Faith Formation

"But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory now and to the day of eternity."

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

RCIA is a program on campus that seeks to provide non-Catholic students on campus the opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith tradition. Throughout the school year, we will break open the teachings of the Catholic Church to share why we believe what we believe as Catholics. Within the program, students will have the opportunity to join the Church at Easter and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

Anyone wishing to enter into full communion with the Church is called to participate. Participants, or catechumens/candidates, may be interested in seeking full membership in the Catholic Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. You may also participate as a sponsor for those in our community who are receiving the sacrament.

Alternative Break

Students engage in social justice issues, domestic and international, through a team formation process of prayer, reflection, and direct service.

These service-immersion experiences, offered during each Fall Break, Spring Break, and in May, are designed to provide meaningful experiences for students who want to immerse themselves in different cultures and serve those in need. They include travel to under-served communities in places like Appalachia, New Mexico, and Guatemala.

Led by the university's student Alternative Break (AB) Board and accompanied by faculty and staff advisors, the goal for these experiences is to open the eyes of students to global needs and challenges, empowering them to become transformational leaders for social change.

Students who participate in the Marian University AB program describe it as " life-altering " and definitely move along the continuum of awareness, from volunteerism to more engaged citizenship committed to social activism.

Applications for student leadership positions are available in April and participants are can apply in the fall semester preceding Spring Break.​

For more information contact Amanda Scanameo.

Koinonia

"Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8

Koinonia is a Greek word meaning community, and thus together the retreatants walk through these steps of Micah 6:8.

This retreat is Christian-based but welcomes all faiths to participate. The retreat consists of six talks that the leaders construct and give. There is also small group time for reflection and prayer, along with other bigger group activities. This is an opportunity to discover God, yourself, and others. This student-led retreat helps students form a community of friends in a quiet environment to help them reflect on their lives and get a chance to see God in a whole new way.

Koinonia is a student-led retreat. The core team dedicates their time and effort to creating the retreat. They meet multiple times a week to craft their talks and the retreat itself. If you are flexible, compassionate, and open-minded, you should consider joining the team.

"The fruit of the talks on the retreat and their beauty makes it all so worth it."

World Youth Day

Another pilgrimage opportunity is World Youth Day in the summer of 2023. Marian is taking a group of students to Lisbon, Portugal for World Youth Day. This is an opportunity to celebrate Catholicism with other youth from across the world. From experiencing the rich traditions of other countries to celebrating Mass with the Pope, students will deepen their faith through this pilgrimage. 

Faith Mentorship

Navigating one's personal spirituality and lived faith expression isn't simple nor is it meant to be done alone. In University Ministry, we offer ways for students across campus to seek out mentors to accompany and walk alongside them as they grow in their faith and discipleship. Our Faith Mentors serve our community as Peer Ministers, Covenant Ministers, San Damiano Scholar Fellows, and Spiritual Directors.