Meet Campus Ministry's Resident 'Sunshine': Father John
There may only be one face on campus with a smile more recognizable than Penny the Pineapple: Father John Pozhathuparambil, the Franciscan priest and Director of Campus Ministry, who’s been providing students advice, mentorship, and education on wellness for fifteen years.
The Campus Ministry Office, located in CNHH 016 on the lower level of Centro, serves students of all spiritual backgrounds. Just as Bellarmine University aims to “care for the whole person” (cura personalis), the Campus Ministry Office provides resources, events, and community for students seeking improvements to their mind, body, and spirit.
“The Campus Ministry Office is a positive place that builds strong leaders,” said Mia Brown, a Communications major and Student Director of the chapel choir.
“It’s a place where I can come relax and be around friends,” said Mason McKinney, a Healthcare Administration major and Campus Ministry employee. “Campus Ministry is like a family. You can count on people who you know have your back, and if you’re struggling, they’ll be there to help you along the way.”
“Campus Ministry is a welcoming place. Whether you are a believer or non-believer, you are welcome here,” Father John said. “We call it: ‘many faiths, one ministry.’”
Just as the Campus Ministry Office exists as a space for students of varying backgrounds, it exists to serve students with varying needs.
“Students meditate, pray, engage – have fun.” Father John said. “We build community. [Students] ask a lot of questions, either among themselves or to the professional staff here.”
Campus Ministry’s impact extends further than just the office, however – students in any part of campus can utilize the Interfaith Reflection Rooms scattered across campus, or return to their Residence Hall to visit their SPM.
Spiritual Peer Mentors, frequently referred to as SPMs, live in Bellarmine Residence Halls and provide consistent support to students living on campus. Among the Residence Halls located in the Sienas, Our Lady of the Woods Chapel hosts Prayer Services and Masses several times a week. Additionally, students can visit the Grotto outside the chapel to light a candle, say a prayer, or simply enjoy the beautiful nature that wraps around the Siena complex.
But these services and resources couldn’t thrive without a helpful, loving leader at the helm – a role Father John fulfills for all Bellarmine students.
“Father John has helped me a lot during my time at Bellarmine, especially when I was dealing with some difficult ‘adulting’ situations,” Brown recalled. “Father John is always a listening ear that I can go talk to, and he never fails to make me smile.”
“He’s one of my favorite people on campus,” McKinney said. “Every interaction has been wonderful.”
Even students without previous religious experience find themselves overjoyed in the company of Father John. Reanna Alvey, an Art major with a minor in Psychology, initially only entered the world of Campus Ministry for her work-study position. The more time she spent within the colorful office walls, she realized: “It’s a lot of fun and you meet a lot of good people.”
“Father John has taken a great interest in my artwork and my life,” Alvey noted. “He’s a very cool guy, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him.”
“Before I came to school here, I was very cautious of religion. But getting to work here has really helped me open up, and I’ve learned a lot about different practices and what other people do for their religion.”
Alvey’s feelings are reflected across all students who visit the Campus Ministry Office, whether it be for work or for personal benefit.
“Working in Campus Ministry has been awesome. It’s connected me with people that have helped me tackle issues at Bellarmine.” Brown said. “It’s a really positive environment.”
“[Campus Ministry] has allowed students to express themselves. It’s given students an outlet.” McKinney said. “Students make so many friends and so many connections on campus that they will cherish.”
These experiences are all part of Campus Ministry’s – and Father John’s – plan to “enlighten students’ spirituality, find their fulfillment, and educate more than just their intellectual capacity.”
“We want [students] to become world-class citizens,” Father John mused. “Which means an open mind, an open heart… That they not only make money, but they think about social justice in this world.”
Every Bellarmine student graduates with a personal plan to change the world, but Father John already feels their impact simply from knowing them: “I’m learning every day from them. New ideas, new ways of becoming… Some of the students put me to shame!”
Father John describes Bellarmine’s holistic approach as more than just a benefit to their education, development, and futures. He believes it creates “big-hearted people”, who foster community, care, and change, no matter the fields they inhabit or careers they pursue.
“It’s like a family. Everyone knows each other. They smile, they wave, and they really ask you how you’re doing. No matter where you walk, someone calls your name. [Bellarmine students] never judge me for my accent or skin color. They welcomed me the first day.”
When asked to describe the Campus Ministry Office in only one word, welcoming appeared time and time again. When asked to describe Father John, students summoned a rainbow of kind words to summarize his impact on them:
“Sunshine,” Brown said with a laugh.
“Friendly,” Alvey said.
“Loving,” McKinney agreed.
If you’re interested in the spiritual, personal, and emotional fulfillment, or fun! – that visiting the Campus Ministry Office brings, you can visit the office in Centro any time during the week, attend Mass in our chapel, or schedule an appointment with an SPM or with Father John himself by contacting campusministry@bellarmine.edu.