Staying Connected to College Students Away from Home

There are many activities that create a bond between the Armenian Church and its youngest members. This bond begins at Baptism and may continue through Sunday School, Armenian School, ACYOA, Camp Vartan, St. Nersess seminars, etc.

But when college students leave home, parishes often lose the close connection that once existed between the student and the church. While each church may choose to meet this challenge in its own way, there have been a number of successful models which can help your church meet the needs of your students. We offer these suggestions as a guide, and offer our assistance through the Diocese College Ministry program in helping you maintain a strong connection with students in our community.

We are willing to help

Send your list of active college students from your parish to collegeministry@armeniandiocese.org, so we can attempt to involve them in programs on campuses throughout the Diocese. And feel free to email the coordinator at collegeministry@armeniandiocese.org with your questions.

The following are various suggestions for parishes to engage college students from their own church or at nearby campuses:

Rite of passage

Churches should seek an opportunity, before young people go away to school, to invite them (and perhaps their family) to participate in a meaningful way in the Badarak with a special prayer or recognition. A brief blessing service is available through the DYE. A gift (khachkar, calendar, prayer book, etc.) may also be appropriate.

Web resource: COLLEGE 301 (www.college301.org)

College 301, the Armenian Church College Ministry website, can be accessed 24 hours a day by students from the University of Maine to Texas A&M (and beyond). It includes news and events, a discussion forum, job/internship opportunities, faith in college, Armenian history and heritage, and more resources for students. Connect students to this critical resource by putting the website addressin your bulletin, advertising it in an email or putting a link on your parish website.

Homecoming

During Thanksgiving vacation or winter break most college students, return home; but many students who live far from campus stay at school. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect local students to the church and offer a "home away from home" for students who are from distant communities. Special services, lunches, social evenings and Sunday brunches are among possible activities. The College Ministry program can help you identify Armenian students who have come from another community to attend school in your area.

Church bulletins

An easy link with your college students can be established by simply sending them your church bulletin or newsletter. Including a section on "campus news" would also be a nice touch.

"We're thinking of you" mailings

Some have received positive responses from students who receive regular mailings from the church. You could send out special holiday packages on Christmas or other holidays. Packages might contain holiday foods, the Diocesan calendar, booklets, recipes, and information on the holidays. Exam time often provides us with a perfect opportunity to send a small gift with which to say "we're thinking of you!"

Visitations

Many priests, parish council members and youth directors have joined the college ministry facilitator to visit their college students on campus. We can help gather students for an introductory visit at the campus, which has often led to other events (be sure to provide the food!). The expense is minimal and the response, enthusiasm and impact can be great!

Subsidies for Armenian programs

Encourage your college students to participate in programs which strengthen their faith and heritage by providing subsidies to attend St. Nersess conferences, ACYOA Leadership Conference, travel to Armenia, etc.

Phone calls

By dividing the college student list among various parishioners, it is possible to contact each college student during the course of the year (at least once) by telephone. This is a simple and effective way to say "I care" and "I want to hear what you have to say."

Summer programming

Summer is an ideal time for college students to re-identify with the church community. Churches can use this time to create social links and communal bonds. Informal cultural and social programs can bring college students closer to the Armenian community. Perhaps your church has summer jobs available for students.

Jobs

College students in your community can enhance your church program. When looking for Sunday School teachers, youth advisors and Bible readers, consider a college student. While they can add to your church’s activities, you can enrich their own church involvement, as well.

Mentors

High School juniors and seniors can be put in touch with local Armenian college students to discuss Armenian life on campus and/or answer questions about specific colleges. Parishioners can also serve as mentors to graduating college students interested in specific career paths. Students could be invited to spend part of a day with individuals in specific businesses or professionals.

Alternative spring break

Alternative Spring Break is a weeklong, community service trip during students’ spring break, a time when hundreds of thousands of college students plan trips with their friends. While typical Spring Break trips provide fellowship and fun, often drinking and partying is their main focus. The Armenian Church Alternative Spring Break offers the same fellowship and fun as traditional spring breaks, but with the main focus being on community service and an introduction to Armenian faith and culture. Encourage your college students to volunteer for the entire week with Habitat for Humanity and enjoy Christian fellowship with a local Armenian mission parish.