Optimizing Pastoral Care for Catholic Students

SIGNIS INDONESIA

“Catholic students are the main subject in student pastoral care,” said Father Albertus Magnus Kristiadji Rahardjo MSC, Chair of the Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Palembang.

This statement was made during a meeting between the Student Pastoral Team and Catholic students at the Saint Agustinus Indralaya Student House, Jalan Raya Palembang Prabumulih, South Sumatra, last Tuesday (22/8).

Students in this place generally study at the state university, Sriwijaya University. They come from various places and cultures in Indonesia. They do not have family or people closest to them so they really need faith support for their daily lives. Yet, they want to be witnesses of Christ on a campus which is dominated by a majority of Moslem students.

Student pastoral care in the Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Palembang is an effort to provide spiritual and social support to Catholic students, so that they can grow in their faith and live a life of faith during their studies. The pastoral focus is to meet spiritual needs, assist in moral growth, character, and build militancy of faith among students.

In order to work together to optimize student pastoral care, team and students meetings are filled with listening to each other, so that the planned service program is right on target to increase the militancy of the faith.

“First of all, of course we want to realize the Archdiocese’s vision and mission in student pastoral care. We try to organize programs that flow from the Archdiocese’s vision and mission. Our small team has met three times as a team. Actually, we are ready.

“Meetings with students are intended to listen to their hopes and needs so that the program meets their needs,” said Sr. Luisa CB, vice provincial of Saint Carolus Boromeus Congregation.

As Pastor of Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Palembang, which includes companions for Catholic students, Fr Kristiadji Rahardjo MSC emphasized, “Students as the main subject in mentoring will be asked to fill out a survey, so that the student pastoral team can prepare a program that is right on target.”

According to him, so far spiritual formation has been adequate, while character development needs to be improved. Developing talent interests also needs attention. Through comprehensive assistance, joint efforts to increase the militancy of faith for students, the present and future of the Church and State, can run more optimally.

The Church is Present to Serve Optimally

The Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Palembang sees the study period as an important period in the life of a student. The Church is present through student pastoral care to provide support and guidance so that students find meaning and purpose in life.

“As far as I know, student pastoral activities have included spiritual formation such as prayer, catechesis, youth development, and participation in the liturgy at church,” said Mrs. Listiana, an activist at the Indralaya Sacred Heart of Jesus Station.

According to him, the aim of student pastoral care is to assist students in the growth of their faith, prepare them to become responsible Catholic leaders, and help them integrate their faith in their daily lives and in their future careers. This goal is now a win-win, Archdiocese of Palembang together with the Carolus Boromeus Congregation (Sisters) are determined to work together to provide optimal pastoral care for students.

“We hope that by mid-September this year, we will be able to present a service program for students to the Bishop and the Provincial of Carolus Boromeus Congregation. Likewise, facilities and infrastructure will be immediately equipped, so that services for students run smoothly,” explained the CB Provincial representative.

Regarding infrastructure, Sr. Franka CB, as an treasurer at the Carolus Boromeus Congregation, emphasized that the team formed will provide optimal service for students. “We are here to listen to what the students’ hopes are and what can be helped to meet the needs of young people here.

“What kind of program is needed to develop the personality (soft skills) that are needed for the future but cannot be found in lectures,” said Sr Franks CB.

Sr. Petra CB, representing the Palembang CB Community, also emphasized the same things, that her presence was to listen to the needs and hopes of female students.

Realizing that Catholic students are the successors of the Nation and the Church, their existence and all the activities they carry out on campus and in the community show the face of the Church, so the Church is committed to being there to serve to answer their hopes.

In accordance with the history of the establishment of this student station, the main aim of establishing the boarding school is to provide a place and possibility for Catholic students to gather together to develop their Catholicism and intellectuality.

“The hope is that Catholic students at Indralaya will be nurtured spiritually and supported intellectually, so that they can become friends to everyone and become refreshing salt and color campus activities,” hoped Yessi, one of the students.

Regarding the pile of hopes from this meeting, Fr ​​Alex SCJ emphasized, “We want to be more present, we want to serve more.”

In the spirit of walking together, the spirit of synod, it is hoped that student pastoral care will be more optimal. **

Fr Martinus Widiyanto/Fr Frans de Sales SCJ