Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Alex Holzinger

For years Hendrix College has consistently attracted a large number of Catholic students to its campus. In fact, Catholics form the second largest religious group on campus - only the Methodists claim more members. This considerable minority composes an estimated ten percent of the overall student body and one organization is helping these students to enhance their faith at a predominantly Methodist school.

Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) offers Catholic students at Hendrix opportunities to practice their faith and join in fellowship with other Catholics. Every Sunday morning, CCM holds an 8:00 a.m. mass at the CCM House located on the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) campus, and, every Thursday, the organization
sponsors a luncheon in the House from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CCM also offers social activities for students such as bowling, canoeing, and ice-skating. Just this past weekend CCM attended a Eucharistic Congress meeting in Little Rock.

"CCM offers us a place to talk and learn about our faith," senior and CCM Religious Life Committee Representative Erin Strange said.

"Our mission is to help Catholic students and other students strengthen their relationship with Christ, help them learn the teachings of the Catholic faith, celebrate the Eucharist, and serve others' needs," Director of CCM Deacon Richard Papini said.
On Tuesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. Hendrix professor Dr. Gabe Ferrer leads a Rosary in the Raney Building. A Rosary is a lengthy prayer, which consists of the Lord's Prayer, repetition of the Hail Mary praises, and a prayer of reconciliation, according to sophomore Louisa Domingo.

"The purpose of a Rosary is not just to offer a prayer to God, but also to draw in community with the saints of the Church," Domingo said.

CCM also provides various community services, such as frequent visits to St. Andrew's Nursing Home and at St. Joseph's Church to provide after-school care.

Every spring, CCM students travel on a mission trip, usually outside the United States. Last summer the group visited Juarez, Mexico, to engage in housing development. CCM also attends retreats to Southern Arkansas to work on home rehabilitation.
Despite the large number of Catholic students at Hendrix, attendance at CCM events remains relatively low - just about ten students at Hendrix consider themselves active members. Despite the recruitment hurdles at a Methodist-affiliated College, Deacon Papini and the CCM members agree that Hendrix College Chaplain Rev. Wayne Clark has strived to provide a welcoming environment for the Catholic student body. The Lily Foundation also provides opportunities for students interested in pursuing the Catholic ministry to attend seminary.

"We are the minority, but Hendrix has felt tolerant and open to us," Strange said.

Hendrix and UCA share a charter that allows the two schools to work together on various projects.

"The bond we have with UCA allows us to find common ground and come together in fellowship." Domingo said.

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