Memorial University of Newfoundland Catholic Community (MUNCC)

Group Location
University Center (UC) 6023
Memorial University

Contact Information
muncatholics@munsu.ca

History

Origins of the group: The Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Catholic Community was formed in the early 2000's by a group of Catholic students. Until recently, the group had been largely inactive for about three years because most of its executive and core members had graduated and left the university community. During the fall of 2009, two Catholic students, Michelle Walsh and Courtney Hibbs, were seeking to establish an on-campus community base for Catholics. With the support of two on-campus chaplains and the MUN Student Union, Michelle and Courtney reactivated the MUN Catholic Community.

Highlights of the group's history: The most important achievement of the MUN Catholic Community is its recent reactivation in the Fall of 2009. Michelle and Courtney agree that it was their faith that motivated them to establish an on-campus Catholic community and that it was a little bit of fate that the roots of a Catholic organization were already in place, including an office space and events and activities materials. S ince the fall of 2009, the two have been working to build from these roots to make the MUN Catholic Community as active and visible as possible.

Main Purpose: The MUN Catholic Community works to provide a community for support and fellowship among Catholic students at MUN and to reach out to non-denominational Christians as well as the general student population. It aims to facilitate the faith of each of its members and visitors. It sees each person's faith as unique and so often provides support on an individualized basis. Through activities, events, and worship, the MUN Catholic Community also works to create fellowship among its members and visitors.

Present goals of the group: Having only been recently reactivated, the MUN Catholic Community is working to develop a strong membership base so that the group remains active after its current members graduate. Finding new and dedicated members among the student population is a difficult task, but initiatives like C.O.R.E. (Christ Openly Receiving Everyone), a monthly event that incorporates and teaches many themes in Catholicism, are open and advertised to all students. As a result of these open events, more university and even high school students are becoming involved with the MUN Catholic Community.

Structure

Membership: There are approximately 12-15 dedicated MUNCC members who frequent events and help organize the group's activities. The MUN Catholic Community also has a number of visitors, Catholic and non-Catholic students who occasion the office and intermittently attend activities and Mass. Events like C.O.R.E. are usually attended by 25-30 people.

Leaders and Contacts:
President: Michelle Walsh
Vice President: Courtney Hibbs

Office:
University Center (UC) 6023
Memorial University

Activities

Information: Information about the group can be found by e-mailing muncatholics@munsu.ca, by visiting its office in UC 6023, or by joining its Facebook page, "MUN Catholic Community."

Schedule of Events: In addition to monthly C.O.R.E. events, the MUN Catholic Community also holds a variety of weekly activities in its office. "Pray the Rosary," a communal prayer session, occurs on Thursdays at 12:00 or Fridays at 2:00 PM in the MUNCC Office. "Faith Studies," facilitated teachings and discussions about Catholic faith, occur for one hour per week over a six-week period during each semester. Also, members of the MUN Catholic Community attend Mass every Sunday at 6:00 PM at the St. John's College Chapel.

The MUN Catholic Community is connected to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, a social justice foundation for which the MUN Catholic Community holds the fundraising event THINKfast!. Participants in this event are sponsored for a 25 hour fast, during which the MUN Catholic Community organizes a night of education, activities, and games focused on faith and social justice.