by The Cowl Editor on February 1, 2018
Features
by Sarah Gianni ’18
News Staff
There is always something to explore in the Campus Ministry Center at Providence College. From free hot coffee every morning to the weekly Post-Mass Bash that is always abundant with food, students and community members can always find what they need in this space. Fulfilling needs is precisely what Associate Chaplain Father Michael Weibley, O.P., strives to do.
Fr. Michael joined the PC community in the fall of 2017, and has since been an integral part of campus life. “It’s tremendous work that we can do with young people, and I’m thrilled to be at Providence College,” said Fr. Michael. Fr. Michael handles a diverse range of responsibilities, from his duties as a priest to work as the associate chaplain for Peer Ministry. “I am very involved with Peer Ministry on campus, and am excited to know that it has grown in the past few years,” said Fr. Michael. “It is a great program where students can engage one another with questions about life, as well as the intersection of faith and college life.”
Fr. Michael also helps to serve as the chaplain of both Friars Club and the Providence College Mens and Womens Track and Cross Country Teams. In the future, Fr. Michael said that he and Fr. Dominic Verner, O.P., will be starting up a grief support group to students who have lost loved ones. “As a chaplain I have my hands in almost everything on campus,” said Fr. Michael. “I really enjoy going into Slavin and talking to students, making sure they know that we are available and here for them.”
Fr. Michael said it did not take long to notice the pride and love students have for PC. “There is such great love for the College, and I like to believe that the reason students love this college is that they have the freedom to ask the big questions about life in a loving community,” said Fr. Michael. While Fr. Michael admitted that he does not know how long his stay at PC will be, he plans to make the most of every moment. “I am happy to be here, and that is truly one of the joys of religious life,” said Fr. Michael. “You trust yourself in God’s providence, and His providence has led me to Providence College.”
For anyone who may be looking to talk with someone on campus, Fr. Michael’s door is always open. “Day in and day out as I encounter students, whether in a crisis or good situation, and I am constantly reminded about the goodness in my vocation as a priest,” said Fr. Michael. “I want the students here to know that I am available for them.” Please feel free to contact Fr. Michael at mweibley@providence.edu.