Student Life
Student Life > Campus Ministry

Father Jose Alonso, L.C., is the chaplain at Mater Ecclesiae College; the assistant chaplain is Father Edward McIllmail, L.C.  Pastoral and spiritual activities include sacramental ministry, retreats, talks and presentations and all liturgical rites.  The chaplains’ office is located near reception in the Domus Mariae Residence Hall. Chaplains are readily available to meet the spiritual needs of students and faculty.  All services are offered free of charge and are highly recommended.

Mater Ecclesiae College is specifically committed to the formation of consecrated women of Regnum Christi and is, therefore, dedicated to steeping the students in Regnum Christi spirituality.

All formation must take place in an atmosphere of personal freedom and love.  Any pastoral or spiritual guidance that is deceptive, coercive or manipulative is a violation of the dignity of the human person and therefore strictly prohibited.

The goal of spiritual formation is to put the student in contact with the true sources of spiritual life: sacraments, prayer and the Gospel. The center of the day at Mater Ecclesiae College is the celebration of the Eucharist; all students, faculty and staff are invited to gather for this as a collegiate community.

Campus Ministry Activities and Programs

All students are introduced to prayer through talks, retreats, spiritual guidance, personal dialogue, and freshmen classes.  Students’ prayer life will grow and deepen during their times of personal prayer so that by graduation they are women well grounded in prayer.

Students are encouraged to meet in small teams each week for a Gospel reflection, to discuss Regnum Christi spirituality, and to pray the rosary together.

Liturgical Ministry

Students are asked and encouraged to participate in the liturgy and help prepare for it.  Student volunteers take turns setting up for the celebration of Mass and Benediction and reading in Mass as lectors.  Those with musical talent are encouraged to sing as soloists in Masses on special feast days.

Students with an artistic flair can help make flower arrangements and decorate the chapel for special feast days.

Weekly the student body gathers to rehearse new songs for Mass, since this is an important part or our worship.  By singing, we pray twice!

Retreats

Monthly retreats are offered as indicated on the calendar.  Retreats begin on Saturday night and continue until Sunday at lunchtime.  The retreat in December begins on the evening of December 30th and ends the following day with Solemn Rosary, the Te Deum and the New Year’s Eve formal dinner.  Before the feast of Christ the King and the feast of the Presentation, a three day spiritual triduum of preparation is offered.

Spiritual talks are held throughout the year, according to the liturgical calendar.  They are offered during the preparatory novena before important feast days, including Immaculate Conception, the Sacred Heart and Pentecost.

Sacramental Life

Mass is celebrated daily at the times posted.  Students who are unable to attend Mass due to absence can arrange a Communion service with the chaplain.  Communion may be requested by students who are ill and confined to bed.

Confession may be requested at any time.