Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary: A Reflection on Beautiful Eucharist and College Campus Ministry

By Rosie Chinea Shawver

Executive Director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association

As we navigate the demands of ministry, especially in the vibrant and sometimes chaotic environment of a college campus, resources that ground us in our faith can be invaluable. One such resource is Beautiful Eucharist by Dynamic Catholic. I was given this book from someone I met who went to the Eucharistic Congress. I met him on the trip to Guatemala. This book serves as a profound reminder of the centrality of the Eucharist in our lives and provides tangible examples that resonate deeply with those of us ministering to young adults. I highly recommend this book for you and your students.

The Heart of the Eucharist: An Encounter in Every Moment

At the core of Beautiful Eucharist is the idea that the Eucharist is more than a Sunday obligation; it's a daily encounter with Christ that has the power to transform every aspect of our lives. The book shares stories of individuals who have experienced this transformation in their everyday routines - like a busy student who finds peace during a daily Mass on campus, or a young adult who, amidst the pressures of academic life, discovers solace in Eucharistic Adoration.

For campus ministers, these stories can serve as a reminder to encourage students to integrate the Eucharist into their daily lives. Perhaps you could suggest that students start their day with a quick visit to the chapel, even if it's just for a few moments of silent prayer. Or, you might organize a weekly Eucharistic Adoration hour, providing a space where students can unwind and refocus amidst the busyness of campus life. These small, consistent encounters with the Eucharist can become touchstones for students, helping them navigate the complexities of college life with a deeper sense of peace and purpose.

Connecting the Eucharist to Daily Life: Real-Life Applications

One of the strengths of Beautiful Eucharist is its ability to bridge the gap between the sacred and the ordinary. The book offers practical examples of how the Eucharist can influence everything from our relationships to our work. For instance, it highlights a story of a professor who begins each class with a moment of silent reflection, inviting students to center themselves and acknowledge the presence of God in their learning environment. This simple practice, inspired by the Eucharistic call to mindfulness and gratitude, creates a ripple effect throughout the campus, fostering a more compassionate and thoughtful community.

In a similar way, campus ministers can incorporate Eucharistic spirituality into the everyday fabric of college life. Consider integrating brief moments of prayer or reflection into student meetings, service projects, or social events. Encourage students to see their academic pursuits, friendships, and even challenges as opportunities to live out the Eucharistic call to love and serve others. By framing these daily activities as extensions of the Eucharistic celebration, students can begin to see their entire lives as acts of worship and service.

An Invitation to Beauty: Cultivating a Culture of Wonder on Campus

Beautiful Eucharist invites readers to rediscover the beauty of their faith, particularly through the lens of the Eucharist. The book recounts the experience of a young woman who, while attending a college retreat, encounters the Eucharist in a way that reignites her sense of wonder and reverence. This encounter becomes a turning point in her spiritual life, leading her to become more involved in campus ministry and to seek out opportunities to share this newfound beauty with others.

Campus ministers can take inspiration from this by creating spaces and opportunities for students to encounter the beauty of the Eucharist in their own lives. Organize a candlelit Adoration night with reflective music, or plan a retreat focused on the beauty and mystery of the Eucharist. Even something as simple as setting up a prayer station with sacred art or Eucharistic-themed reflections in the campus chapel can help cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and wonder among students. These moments of beauty can be powerful catalysts for spiritual growth, helping students to see the Eucharist not just as a ritual, but as a source of inspiration and transformation.

Conclusion: Living a Eucharistic Life on Campus

Beautiful Eucharist offers not just theological reflections, but real-life examples that can inspire and guide those of us ministering on college campuses. The book’s stories and insights remind us that the Eucharist is not just something we receive; it's something that calls us to live out Christ’s love in every aspect of our lives.

As you continue your ministry, consider how you might incorporate these tangible examples into your work with students. Whether through small daily practices, special events, or simply encouraging a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence, you can help foster a Eucharistic culture on campus—one that invites students to encounter the sacred in the ordinary and to live out their faith with renewed passion and purpose.