King's Campus Ministry using online resources for virtual gathering

With parishioners unable to gather in a physical space due to social distancing, King’s Campus Ministry remains a vibrant part of the King’s and London community, having turned to using online resources.

Every weekday at noon, Campus Ministry  broadcasts their Daily Prayer Live on the King’s Campus Ministry Facebook page (which includes a link to the daily prayer book for those who would like to participate at home).

They have also instituted a Virtual Scripture Study via video conferencing every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. For those interested in taking part in the conference, please email Lisa Caeiro with the subject heading “Scripture Study” and your preferred email address. You will then receive the video conference information and a copy of the handout each week.

Pastoral Counselling is being offered through virtual appointments, which can be set up by emailing Jim Panchaud.

King’s Campus Ministry has found that, in a time of social distancing, there is still an opportunity to gather virtually. “There’s a real longing for community,” says Father Michael Béchard, Chaplain of King's University College.

“People really appreciate being able to still interact with us, especially on our live daily prayer,” says Janet Loo, Campus Minister, Office of Campus Ministry and Conductor/Artistic Director, King's University College Chamber Choir.

Online parishioners are invited to type in their own prayers so all can pray together. In looking at their Facebook analytics, Loo says King’s Campus Ministry’s Facebook page post reach has increased by 200%, post engagement by 475% and new page likes by 400%.

“I believe this is a very promising sign that we have succeeded in increasing our engagement online with our community,” say Loo.

Campus Ministry will be providing prayer and reflection resources to celebrate Holy Week at Home, including video reflections on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. You can find more resources for celebrating Holy Week at www.kings.uwo.ca/campus-ministry/updates-covid-19/.

Additionally, Father Béchard will be posting Sunday reflections to Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and has composed a prayer for the community in this time:

We approach you God, ever confident

in Your compassionate mercy and protection.

At this time, we find ourselves

walking in unknown lands,

yet we trust that You continue to guide our paths.

Our needs are many.

In Your goodness,

turn Your ear to us and hear our pleas.

Give strength to those caring for our sick.

Give wisdom to those searching for a cure.

Give courage to those labouring to meet our needs.

Grant healing to the sick.

Grant loving consolation to the frightened and weary.

During this time of fasting from the sacraments,

help us to find Your presence in other ways.

As we carry this cross, and wait patiently at the tomb,

keep us mindful of the resurrection.

May Your Son, the Great Physician

And the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Peace,

come quickly to our aid.

Amen

For more information on King’s Campus Ministry, please visit https://www.kings.uwo.ca/campus-ministry/.