode of the series, during which they are encouraged to reflect on the events and the characters within it. Afterward, they have a conversation about what they’ve watched, discussing questions such as what scenes impacted them the most or what characters they can identify with. Pizza and refreshments are provided, allowing for a casual but productive hour of reflection and dialogue. There are eight episodes in a season, resulting in eight weeks of watch parties for this semester.
Miller revealed why the implementation of a group like this is beneficial, explaining that the series “brings the characters that we read about in the Gospels to life,” allowing students to “nurture and enrich their faith, especially their understanding of who is this Jesus? And how about the people He interacted with?” This is his first goal for the program, that it would allow students to grow spiritually. His second goal is to bring students together “to help to develop community and fellowship.”
“I think ‘The Chosen’ watch parties are a refreshing way to learn about the scriptures in a stress free environment,” first-year Lauren Lanning offered. “It creates a space to listen and learn without the pressure of a formal class or study.”
The addition of the watch parties to Campus Ministry’s many programs provides students with a sort of faith group; it’s an opportunity to continue spiritual development outside the weekly Mass. Miller described why it is important for students to have many opportunities to come together and practice their faith, explaining that each student is unique, and different programs may speak to certain students more than others. Campus Ministry has also introduced other changes, such as a new Mass time, in response to student demand.
The first meeting was on Monday, Jan. 27, with about twenty students gathered to participate. The turnout was a pleasant surprise for Miller after just a short pitch at the end of Sunday Mass the night before. When asked what he hopes students will gain from the experience, Miller answered, “I hope they will come away with an enriched understanding of Jesus, and they will hopefully want to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus and come to know Him. I think ‘The Chosen’…gives a very wonderful image of who Jesus is…When they read or hear the Gospels now, they’ll have a better understanding of the context in which the word of God is situated.” Not only do the gatherings provide a chance for students to practice their faith, but it also gives them the chance to meet new people and make friends. The next meeting will be Monday, February 10.
“It’s really an enrichment opportunity for students,” Miller said. “We highly encourage them to come.”
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