When I asked the campus missioners in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas what one word best describes campus ministry to them, they responded with “joy,” “fulfilling,” “adventure,” “purpose,” “life-changing,” “blessing,” “rewarding,” “inspiring,” and “fruitful.” These words describe the transformational aspect of ministry among college students, faculty, and staff. These campus missioners (lay and clergy, full-time, part-time, and volunteers) deeply love Jesus and their students, creating spaces for belonging, discipleship, and leadership development. They provide opportunities for all to experience and share God’s Good News. For that, I am incredibly grateful.
The campus missions in the diocese come in different forms. Some are stand-alone, others are in partnership with a local congregation, and others are led and supported by congregations near college and university campuses and present at campuses such as the University of Texas in Austin and Panola College in Carthage. If you and your congregation feel called to engage college students, contact me, the Rev. Alex Montes-Vela, at amontes-vela@epicenter.org.
Below are some of the highlights of the campus missions in our diocese.
Canterbury Episcopal Student Center, College Station
Campuses: Texas A&M University, Blinn College
Campus Missioner: The Rev. Karl Griswold-Kuhn
“Texas A&M Canterbury means that all are welcome no matter your background or walk with Christ, to continue moving forward and growing closer with Him surrounded by other believers. “
– Alyse Craig
- Over 900 meals served
- 6 bible study leaders trained up
- ASA of 33 students for worship
- 2 baptisms
- Avg of 20 students for formation each week
- Over 25 students went on a weekend-long retreat
- A dozen students served at Camp Allen last summer
- 60 people received ashes
- Raised thousands of dollars for local outreach
- Sponsored a former student for ordination
Episcopal Student Center, Waco
Campuses: Baylor University, McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College
Campus Missioner: Stephanie Drum
“For me, the ESC is how I found my way back to God. I had stopped attending church in high school and struggled to find somewhere that I felt comfortable at college. I started going to dinners at the ESC and thought to myself, these people exemplify what it means to live like Christ. They were accepting, kind, and supportive. Through our evening prayer, I’ve been able to grow in my relationship with God and understanding the value of prayer.”
– Kate Floyd, ESC president
- Held farewell dinner for former Campus Missioner, the Rev. Preston Yancey, and welcomed Stephanie Drum as new Campus Missioner in June 2024
- Greeted new students coming to Baylor’s campus in the fall at the church fair
- Students met weekly on Sunday and Thursday nights for dinner and worship using the Book of Common Prayer.
- Canterbury House got a face life with a coat of fresh paint, and All Saints’ Chapel received brand new doors to its entrance.
- Baylor approved the ESC as an alternative chapel (to begin in the fall of 2025), making it an option for students who are required to receive chapel credits for their degree.
- In addition to regular prayer and formation, students met for fun activities such as painting, bowling, pumpkin carving, s’mores, and more!
Prairie View A&M University Canterbury
Campus: Prairie View A&M University
Campus Missioner: The Rev. Enrique McCartney
“Prairie View Canterbury is truly a second home to me where I connect deeply with God and my fellow believers in Christ. My understanding of God’s word has significantly deepened, especially through Romans 8:28, which powerfully reminds us that ‘all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.’ At Prairie View Canterbury, I am actively on a journey of personal and spiritual growth, striving to embody a Christ-like spirit. The teachings of the word, engaging Christian-based games, and enlightening discussions all contribute to my development. I am proud and grateful to be a part of Prairie View Canterbury.”
– Fidelia Ahiante (Class of 2026)
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us and for me personally. Your support has touched my life in many positive ways. It has strengthened my spiritual journey and taught me responsibility. I’ve learned a lot about giving back to society and helping others. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Canterbury club, the church, and the diocese for all the opportunities and privileges I’ve received. I truly appreciate.”
– Emma Junior Emmanuel (Class of 2025)
As a graduate student, Prairie View Canterbury has been a source of support, love, and spiritual growth. This ministry has provided a sense of belonging, encouraged me to give back through volunteering, and deepened my understanding of faith. I’m grateful for this transformative experience, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to and learn from this vibrant community.”
– Glory Ollorda (Class of 2026)
- Average attendance: 30 members, primarily graduate students.
- Community Service Day: Volunteered at food banks and shelters.
- Easter 2024 Celebration: Service with communal meal and music.
- Games Day: Team challenges to enhance camaraderie.
- First Bowling Night: Social event for relaxation and bonding.
- Graduation Celebration Spring 2024: Honored ten graduates with a communal meal.
- Involvement Fair: Successful recruitment of new members.
- Food Distribution: Served 200 families in need.
- Guest Speaker: Dr. Andrea McDonald offered insights for international students.
- Thanksgiving Potluck: Shared meal to promote gratitude and belonging.
- Graduation Banquet Fall 2024: Celebrated eight graduates with recognition and meals.
- Discipleship Initiative: The program was launched for spiritual growth and community engagement through regular meetings.
- Personal Engagement: Conducted hour-long sessions with half of the members for personalized support.
- Reflecting on 2024, the Canterbury organization has grown and thrived with meaningful activities promoting spiritual growth and strengthening community ties.
- The Prairie View A&M Canterbury is excited to continue this journey and embrace new opportunities for service, connection, and personal development.
The Episcopal Church at Rice
Campus: Rice University
Campus Missioner: The Rev. Beth Anne Nelson
“Every moment spent with the ministers at Rice University is realizing and witnessing the presence of God’s Love .”
– Franchesca Sentmanat
“Autry House has given me a deeply supportive community this past year as I dealt with the death of a family member. I am so grateful for everyone who makes Autry House the wonderful place it is.”
– Abigail Zimmerman
- One of our students distributed Ashes to go to Palmer Episcopal Church.
- In February 2024, two students represented Autry House when they visited St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, TX.
- In March 2024, our students began designing a new logo for our church community that reflects our inclusion of all God’s children at Rice University.
- Our students enjoyed Easter dinner with Palmer, further strengthening the relationship between Autry House and Palmer.
- An alum hosted an informal lunch at Dandelion Café where students and the alum could openly communicate and exchange ideas and experiences.
- Students served in the community alongside Palmers at The Beacon and in Hermann Park
- We went to RenFest just outside of Houston! The atmosphere was incredible, with a parade, wandering minstrels, and artisans selling their handcrafted wares. We feasted on authentic food with giant lemonades to drink, rode a “ship,” and even caught a hilarious jousting tournament. It was a day filled with laughter, adventure, and a true taste of the Renaissance era.
- Students were a constant presence at Palmer Church on Sunday. In addition to their monthly brunch/potluck gathering, they began going to lunch together as a group and were a constant presence at Palmer Church on Sunday.
- We had an epic white elephant gift exchange after Christmas Lessons and Carols, which was a huge success.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Campus Ministry
Campus: Tarleton State University
Campus Missioner: Mackenzie Campbell-Furtick, St. Luke’s, Stephenville
“Miss the church! My weekly grounding place!”
– Katie
“One student asked if we could do Compline the day she got back to town after the break. Then she asked if we could do Eucharist or evening prayer the next day, so I did Evening Prayer with her. We had scheduled the return of all events the following week after school started, but she was ready! She also did Compline every night over the break because we gave her a BCP to use while she was at home. And I told her to keep it, since she’s using it so much!”
– Mackenzie Campbell-Furtick, Campus Missioner
- Our ECM program continues to change and grow, with four events held weekly at the church specifically for students and young adults: Compline, UR Loved Library, Wednesday Eucharist, and Free Thursday Lunch; our ministries served 1-155 students each week of the long semesters in 2024!
- Students were highly involved in the life of the church outside of the events held specifically for them: 3 were confirmed, 2 were lay readers at Sunday worship, 1 Crucifer at Sunday worship, 1 on the Vestry, 1 on the Altar Guild, 8 helped with the food pantry, 7 participated in weekly game days with other members of the church and greater Stephenville community, 1 led Compline nearly every week, 3 attended adult education on Sunday mornings, 8 came to Sunday morning worship, 2 helped prepare meals and serve other students every week, 1 helped another older parishioner clean and pack her house, 2 went to worship with the Campus Missioner and Rector at the local nursing home
- One student said on social media that St. Luke’s Church was her favorite place in the world; another said that the church and our ministries were here safe place
Grace Meals for SU – CHINNER
Campus: Southwestern University
Campus Missioner: The Rev. Anne Matthews, Grace, Georgetown
- This was our second full year of Grace Meals; it just keeps growing! We prepared a total of 6 meals (3 spring, 3 fall) plus “goody bags” of snack items for the last meal of each semester.
- All SU students–regardless of church, faith, or no religious affiliation–are invited. Grace Meals has become well known on campus; the students call it “Chinner” for church dinner. Word of mouth is strong; we prepare to feed about twice as many students as sign up.
- Spring 2024 meals served 215 students; fall meals 206—for a total of 421. In 2023 (6 meals) our total was 343; in 2022 (4 meals) the total was 114.
Nacogdoches
Campus: Stephen F. Austin State University
Campus Missioner: Terry DeRise, Christ Church, Nacogdoches
- Successfully transferred Canterbury Jacks group leadership from a diocesan Campus Missioner to the local church (Christ Church, Nacogdoches), strengthening ties with the Episcopal community in Nacogdoches.
- There is greater interconnection between Canterbury Jacks and the Sunday College Bible Study at Christ Church, leadership alignment, and increased priest involvement.
- During the leadership transition, Terry DeRise, senior warden of Christ Church, stepped up to lead Canterbury Jacks and provided exceptional lessons. Terry’s deep biblical knowledge, creative applications, and open discussion style enriched our learning.
- Despite many graduates leaving in the spring, membership has grown, and new members have been retained. This is due to Canterbury’s strong fellowship and engaging discussions on Christian teachings and their real-life applications.
- We are coming out of a transitory period and are more ready than ever for the new leadership of Christ Church’s new rector. We only see those numbers going up with the consistently growing ranks and consistently quality lessons!
