Three De La Salle students, joined by President Thomas Zoppo, the Campus Ministry team, and two faculty members, gathered for Mass at St. Isidore Parish (Macomb Township) on August 4. A group of students also attended Mass on August 11 at St. Isaac Jogues (St. Clair Shores). 

 

These students, and several others, are working closely this summer with the DLS Campus Ministry team - Ms. Amanda Hammou, Sister Kathleen Matz, CDP, and Brother Lewis Harwood, FSC -  in preparation for a variety of ministry activities this coming school year. 

 

 

The Campus Ministry team has been active throughout the summer break and has met regularly with a group of students to plan for the coming school year. 

 

“We want to push these students to reach their potential through self-awareness and being united with God in their faith,” Hammou said. “They’re learning to lead activities and small group discussions.”

 

On July 22, nine senior students attended a Leader Formation Day, aimed at providing these students the skills to lead and mentor small groups of freshmen and sophomores at their fall retreats. 

 

“The day was centered around running ice-breaker activities, understanding small group dynamics, and being able to moderate group activities,” said Brother Lewis. “Additionally, we talked about modeling brotherhood to younger students.”

 

He added, “The students who attended the formation day are eager to participate in youth ministry and liturgical events, Sunday Parish visits, Bible study, the BroZone, and being animators of the Catholic and Lasallian charism within the school. We look forward to holding more formation training days for our senior students in building up the Catholic and Lasallian identity in the school and the broader community."

 

Earlier this summer, the Campus Ministry team provided opportunities for students to participate at the 100th anniversary Mass at St. Hyacinth (Detroit) and the Eucharistic walk from St. Paul on the Lake (Grosse Pointe Farms) to Our Lady Star of the Sea (Grosse Pointe Woods). Students also attended Mass as a group at St. Joan of Arc (St. Clair Shores). 

 

In late May, students also attended an air show at Selfridge National Air Force Base with Theology teacher Matt McCroskery. 

“That event sparked the students’ interest in getting together regularly,” Hammou said. 

 

Recently, the group had a bowling outing. 

 

 

Hammou is excited about the students’ interest. 

 

“They’ll be more in touch with their skill set and will have a greater understanding of how they want to apply their talents for the greater good,” she said. 

 

Brother Lewis added, "Some seniors also had the opportunity to lead and demonstrate a fun small group activity focusing on addressing school issues relating to improving communication and trust among the student body.” The activity aimed to show how students can tackle gossip/bullying and build healthy relationships between all the year groups across the school.