The Sr. Thea Bowman Center hosts a variety of events, including Table of Plenty on Mondays at 5 p.m. This program provides a chance to enjoy a meal and join in fellowship with one another. Another program called Gathered in the Word takes place on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. and includes a scripture study and prayer service. On Thursday mornings, Campus Ministry offers Morning Mug from 9–11 a.m. This is an event centralized around community and food, featuring breakfast as well as coffee or other beverage options.
Kyle Trietley, a graduate assistant at Campus Ministry, encourages students and faculty to come to the Bowman Center. This building houses Campus Ministry and is an excellent resource for everyone in the Viterbo Community. Trietley explains that developing community through events is important for him and the Campus Ministry staff. “Sharing a meal, breaking bread, getting to know each other—that’s a huge benefit. It’s a really good way to meet people,” said Trietley. The numerous events at Campus Ministry bring students together from across campus and create a true chance for fellowship.
In addition to the weekly programs, Campus Ministry provides spiritual resources and assists students in developing faith and discerning a path in life. Although the Bowman Center is located next to the San Damiano Chapel, Campus Ministry is involved in connecting students to faith resources from any religious background. Trietley emphasizes that the focus of Campus Ministry is not to evangelize, but instead to cultivate fellowship with people of all backgrounds. Everyone is accepted and encouraged to meet new people.
This idea of fellowship is central to the Bowman Center’s purpose. “It’s a place that people can come be themselves, have a nice cup of coffee, eat some good food, do homework, and you just never know who you’re going to meet here. It can change your life,” Trietley said. He also expressed that the relationships he found at the Bowman Center have influenced his life for the better, and that the community is one everyone can benefit from.
Students at Campus Ministry state that they have found a home away from home in the Bowman Center, which functions as a safe haven for the Viterbo community. It acts as a place to study, recharge, refuel, and socialize. One student who frequents the Bowman Center, Morgan Chase, shared that Campus Ministry has “brought a lot of goodness to my life, and it’s kind of like a light in my day. I know I can always find goodness here.”
Even when events are not occurring, Campus Ministry is open every day of the week. Complete with a kitchen, food pantry, couches, and tables, the Bowman Center is a cozy place to spend time. “Just come to the house, check it out, and you never know what you’re going to find here,” said Trietley.
