A new director of campus ministry has been appointed by Cardinal Justin Rigali to serve the community of Cabrini College.
Father Carl Janicki, former president of Philadelphia’s Cardinal Dougherty High School, is thrilled to continue his spiritual path at the college.
“I hope to learn more about the power and difference a faith-filled community can make in our world,” Janicki said.
Although he is excited for class to begin and greeting all of the usual and new faces of Cabrini, Janicki is anxious about his new work place.
“There are always jitters, some logistical like where everything is. Some personal like how will I fit in and remember all these names,” Janicki said. But of course, his most important concern is his need to fulfill what it is God wants for the community of the college.
Janicki has an extensive record of earning a variety of degrees. He has earned a master of divinity in pastoral theology along with a master of arts in pastoral theology.
He also received a Bachelor of Arts and a certificate in youth ministry at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. In addition to his spiritual degrees, Janicki has earned a master of science in training and organizational development at Saint Joseph’s University. Currently, Father Janicki is completing his study for a doctorate in educational leadership from Neumann University.
“My experiences have furthered my passion for education,” Janicki said. “I have learned how important community and teamwork are through these various experiences. I am excited about learning from and with the community here at Cabrini.”
Since former college chaplain Father Michael Bielecki’s departure last spring, administrators were in search of someone to fill the role. However, President Marie George emphasized how different Fr. Janicki’s role will be.
“Father Janicki’s position as director of Campus Ministry is a new one that will include administrative responsibilities within the Student Development area and reporting to Dr. Christine Lysionek, vice president for student development,” George said. “The Director of Campus Ministry position does not require the incumbent to be a priest.”
George also added that although Janicki is not titled the resident chaplain of Cabrini, he has agreed to “offer liturgies and other sacraments.” Once a new college chaplain is appointed, Janicki will continue to maintain his intended role of Director of Campus Ministry.
Along with Cabrini’s ministry service, its ground-breaking curriculum titled Justice Matters has accordingly been in sync with the catholic values of the college. George is sure Janicki will continue with highlighting social justice as a core value of Cabrini.
“Cabrini’s Campus Ministry has a long tradition of engaging students in social justice programs and projects that provide opportunities for self-reflection and discernment of personal and spiritual values,” George said. “Father Janicki comes to Cabrini having organized and supported many similar experiences for the students that he has worked with. I’m sure that faith and justice will continue to be part of Campus Ministry’s outreach programming for students.”
