Ecumenical Center - University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Catholic Campus Ministry

MISSION STATEMENT: The goal of Catholic Campus Ministry at UWGB is to continue the mission of Jesus, both now and for the future, by building a Catholic student community of word, worship and service.

Ministers

Catholic Campus Ministers are employed by the Green Bay Catholic Diocese. The Diocese rents an office at the EC from which they do Catolic Campus Ministry.

Father Tom Long

Father Tom is the Catholic Chaplain to UWGB. He is here at the Ecumenical Center on Sunday nights from 6 - 9 p.m., and usually another evening during the week (check the weekly bulletin). On Sunday nights, Father Tom offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 6:30 p.m. in the Prayer Room, and is the presider for our 7:00 p.m. mass.

When he is not at the EC, Father Tom is the Vocation Director for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. He travels around the diocese to speak about our call from God to a happy vocation to the married life, the single life, the religious life, or the ordained life. In a particular way, he works with men considering a life as a diocesan priest.

Father Tom lives at Saint Peter & Paul Parish in Green Bay. Feel free to email him at tom@ecumenical-center.org to set up a time to talk!

Laurie Svatek

I’m a Catholic Campus Minister at the Ecumenical Center. I joined the EC family in October 2002 and since then it’s been my primary responsibility to serve the needs of the Catholic students, faculty and staff of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. You can see me weekly on Sunday nights for Mass, or most week days in my office.

I’m very close to my family, so much of my time off is spent with them watching my nieces and nephews participate in various sporting events, sharing meals or at our family cottage. I love to travel and would consider myself a bit of a risk taker, so you might find me doing some unusual activities, like parasailing (come in and see the picture!).

The best part of my job is spending time getting to know the students of UWGB, so stop in for a visit.

Prayer

CATHOLIC MASS: Catholic Mass is celebrated Sunday nights at 7pm during the school year at the Ecumenical Center, and on Holy Days, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Stay afterwards for food & conversation.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Join us during this season of Lent for Stations of the Cross. Watch for dates as Lent nears.

RECONCILIATION: Fr. Tom Long is available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Sundays at 6:30 pm before the 7:00 mass, after mass on Sunday evenings, or by appointment.

RETREATS

Chambers Island: Join students from the other campuses in our diocese on Chambers Island for this service retreat that takes place in the spring and in the fall. This retreat mixes time for reflection, service and play at our diocesan retreat house.

Busy Person’s Retreat: Designed with the busy student in mind, this retreat allows students to re-connect with God in the midst of a busy life. The format of this retreat allows students to meet daily with a spiritual mentor. Mass is offered, along with other opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Balancing the B.S. (Big Stuff): Gather for an evening where the focus is you and your gifts. Discover where your strengths lie, how to develop those strengths, and how best to use them all while keeping your life in balance.

College TEC: The format of this experience in Christian living is designed specifically for the college student. It allows students to spend time listening, laughing, reflecting, and discussing things about themselves, others and God. TEC is based on the dying and rising of Jesus Christ and challenges us to live our lives in light of this mystery. Watch for more info in the Spring.

Alternative Spring Break Trip: Not your average retreat, this extended retreat experience is offered as an alternative to a traditional spring break trip. It involves traveling out of state to serve those in need and reflecting on these experiences in light of Catholic Social Teachings. We do this in response to the Gospel call to serve others, especially those most in need.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK: This service trip might also be considered a retreat because it has proven for others to be an experience that is transformative. This experience is offered as an alternative to a traditional spring break trip. It involves traveling out of state to serve those in need and reflecting on these experiences. We do this in response to our belief that we have a responsibility to serve others, especially those most in need.

CHAMBERS ISLAND: Join students from the other campuses in our diocese on Chambers Island for this service retreat that takes place every year in both the spring and in the fall. This retreat is an opportunity to be of service to our diocesan retreat house.

SUPPORTING OUR FAITH COMMUNITY:

You can be of service to the Catholic Community at the Ecumenical Center by sharing your gifts in one of the following roles:

Ministers of the Eucharist: In this ministry, the student assists in distributing the Eucharist to the community at Mass.

Ministers of the Altar (Servers): These individuals prepare the altar and assist the priest at Mass.

Ministers of Hospitality: Those who serve in this area help create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and meet the assembled community's needs.

Ministers of Music: The EC Catholic Choir and musicians lead the community in song and encourage those present to raise their minds and hearts to God. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings.

Minister of the Word (Lectors): Lectors proclaim the Scripture Readings and Prayers of the Faithful during Mass.

Training for Ministers of the Word, Altar, Hospitality or Eucharist is approximately one hour long and is arranged according to students' schedules. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire and a commitment to help out.

Contact Laurie at 465-5133 for more info.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): This is a process which enables an individual to become a full member of the Catholic Church. This program begins in late September and ends in May. It is designed for those who have not celebrated the sacrament of Baptism as well as for Christians from other faith denominations who wish to become members of the Catholic Church. In addition, the RCIA is open to baptized Catholics who have not been educated in their Faith and desire to prepare for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Contact Laurie at 465-5133 for more info.

Confirmation: Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered for students who are active in their faith and who wish to complete their Christian Initiation by celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Contact Laurie at 465-5133 for more info.

JUST FOR FUN

St. Nick Visits: Have no fear-St. Nick delivers here. Simply get on our email list and let St. Nick know you’d like a visit.

Ecumenical Center - University of Wisconsin Green Bay

Catholic Campus Ministry