Campus Ministry

A Message from the Chaplain

The heart of the mission of Bishop O’Connell High School is to be a place to encounter Jesus Christ. Campus Ministry provides opportunities for our students to experience the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist, to experience His healing power in the sacrament of Reconciliation, and to enter into a relationship with Him in personal prayer. It is my hope and prayer that this encounter with Jesus Christ illuminates our students minds and hearts with the faith, hope, and charity that they need to become the “salt of the earth, and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Many students will also need a place to feel understood in times of hardship or crisis. Jesus says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) I hope that when any student is in hardship, the chaplain’s office is a place of spiritual support and healing renewal.

The joy of the Gospel that we preach is that our heavenly Father offers each and every person that enters through our doors, a life of grace and intimate union with Himself. It is for this reason that He sent His Son into the world and continues to pour out His Holy Spirit seeking to renew the face of the earth. This is the backdrop to our everyday, and despite our struggles to live out this life, we are called nonetheless. We place ourselves under the protection and patronage of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary His mother.

Rev. Peter McShurley
Chaplain, Bishop O'Connell High School