Community Service

Where do you go for your service trips?

Each year, "Fontbonne in Service and Humility (FISH)" chooses a new location. We try to vary the locations and the kinds of service each year. In the past few years we have worked in rural Kentucky and West Virginia, as well as Chicago and Honduras. This year we will be going back to West Virginia in addition to helping with Hurricane Katrina Relief on the MIssissippi Coast in January, and another international trip to Belize in Central America.

How do I become a member of Fontbonne in Service and Humility (FISH)?

There are no membership requirements to be a part of FISH -- no dues, no mandatory meetings, etc. Just participate in one of our activites and enjoy yourself.

What are your service trips like?

Each year, the Campus Ministry Office works with FISH to plan and lead at least one extended service trip each year. The goal of these trips is spiritual and personal growth through an experience of community, simplicity, true humility, and living the life of the poor. Our daily schedule during the trip includes morning prayer, time for service, community meals, and nightly reflection, journaling, discussion, and prayer. As part of living a simple lifestyle, we agree to give up all telephones, television, movies, computers, internet access, compact discs, iPods, and video games for the duration of the trip. While the physical service that we provide is important and fulfilling, we believe that the more lasting change will occur in ourselves – we will become different people.

Over the last few years, we have traveled across the country and to Central America, including the places listed below.

Zacamil, El Salvador (Summer, May 2000)

Cincinnati, Ohio with the Franciscans for the Poor (Spring Break, March 2001)

Jemez Indian Reservation in Jemez Springs, NM (Winter Break, January 2002)

Christian Appalachian Project in Kentucky (May 2005)

Nazareth Farm in Salem, West Virginia (May 2005)

Chicago (March 2006)

La Ceiba, Honduras (May 2006)

Nazareth Farm in Salem, West Virginia (May 2006)

School of Americas Protest in Fort Benning, Georgia (November 2006)

Biloxi, Mississippi (January 2007)

Tijuana, Mexico (March 2007)

General

Do I need to be Catholic or Christian to participate in Campus Ministry events?

No. All campus ministry and FISH events are open to anyone who wants to grow spiritually and connect with other people and God in their lives.

What is Coffeehouse like?

Coffeehouse is a laid-back, no pressure, no expectations, and no cost event with live music, free food (& coffee), and open mic time. Take some time to relax with friends and find out what incredible talents some of your fellow students have. Come whenever you want and stay as long as you want. (If you are interested in performing during open mic time, just show up and talk to one of the Campus Ministers or FISH Board members)

Where is the Interfaith Chapel?

The Interfaith Chapel is located on the first floor of Medaille Hall. It is open when the AMC is also open. The Interfaith Chapel is available to all members of our university community to use for a quiet reflection space. There are prayer and meditation materials available for personal use from many different faith backgrounds. If you find the Interfaith Chapel locked during the day, please come down to the Student Affairs office and someone there will be happy to assist you.

Where can I pray or reflect around campus if I am not Catholic?

The Interfaith Chapel was created on the first floor of Medaille Hall as a prayer and reflection space for all students, especially those who may feel uncomfortable meditating in the Doerr Chapel. Doerr Chapel is also always available for prayer and meditation. There are also many different places to worship near Fontbonne's campus no matter what faith tradition you follow. Check out our page of Local Churches and Places to Worship for a listing with contact information.

Do you have a bible study?

They are not formal "bible studies," rather they are designed as faith-sharing groups that will offer students an opportunity to get into scripture and share their views, insights and faith with each other. Disciple is a committed community of students who meet once a week, and Journey is an informal bible and topic discussion gathering that meets Monday afternoons from 4-5:30 pm in the AMC Lounge. Please contact us at campusministry@fontbonne.edu to find out when these groups meet and what topics will be discussed!

Mass Schedule

Where can I go to Mass?

There are Masses at Fontbonne in Doerr Chapel every Sunday (7:00 pm) and every Friday (Noon) when classes are in session.
For information about other local Catholic parishes and Non-Catholic churches, check out our Local Churches and Places to Worship page.

What are Masses like at Fontbonne?

The community that gathers to pray together at Sunday Mass is relaxed and laid-back. The music is led by Adam Wright and a small group of students and we have some local priests who celebrate our Masses on a regular basis. Come check it out -- every Sunday at 7:00 pm in the Ryan Hall Doerr chapel.

We also have a smaller daily Mass on Fridays at 12:00PM. It is a great way to pray during your Friday lunch hour, and the mass is prayerful, short and simple.