Interim University Chaplain Scott Pilarz, S.J. wants Campus Ministry to “galvanize energy across campus” this year, he said in a meeting with the Voice on Tuesday.
Pilarz said that he wants to ensure that the programs Campus Ministry offers encourage spirituality and allow for reflection.
“It’s a challenge to all of us who are always busy on campus to reflect on our experiences to find meaning,” he said.
Pilarz said that he also wants to encourage students to explain and embrace their own faith.
“I want students to have an intellectual experience with their faith tradition and a felt experience with their faith tradition,” he said.
It is important for Campus Ministry to increase interfaith collaboration and cooperation and to create a stronger link between service and faith on campus, said Pilarz.
The Jewish Student Association, Muslim Student Association and Catholic Student Association have successfully engaged in service work this year, Pilarz said. He said that he wants to meet with the leaders of these groups to talk about the relationship between service and faith.
Former University Chaplain Adam Bunnell, O.F.M., Conv. announced his resignation last spring, effective June 30, 2002.
A nationwide search for a new chaplain is underway.
Pilarz was on sabbatical last year and said that coming to the position fresh is an advantage.
Pilarz said that he agreed with University President John J. DeGioia to fill the position of University Chaplain for one year.
“I’m teaching one course this semester and when I teach I remember how much I love it. Down the line, I want to get back to my research agenda and classes,” Pilarz said.
