Catholic Campus Ministry      -      The O'Reilly Catholic Student Center

    Volume 2,  Number 1 - August, 2008   

Fr. Tom McGann, C.M.F., appointed Director of CCM

On August 15, 2008, Bishop James Vann Johnston, Jr., appointed Fr. Tom to be the Director of Catholic Campus Ministry.  Fr. Tom replaces Fr. Len Brown, C.M.F., who served the CCM Community as Director for the past four years.  Fr. Len has been assigned as pastor of a large parish outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Fr. Tom came to Springfield a year ago to be pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, and continues this ministry in addition to directing CCM.  He is ably assisted in his work at CCM by Deacon Ferdie Okorie, C.M.F., and Sister Rosalie Digenan, D.C. and their support staff.


Back to School Mass

August 24, 2008

Fr. Tom McGann welcomed new and returning students from Missouri State, Drury, and Ozarks Technical Community College with the Celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving. Fr. Tom also introduced the new Student Council and Staff.

Christina Green also welcomed the students and outlined the activities of this "Back to School Week."

Pictures of the Mass and Reception will soon be published in separate pages.  

A reception in the Gathering Area followed the Mass.


“Bear Crew” 

Students volunteer to help move Missouri State students into the dormitories during opening weekend. 

Front row: Jenny Brunette, Michelle Hobein, Kristina Green, Mary Kreimer, Jessie Woolridge.
Back row: Megan Donnelly, Chelsea Melcher, Nick Coombs, and Ryan Welch.


For pictures of last year's "Back to School Mass"        


Ferdinand Okorie, C.M.F. - Pastoral Associate,
Ordained a Deacon in the Chapel of the Blessed Claretian Martyrs.

November 17, 2007

November 17 was the date of the first ordination at Catholic Campus Ministry, Blessed Claretian Martyrs Chapel.  Ferdinand Okorie, Claretian Brother was ordained Deacon in service of the Missionary Sons Of The Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ordaining Bishop, The Most Reverend John J. Leibrecht was assisted by  several Claretian and Diocesan priests, students, friends of the community attended.

A luncheon followed the ordination at the O’Reilly Catholic Student Center .

Deacon Ferdinand is assigned to Catholic Campus Ministry and is the Staff contact for The Men’s Prayer Group, assists with RCIA and Christian Life Community..

For more pictures,                


November 2-4, 2007 - Awakening Retreat - #55.

November 2-4 was the 55th Annual Awakening Retreat.  The retreat was held at Catholic Campus Ministry, O’Reilly Catholic Student Center.  There were approx 30 students that attended the retreat, 5 of which traveled from U of A, Fayetteville . 

The Theme for the weekend was “Where Your Treasure Is, There Also May Your Heart Be.” The spiritually enlightening week end is entirely student led.  The next Awakening Retreat will be held March 7-9, 2008.


Awakening Retreat, March 7-9, 2008

For more pictures,

 

 


Graduation Mass

May 16, 2008 

For more pictures,

New Student Council - 2008-2009

Top - Ryan Welch, Kristina Green, and Brett Heischmidt;  
Middle - Lauren Kohler, Michelle Hobein (President), and Carol Nowatzke;  
Bottom - Megan Donnelly and Danielle Jones

August 26, 2008, Election of Officers:  President, Michelle Hobein;  Vice President, Lauren Kohler; Secretary, Carol Nowatzke.


New Student Lounge

Students enjoy the Student Lounge at CCM.  It has a TV, DVD player, kitchenette, pool table, soda machine and comfy couches full of students!  

Front row:  Katie Block and Rachel Naeger;  
Back row:  Mark Bonham, Janie Newton, Lauren Kohler and Steve Harris.

The student lounge was moved from the lower level and replaced the former "Apartment" area.



The Library in the Catholic Student Center

Students enjoy studying and reading in the quiet, comfortable environment of the CCM Library and Computer Lab.  It is full of informative books and also has high speed internet access.

Luke Witt researches for a project in the library.  It is perfect for escaping from campus and still getting your work done.  It provides a “homey” atmosphere.

Back to School Week at CCM

Monday - Open House and BBQ
Tuesday - Ice Cream Social
Wednesday - Root Beer Kegger and Games - Pictures:

Thursday - Pizza and Movie
Friday - Noon Mass followed by Fellowship Lunch.  -  Pictures:


18th Annual Jack Frost Run

December 1, 2007

December 1 was the date for CCM’s 19th Annual 5K Run/2.5K walk.  The weather was beautiful and the crowd enthusiastic.  Over 219 registered to make it a record event.  Greg Delong of Edward Jones was the Lead sponsor.  Many other local

companies offered their financial support.  The T shirt was a hit as always and was designed by CCM alumni, Pam (Plante) Detten.  She and husband, Dr. Russ Detten, remain active with CCM.  The Greek Trophy award was given to Theta Chi for their participation in the event.  Local News Anchor, Joe Dause, assisted Brett Heischmidt, Student-Coordinator at the Awards Ceremony following the race. Alumni, Keith Seiwert return to CCM to offer a helping hand with the event.  Student volunteers assisted Brett in making the event a huge success.  Many of the runners have run the race year after year!

For more pictures,  

For pictures from the Springfield News-Leader, 


Winter Formal - December 1, 2007.

December 1 proved to be a busy day at CCM as the students switched gears from a 5K race to a Winter Formal in the evening.  Students traded their running shoes and stocking caps for formal wear and danced to their favorite music. Over 60 students attended and enjoyed the music, dancing and snack buffet.


STUDENTS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING

November 18 the students and staff at Catholic Campus Ministry celebrated Thanksgiving by hosting a pot-luck dinner. The students decorated the room with autumn colors and brought various desserts, salads, and vegetable dishes to accompany the turkey. The food and fellowship made for a great combination! Over 35 students attended. 


Meet and Greet our new Bishop
Reception held for Bishop James Vann Johnston, Jr.

April 24, 2008

Students and Faculties from Missouri State, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College came to the "Meet and Greet Bishop Johnston"

For more pictures,


 

   
 

       

Granite Brick Pavers on Student Center Porch

The front porch of the O'Reilly Catholic Student Center is lined with granite brick pavers engraved with the names of current and former students, parents, organizations and other friends of the ministry who support our mission.

The granite brick pavers cost $250.00 each, with payment made at the time of purchase or over a one-year period.  Funds will go to the Endowment Fund, the interest from which helps maintain the student center.

The granite brick paver campaign is a wonderful opportunity to honor the memory of a loved one by purchasing a brick in his/her name.  Memorial bricks also make great gifts for students, family members and friends.

Be a part of the dream for the new Catholic Student Center and help support the "Students of Today and Leaders of Tomorrow" . . . one brick at a time.

To purchase a Granite Brick Paver, click on any one of these bricks:

     

 

Needed:  Students to contribute to this Newsletter.  If you would like to write articles, edit the articles published below, add pictures, please contact Joe at JoeSeitzer@ccm847.org.  Thank you.   

To add information to the Newsletter, click here 
   

Click on desired story:     Granite Brick Pavers          Family Weekend               Winter Formal                  Ferdinand Okorie        Students Celebrate Thanksgiving                  

                                                                   Meet and Greet the Bishop Johnston                  Awakening Retreats              18th Jack Frost Run