Building Faith and Belonging: Empowering Students Through Synodality
Through the collective efforts of Synodality in Higher Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (SCHEAP) and the leadership of former vice president for mission and belonging, Sister Rita Fanning, CSFN, ’89, Holy Family has been involved for the past few years in the synod process with outreach to those who may have previously felt left out of the Church. Synodality focuses on communion, participation, and the mission of the Church (to proclaim and to spread among all peoples the Kingdom of Christ and of God and to be, on earth, the initial budding forth of that kingdom, is the mission of the Church). A sub-award grant from the Lily Foundation funded two Synodal Fellows, Brianna Coates ‘26 and Destiny Rivers ‘27, to work in Campus Ministry this past semester.
Following the foundational principles of joy of the Gospel, our Synodal Fellows jumped right into their new roles, creating opportunities for community engagement, prayer, and service all while bearing witness to the Gospel call to welcome all. They expanded offerings provided by Campus Ministry, creating more spaces for students to grow in their relationship with Christ or deepen their own faith tradition.
“This semester I looked to grow spiritually while helping those who may be wandering through their faith journey, teaching others how to live in synodality,” noted Destiny. “I see my role as a Synodal Fellow to advance the mission of the Catholic Church by building a strong faith-based community, reflecting Christ’s mission and the love He has for us.”
Brianna adds, “my goal is to help create an environment where students feel God’s love and presence, even in the everyday moments of college life, aligning with the Church’s mission of evangelization, service, and community. It’s not about forcing faith onto others, but providing opportunities for people to encounter Christ in a way that is meaningful to them. Whether through conversations, events, or acts of service, I want to help foster a sense of faith, love, and connection within our campus community.”
Campus Ministry has several other student leaders actively working to provide faith opportunities for their peers. Elizabeth Miller ‘28, shared, “My work here has helped me find myself in a world of strangers. Engaging with students and the volunteering opportunities ties me closer with college, leaving me proud everyday. If you’re considering getting involved with Campus Ministry, it is truly a great time, with countless opportunities to explore your interests and discover what you’re passionate about, while being surrounded by positive energy. It’s a rewarding experience bringing personal growth and a strong sense of community.”
Encouraging leadership to come from within the church and not just a top down approach to ministry, synodality is about communal participation. At Campus Ministry, we strive to empower student leaders to become more aware of the movements of the Holy Spirit in and around them to respond to the needs of God’s people. Not easy, the work requires discernment and much prayerful discipline in order to be in relationship with Christ. My hope is that through a supportive community environment, we can support each other and grow in our individual relationship with Christ, while collectively growing as a community of believers at Holy Family University.
“I would like people to know that Campus Ministry is here for everyone, no matter where they are in their faith journey,” said Brianna. “Faith is not just about going to church; it’s about how we live, serve, and love one another. Whether someone is deeply rooted in their faith or just exploring, Campus Ministry is a space where they are always welcome.”
Let us commit to working together to fulfill the gospel vision that all may be one. We invite everyone to join us in our work of synodality and sharing the joy of the Gospel. If you are looking for a place to get started on this important work - Campus Ministry is here to welcome you!