As a Catholic institution, Marist is committed to fostering the spirituality of each student. While we teach from the Catholic perspective, students of all faiths are welcomed and respected. Through example and explicit instruction in the daily Religion class, students learn the teachings of Jesus, as well as the Catholic traditions of prayer, service, community and justice.

All students at Marist learn to incorporate into their lives the five Marist values which are deeply rooted in the Christian tradition: Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Honesty and Professional Behavior.

The Campus Ministry program enables each student to develop a life of prayer, as well as demonstrate concern for others. Daily prayer, an extensive Retreat program, whole school masses and prayer services all serve as means for students to deepen their faith.

Campus Ministry at Marist seems to flow naturally from Champagnat’s “great desire and legacy that we relate to each other and to the young people in our care as members of a loving family” (In the Footsteps)

Prayer is the center of activities at the school.  Students soon realize that this is a family who prays.  Every day, every class, many activities, begin with prayer.  School Eucharistic liturgies and Prayer Services are held monthly, and sometimes more often. The administration and faculty willingly assist the Campus Minister with spiritual activities. Thus the students become accustomed to adults who integrate spirituality naturally. The Liturgical Year is marked, celebrated and integrated into the curriculum.

At the core of Campus Ministry is a group of seniors who are the Retreat Leaders. They plan and lead retreats, liturgies, etc. throughout the school year.  Any senior who wishes to become a Retreat leader is welcome to apply. The only requirement is that the student consistently displays the Marist values.

Juniors who express interest in the Retreat Leader program will be trained in the 2nd semester of the junior year to assume leadership in their senior year.

Retreat Leaders plan and organize retreats and Campus Ministry programs for the other students.  This year they have also organized fund-raisers to off-set transportation costs.  Several year-level retreats are planned for the spring, to be held at the Marist Brothers Retreat House in Esopus, NY.

Students are encouraged to join our talented Gospel Choir which is under the auspices of Campus Ministry. Led by a professional musician assisted by students who sing in Gospel Choirs in their churches, these students perform at school functions and grace our liturgies.

Together, Student Council and Campus Ministry sponsor various drives, collections and fund-raisers for the benefit of agencies that serve the poor.
We have a special relationship with the Soup Kitchen at St. John’s Church in Newark, which serves thousands of homeless in the community. As befits a family, St. John’s pastor is an alumnus and sponsors several of our students with scholarships. In turn, our students respond generously to the opportunities to give food, coats, socks and gloves, toys, or any other items requested.

Because of its central location, students are able to drop by the Campus Ministry office frequently. It is a comfortable space where they feel welcomed by candy, a cordial atmosphere and the availability of the Campus Minister. The Campus Minister welcomes interruptions and offers a loving and affirming presence.

The presence of a Campus Minister and Campus Ministry programs are to help the students integrate the concept of a personal and communal spirituality.  Our students know that we are people who pray. They know that we are believers in a loving God -- believers who live ethically. They learn by explicit example that we are people who help and love and respect each other. Constant exposure to our Marist spirituality teaches them that family ethos.  Special spiritual programs designed for adolescent interests and involving them in age-appropriate activities reinforce that character and also reflect sound educational theory.

 As a family we are all about loving each other and loving others….for our students know that they are loved.  As Champagnat said:  ”…to educate children properly, we must love them, and love them all equally.”