Campus fellowship organizations
By Crystal Abrell | Opinion Editor
Many college kids are part of religious groups, but which groups are they involved in? The University of Indianapolis consists of many religious/fellowship organizations:
Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) •
Campus Crusade for Christ is a Christian organization on campus at UIndy. There are always games, speakers and fellowship with other UIndy students. “The Crusade also offers special events to grow in your own walk with the Lord and chances to get out and share Christ’s love in action; these things are available through mission trips, retreats, events and conferences throughout the year, ” said CCC leader Rebecca Corcoran.
Catholic Student Association (CSA) •
CSA members carpool to Mass on Sunday mornings at nearby Good Shepherd Catholic Church where they also do some outdoor service work once or twice a year for elderly people in the parish. The CSA members celebrate mass on campus in the chapel a half dozen times a semester with the help of Fr. Matthias Newman, OSB and chaplain at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove. On occasion, the group has attended various talks by Catholic thinkers and writers. At the start of each academic year, they organize an open invitation cookout. They also have had a couple of retreats and been involved in campus ecumenical Christian student ministry, including responsibility for a Thursday night prayer service. According to the office of Career Service Director Paul Gabonay, “The Catholic Student Association has done a great job of providing opportunities for Catholic students at the university to grow spiritually and to become more knowledgeable about their particular faith tradition.”
Chi Alpha (CAC) •
Chi Alpha Campus Ministries is a movement of college men and women. They invite everyone to be a part of the group, regardless of background. Chi Alpha meets on campus in gatherings that are informal, infused with music and interaction and cover topics from relationships to the nature of truth. These meetings are opportunities for students to meet and work towards the needs of the community. “In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells his disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. Chi Alpha is trying to make disciples in our part of the world-the UIndy campus. We want everyone at this campus to know the love, joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior,” said Alpha leader Chris Bullick.
Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) •
Fellowship events bring students together to build friendships and community. Fellowship campus ministry helps Christian college students enhance their Christian knowledge and become active believers at UIndy. Special events take place throughout the year for Christian life on campus.
Jewish Student Union (JSU) •
The population of Jewish students at the University of Indianapolis is small, but within the past year has grown large enough to form a Jewish Student Union. JSU works to connect members of the Jewish community, creating a means for Jewish students to communicate and work together on programming initiatives. The Jewish Student Union seeks to maximize opportunities for Jewish students to explore, celebrate and sanctify life in a Jewish way.
Muslim Student Union (MSU) •
MSU desires to establish an Islamic presence on campus. Although there are a small number of Muslim students their number is growing at UIndy. MSU works to connect Muslim students and provide the opportunity to form companionships with other members.
The Deliverance Project •
The Deliverance Project is an organization on campus dedicated to bringing Christ centered performances to the UIndy stages. From rock bands to comedians, the Deliverance Project brings entertainment for all to enjoy.
United Methodist Student Association (UMSA) •
The United Methodist Student Association is a part of the United Methodist Student Movement. The Movement is comprised of all affiliated United Methodist Schools and all Wesley Foundations. UMSA meets Wednesday nights from 9 to 9:30 p.m. “Our goal is to keep young United Methodist interested and apart of the United Methodist Church,” said USMA President Dani Diehl.
