by Jennifer Devereaux
staff writer
This past weekend, the Christian Leadership Conference took place in Camden, N.J.
The 24 hour-retreat, which went from Friday, Oct. 20 to Saturday, Oct. 21, was coordinated by campus ministers, Dr. Mary Laver and John DiMucci. The purpose of the retreat, according to Laver, was to help students develop their leadership skills and spirituality together.
Laver noticed that once students get involved in Campus Ministry, they begin to discover their gifts and talents. As a result of this, they grow eager to get involved in leadership, in Campus Ministry and other services as well.
Laver and DiMucci contacted Matthew F. Manion, the executive director of the Catholic Leadership Institute in Ardmore, Pa. Through Manion, the conference was scheduled and planned.
The name of the program that the institute uses and the conference was styled after is called Leadership for Life. This program is practical and interactive. It provides students with knowledge they can use whether they’re working on a social service program or for a corporation.
Twelve students attended the conference. The major themes included conflict resolution, recognizing gifts and talents, leading a group effectively and stages of group development. The attendees took part in discussions, role-playing games and indoor and outdoor activities.
DiMucci said, “The conference exceeded our expectations. In Christian Ministry, we try to make everything we do fun and interesting. People had a good time and they learned a lot.”
According to two of the students who attended the conference, it did help them to understand their roles as leaders.
Sophomore John Verdi said, “Many of the topics that were addressed during the retreat helped me to understand my role as a leader. Many of the qualities that were brought up during the retreat have given me the opportunity to take the information and use it successfully in real life situations.”
Junior Crystal Boodoo said, “I think it helped me a lot to understand how to be a better leader. It is something I can definitely use in both my personal and professional life.”
