Community Outreach
Throughout the year, Campus Ministry strives to identify and address the needs of our campus community, as well as those of Lakewood and beyond. Working together with churches, pastors, and other service providers throughout the Lakewood area (such as Providence House, Redeem Her, and Catholic Charities) affords Georgian Court’s Campus Ministry the ability to truly live out our Mercy core values. |
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Backpack Drive
Help children in need get off to a “smart” start! From mid-July to early September, Campus Ministry hosts a drive within the camps community for school supplies. The supplies benefit underprivileged families in the Lakewood area as they head back to school for the fall. Items collected range from notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and calculators to gift cards to local discount department stores. |
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Holiday Baskets
While we gather for Thanksgiving and Easter to eat great meals with our families, we are ever mindful that many are not able to enjoy the same luxury. Thus, Campus Ministry organizes drives to collect food across the campus. Campus Ministry bundles the complete dinners in baskets, wrapped and ready to be delivered to grateful families. |
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Tuberous Sclerosis Walk
Each year an on-campus walk is organized and sponsored by members of the Campus Ministry Club. Students walk to raise funds for research aimed at finding a cure for Tuberous Sclerosis. |
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GROW (Gospel Reflections Once a Week)
Each semester, students and staff members form groups gather with the staff of Campus Ministry to reflect on weekly scripture readings. Together, they review the Gospel and meditate on the meaning of the verses and the personal application of them to their daily lives. |
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Annual Events
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Blessing of the Animals (Early October)
In the spirit of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, the campus community and friends of the university are encouraged to bring their furry or feathered friends to campus for the Blessing of the Animals. During this brief outdoor gathering, our Chaplain blesses our cherished pets and reminds us of the goodness of God’s creatures. Pets blessed to date have included dogs, cats, rats, horses, birds, bunnies, fish, and ferrets, so don’t hesitate to bring your own pet, whether it be cute and cuddly or of a more exotic nature! |
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Giving Tree (November-December)
Each year as Christmas approaches, Campus Ministry distributes many small Christmas trees throughout the campus. What is unique about these trees is that they carry the names of items needed or desired by those who are unable to afford to buy gifts for their families. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to choose an item from the tree, purchase it, and return it to Campus Ministry. Campus Ministry then wraps and distributes the gifts in a campus effort to bring holiday cheer to families across Lakewood. |
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Crop Walk (mid-October)
A new GCU tradition is participation in the annual Crop Walk of Northern Ocean County, where money is raised to help eliminate hunger among our neighbors. Campus Ministry coordinates this event that enables GCU students and staff to collect donations from friends and family who sponsor them. They walk in solidarity with hundreds of groups and individuals from around the county on a Sunday in October. GCU’s presence and contribution is always greatly appreciated. |
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MS Walk
Each Spring students and members of the campus community are invited to participate in a MS Walk that raises money for MS research. This walk is sponsored by Campus Ministry and is usually held in Belmar, New Jersey. Transportation to and from the event is provided. |
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AIDS Day Event
On the first of December, students from GCU participate in an AIDS candlelight procession and prayer service held in Asbury Park, New Jersey. A collection is also made on campus and brought that day to The Center in Asbury Park. |
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Campus Retreat Program
Each year Campus Ministry sponsors several retreat experiences for the student body. This year there will be four scheduled retreats: a retreat for those who volunteer for liturgical ministries; a seashore retreat open to the entire student body; a busy persons' retreat held on campus and open to all; and a retreat for the members of the Campus Ministry Club.
Retreat Opportunities
September 2012 - May 2013
Retreat for New Students
September 28, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
McAuley Heritage Center
Ministers' Retreat
November 9, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Stella Maris, Long Branch NJ
Campus Ministry Club (S.A.L.T. team)
October 26-27
Mercy Retreat Center, Long Branch, NJ
Confirmation/RCIA Retreat
November 16, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Upper Room, Neptune NJ
Busy Persons' Retreat
January 27-31
GCU Campus
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