As graduation approaches, the senior leaders of Campus Ministry’s Lead Team, a team of students that help run the Campus Ministry programs, are reflecting on a year defined by service, faith and community impact. For Ricky, Abi and Kitty, their involvement has gone far beyond weekly Mass– it has become a defining part of their time here at Fairfield. 

Ricky Lawlor’s journey with Campus Ministry started when he was a freshman when he immersed himself in Liturgical Ministry. Encouraged by peers like Bobby Schattle, he joined the Lead Team as a sophomore and has remained committed ever since. During his sophomore year, he attended the Kairos 44 retreat, later returned as a leader and eventually directed the retreat during his senior year. His involvement also extended beyond campus, including attending the immersion trip to Belize and leadership as Membership Chair of Alpha Sigma Nu.

For Ricky, the most meaningful part of his experience was being able to walk alongside others in their faith journeys. “Even if you’re not on the Lead Team, you’re still a leader,” he shared, emphasizing that being a leader in Campus Ministry is rooted in example and presence. Whether through conversations at Community Gatherings or unexpected encounters across campus, Ricky has found joy in inspiring others to get involved. 

Abi Evans joined the Liturgical Ministry during her freshman year. Not only has she served in Liturgical Ministry all throughout her four years here at Fairfield, she also joined the Lead Team during her junior year, helped lead the Kairos Retreat in the spring of her junior year, and then took on the title of Program Coordinator this current senior year. 

Although it is hard to pinpoint one specific highlight, what Abi finds most fulfilling is seeing the campus community shine through. Whether that be seeing people serving at mass, people asking her how they can become involved or slowly watching underclassmen become more confident and coming into their own while serving at mass.

Our final Lead Team Leader is Kitty Vernon. Kitty has always been strong in her faith, but she took some time to join Campus Ministry. Freshman year she went to mass, but didn’t really get involved until her sophomore year when she led Ignite, a Campus Ministry pre-orientation program designed for incoming students to move in early and build a community while engaging in service. That same year, she went on an immersion trip to Ecuador. After that, she was inspired to go to more Campus Ministry meetings. Eventually she was convinced to throw her hat in the ring for Lead Team, which she has participated in since her junior year.

As for advice for all of the underclassmen wondering whether or not to join Campus Ministry, Kitty says, “Just do it–just get involved.” She notes, “It’s not just for a certain kind of person… you don’t have to be Eucharistic Ministering or Lectoring, you can just go down to the basement and chat.”

A shared highlight between Ricky, Abi and Kitty is their love for the INCY retreat experience! When asked to choose between community gatherings and Retreat Weekends, all three immediately chose the INCY, describing how it is one of the most meaningful parts of Campus Ministry. For Ricky, he enjoys the energy, connection and memories created throughout the weekend. Abi appreciates how being in an overnight setting allows students to build deeper relationships away from the stress of everyday campus for a spiritual reset. Kitty especially values being surrounded by nature, as it creates a peaceful environment to encounter God in an intentional way. Though each senior values different aspects of the retreat, they all agree that the INCY offers a unique experience for faith, friendship and renewal.

As each senior prepares for graduation–all three of them returning to Fairfield for grad school–they acknowledge that faith will look a little different outside of campus. Still, the foundation they have built remains strong, and they will continue to grow in their faith. The message is clear–Campus Ministry is a place for everyone. Whether through leadership, retreats or just showing up, there is a place for everyone.

And for these seniors, that place has made all the difference.