CCM focuses on charitable work
By Ashley Hopkins, staff writer
Posted on February 22, 2007

With more than 4,000 Catholic students at JMU, Catholic Campus Ministries caters to one of the university’s largest religious groups. But the organization’s size is no match for the service it has provided the community.

One such activity includes CCM’s funding of many weeklong Alternative Spring Break trips, designed to train and immerse students in community aid since its inception 35 years ago.

“I think the Catholic Church offers a sacramental approach to worship,” said Rev. Thomas Mattingly of Blessed Sacrament.  “It’s experiential as well as intellectual.”

According to Catholic campus minister Megan Thomas, last year’s trips sent more students on trips than ever.  With six trips consisting of 60 people, the group helped many communities, including hurricane-ravaged New Orleans.

Every Monday, a group of CCM students picks up bread from Panera and takes it to the Blessed Sacrament food pantry. Bread made that morning, which would have been thrown out, goes to people who may not have been able to afford it otherwise.

In addition to the food pantry, CCM students volunteer at local schools, visit nursing homes and make peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches for the homeless in Washington, D.C.

But the group isn’t all about work.

Students can participate in the group’s many social events, including snow-tubing excursions, Super Bowl celebrations and Friday night Lent dinners held at the CCM house.

“It’s a place that people can come and be comfortable,” said junior Michelle Higby, assistant student campus minister.  “I can be myself and talk with others and be silly.  Most people here withhold judgments, so you can just be yourself and be who you are.” 

Mattingly said CCM also provides an outlet for students to join together in their faith, to support one another and break stereotypes.

For those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith, its customs may seem confusing. Mattingly said some believe Catholics worship Mary or that their version of the Bible is incorrect, adding that he hopes CCM can use its influence to show others what the religion is really about.

“There’s more openness on campus than there is in the general population,” he said.

Despite their different reasons for becoming involved, members are positive about the organization and what it has provided to their JMU experience. 

Junior Andrew Waring, assistant student campus minister, said, “It’s been a good way for me to stay in touch with my faith throughout college. It’s a great community of friends.”

Thomas agreed and said she has been pleased with her transition to JMU since graduating from Notre Dame a year-and-a-half ago.

“CCM is the presence of the Catholic church on campus,” Thomas said. “I’m from the Midwest and came to JMU, where I didn’t know anyone.  It’s really become a home to me.  I really like it here.”