Bishop stresses importance of campus ministries

Although the sexual scandal in the Catholic church is a major crisis, it was not the main topic of discussion in last nights open forum.

Catholic Campus Ministry hosted Bishop Joseph Galante Tuesday night at the Neuhoff Catholic student center for an open forum on Catholicism.

In an informal living room setting in front of an unlit fireplace, Bishop Galante answered questions from a group of students and faculty. The discussion ranged from the role of the campus ministry to the ongoing development of one’s relationship with God.

As chairman of the Committee on Communication for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he has enjoyed his appearances on national television shows, but enjoys his campus visits most.

“I enjoy interacting with people, and am grateful to receive the invitation to speak,” Bishop Galante said.

The Neuhoff Center hosts speakers throughout the year, but has never had one of this magnitude.

“I hope that students who attend are engaged by the bishop, and leave with a better understanding of their faith and our campus ministry,” Catholic campus minister Michelle Freeman said.

In May of 1964 Bishop Galante was ordained to the Catholic church. Since his appointment as Coadjutor Bishop of Dallas in 1999, Bishop Galante appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, The Today Show, MSNBC, Fox News as well as other national broadcasts, newspapers and magazines.

In addition to being chairman of the Committee on Communication for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he also serves on the committee on sexual abuse.

Fernando Amaya, who is a sophomore transfer student, attended the forum during his first visit at the Neuhoff Center.

“I saw the flyers in Hughes-Trigg about Bishop Galante’s forum, and thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved in campus ministry,” Amaya said.

Bishop Galante’s main message emphasized the role of campus ministries to provide a nurturing environment of the spirit for students away from home.

“Real ministry takes place away from home,” Bishop Galante said. “The campus ministry is a tremendous resource.”

In his years as bishop, Galante has helped Catholics develop a better understanding of who they are, and give them spiritual depth.