Fr. Tom Orians, SA, Campus Ministry
What does a campus minister do? This is a common question asked of the Friars of the Atonement who minister at colleges and universities. Answer: they may serve as pastors, spiritual guides, friends, and mentors to students, faculty, and staff.
At Felician College in Lodi/Rutherford, NJ, Fr. Tom Orians, SA, serves as Associate Campus Minister and Chaplain to the sports teams. “My goal is to build the social conscience of this campus through service projects and other programming.” Students serve the poor and needy at soup kitchens and on the streets of Manhattan through the “Midnight Run” outreach program . Fr. Tom is also an adjunct faculty member, where he serves as mentor and teacher for the college’s core course on Franciscan values.
Fr. Will Tyrell, SA, at Manhattanville College
Fr. Will Tyrell, SA, serves as Catholic Chaplain and Interfaith Coordinator at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. “Most important aspect of this job here is bringing very diverse peoples religiously and politically together around common issues that can transform society.” Under his guidance, students discover a global perspective and understanding what it means to be an “ethically and socially responsible leader in the global community.”
Fr. Kenneth Cienik, SA, is currently director of the pre-theologate program of Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio which trains men for the ministerial priesthood. This four-year program prepares young men academically and spiritually for entrance into a major seminary (called a Theologate) by focusing on a balanced preparation in philosophy, theology, and living the spiritual life.
Franciscan University
As a part of the program, young men participate in a household where they develop the strong bonds of Christian brotherhood so necessary for a man in discernment. Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, eucharistic adoration, guided holy hours, small-group sharing, formation conferences, and apostolic and liturgical ministries are among the activities which help the men to grow as brothers and servants of God's people as they discern our Lord's call in their lives.
