In this episode, Andrew visits with Dr. Mike St. Pierre, Executive Director of Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA). When Mike joined CCMA in 2015, he was able to bring new life and new energy to the organization. Andrew and Mike discuss CCMA, how Mike decided to leave a successful career in Catholic schools to lead the organization, and about his approach to remote work…even before it was cool. They are also able to discuss the importance of professionalism and how to organize your schedule using an Agile method. Be sure to listen till the end for Andrew's Key Take-Aways.
Show Notes:
In 1893, Timothy Harrington, founded the Newman Club at the University of Pennsylvania. In 1908, the Federation of Catholic College Students (FCCS) was established at Purdue University. 42 years later, in 1950, the National Newman Chaplains Association was established for ordained chaplains at non-Catholic colleges and universities. And then in 1969, the National Newman Chaplains Association became the Catholic Campus Ministry Association or (CCMA).
Background
Husband and father, married 24 years with four beautiful children. He spent the bulk of his professional career working in parishes and ultimately in schools.
Discernment
Is this the dumbest move ever? Or is this of God?
Mike and his wife met with a priest friend to discuss, pray and receive guidance.
Looking back, he was very close to burnout in his previous role.
CCMA
Is an incredible professional association. The history is that there was an idea that college students needed specific structure and support. This began the creation of college Newman centers.
CCMA provides both in person and online support and training for those serving college students.
They want to raise up the next generation of Catholic campus ministers for the good of the church so that the gospel can be brought to every corner of the campus.
Professionalism
Professionalism is just about excellence. We need to pursue excellence in everything that we do. Showing up on time, meeting deadlines, participate, take things seriously, etc.
Campus Ministry
Used to be a dumping ground. Truly, it's fertile ground that simply needs to be tended correctly and can create a flame of growth.
The campus ministry provides a support system for the students.
Remote Work
It's not going away. But there needs to be guards for your time. Mike doesn't answer calls for the first two hours of the day. Because that will interrupt his workflow and ability to concentrate. They rely more on writing than on phone calls and they try to have fewer meetings.
It's important to have one tool for organization so that everyone knows where to find information and it cuts down on time looking. Mike and his team are currently learning Agile.
Lightening Round
If you would like to connect with Mike, you can email him directly at [email protected] or you can find more information on their website www.ccmanetwork.org. You can also pick up a copy of Mike's new book "The Five Habits of Prayerful People: a No Excuses Guide to Strengthening Your Relationship with God" and check out his podcast Pausing for Prayer.
Andrew's Take-Aways:
If you have any questions, email us at [email protected]. Please reach out and I would love to connect. God bless you and your work and I will continue to pray for your success.