Student ministers are select seniors who represent the spiritual voice of Brother Martin High School. They assist in underclassmen retreats, school-wide liturgies, and prayer services. One of the highlights of being a student minister is the visit to eighth grade religion classes. Usually twice a quarter, the student ministers visit all scheduled eighth grade classes and spend 45 minutes in conversation with these young Crusaders. As Student Minister Kirby Stieffel ‘16 says, “the formation of underclassmen holds an invaluable importance to the student ministers and the eighth graders at Brother Martin.” The eighth graders enjoy meeting the student ministers who, in turn, enjoy mentoring these underclassmen. Kirby adds, “Our role as student ministers is to mentor younger students and to provide a stable role model for them. I am able to share my own experiences with the eighth graders in hope that they can grow and take something positive for them. I look forward to meeting with them because I can recall the enjoyment I received from my experience with student ministers when I was in eighth grade. I remember learning countless lessons about faith, school, and life in general.” The role the student minister plays in the growing spiritual development of the eighth grader is vital, for the student minister himself must be spiritually grounded in his faith.
The topics covered in these sessions range from family dynamics to performance in school to studying liturgical rituals. An executive board and a formation committee design an agenda for discussion, and the student minister uses this agenda as a framework for small group discussion. These student ministers enthusiastically share anecdotes of their personal spiritual growth. According to eighth grader Hunter Fiselle, “They [student ministers] talk to us about their personal faith experiences, their past experiences as an eighth grade student, and their activities in school.” Hunter concludes, “They are there for you whenever you need them.” Indeed, over time, these student ministers develop a bond with the eighth graders who see these seniors as adult role models whom they can talk to and confide in.
Finally, as Kirby Stieffel again admits, “It comes down to spiritual growth. Our duty as student ministers is to provide a stable role model for them to look toward for guidance.” Being a student minster means having a strong prayer life and having a deep commitment to Christian values. He needs to be observant, compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of the underclassmen; only then can he begin to “make a real difference” in the school community.
Submitted by Mr. Dean Songy, Kenneth “Kirby Stieffel ‘16, and Hunter Fisette ‘20
Mr. Dean Songy
Kenneth “Kirby Stieffel ‘16
Hunter Fisette ‘20
