What do we owe to each other?
This question recently entered the zeitgeist in the popular television show The Good Place. (If you haven’t seen it yet, I heartily recommend it!) In the series, one character attempts to turn another into a “good person” using T.M. Scanlon’s book What We Owe to Each Other. In it, Scanlon asks, “What is morality? How do we understand it?”
Of course, the Christian answers these questions differently than does the philosopher.
We, the Church, believe that we owe quite a bit to one another. When we were baptized, we took solemn vows to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. Dignity is not something earned with age. Dignity is a given, at every stage of life for each and every human being. But what does it look like to respect the dignity of young people? Over the next several weeks in these reflections, I will think with you about this question. Today, we will focus on loving our college students well.
First, know this: we host the only Episcopal campus ministry which serves the 7 colleges and universities in our area. The harvest is plentiful, and we appear to be the laborers called into the field. But what does a vibrant campus ministry look like? How do we serve them well, using the resources we already have?
We begin by opening as many doors to the church as we can.
Beginning on September 13th, we will launch a new service. On Sunday nights at 5:00 p.m., we will have Sung Mass, especially for students in our area. The mass will be just as you know – our rich customs and traditions will not be watered down. Instead, they will be offered at a time which is accessible for young people.
Mass will be supported by a volunteer choir. Anyone who might be interested in singing can arrive at 4:15 for a brief rehearsal before the liturgy. No commitment, just a chance to serve. This gives our young people a chance to try on a new ministry without the burden of a long-term commitment.
After Mass, we will gather for a meal in the Retreat House or the Rectory. (On Sunday evenings, the dining halls are closed. Who can say no to a tasty free meal?) Form the bedrock of this service and meal, we will build a community of students who will enjoy social events, outreach projects, and formation activities.
This community will be called The Canterbury House, which is the title given to most (if not all) Episcopal campus ministries across the country.
How can you support this new ministry? You can…
· cook or sponsor a meal. A break from the dining halls goes a long way! You can make a dish your family loves or you could give money toward simple catering from a restaurant like Chipotle.
· serve at mass. We will need two lay ministers for this service every Sunday. In time, I hope that the students will fill these spots, but we will need some help as we get this service off the ground.
· sing. You are welcome to join this pick-up choir any Sunday.
· spread the word. Share the news of this new service with a flyer which you can pick up on Sunday.
· pray. Pray for all those young people who will come to know and love the Lord in our midst.
Of course, this service is not restricted to college students. (We aren’t checking Student ID’s at the door!) If you miss the morning Masses for any reason, you are welcome to join us in the evening. (If, say, you pop down the shore for a weekend getaway, you still have a chance to go to church!) This service is especially for, but not restricted to, students.
The Vestry, Alden, and I are excited about this growing ministry. Together, we are trying something new. We don’t yet know how it will grow or where the Spirit will lead us. We will learn as we go. But at every step, we will work to give our best to our young people.
I pray that the young adults who will join us this fall will encounter the love of God in this place. I pray that they will feel honored and respected as important members of the household of God. I pray that they will be enriched by us as I know we will be by them.