"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20)
The University Pastoral Work Group (UPWG) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is not a mere student society. It is a living expression of the Church’s holy mission within the university. Founded within the larger network established by the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon (APECL) in 1979, this group embraces its sacred duty: to make Christ present among students through prayer, formation, and faithful witness.
A Twofold Charge: Local and National
At NDU:
As a vital part of the university’s spiritual life, the University Pastoral Work Group (UPWG) serves as a home of encounter and growth, where students are summoned to:
- Be a visible sign of Christ’s presence upon the campus.
- Proclaim by their lives that Christ alone is the true path to meaning, freedom, and hope.
- Live forth the Gospel message in all their daily actions.
- Form prayer groups within each faculty and department, thus building small communities of faith.
Nationally:
As a part of Lebanon’s ecclesial mission, we unite with UPWGs throughout various universities to:
- Foster critical thinking enlightened by Christian truth.
- Promote a steadfast Christian commitment that faithfully embraces the trials faced by the Lebanese Church and society.
- Inspire a personal relationship with Christ, the perfect model of true humanity.
Mission
Centered on Christ: All our works—prayer groups, the sacramental life, spiritual discussions, and personal accompaniment—flow from a living communion with Jesus Christ, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
Ecumenical in Spirit: We welcome all Christians and engage in respectful dialogue with other faiths.
Non-political: Our mission is purely spiritual, devoted to growth in holiness, pastoral care, and ecclesial unity, free from worldly partisanship.
Why We Exist
The UPWG exists because the Church calls for the full formation of the student—both mind and soul. Just as minds are sharpened in the classroom, so too must souls be nourished by Christ. Guided by APECL and supported by Campus Ministry, we seek to be a visible sign of God’s love—one prayer group, one conversation, one heart at a time.
Foundational Pillars
The Holy Bible: The source of divine revelation and the foundation of the Christian life.
The Sacraments: Especially the Eucharist—the source and summit of our faith—and Reconciliation, the font of healing and peace.
Personal and Communal Prayer: Rooting our lives in Christ through both individual and communal prayer.
Activities
At NDU, the UPWG vivifies faith on campus through:
Retreats: Sacred times of spiritual renewal and reflection at Christmas and Easter.
Summer Camps: A lively experience of community, formation, and Christian joy.
Charity Works:
- Serving meals to the elderly, sick, and foreign workers;
- Organizing celebrations for children with special needs and orphans;
- Practicing works of mercy in response to Christ’s call: “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
Meetings
Each week, at a set time during the lunch break and under the guidance of the campus chaplain, the group gathers. These meetings include Bible reflections, spiritual talks, prayer, and sharing—graced moments to deepen faith, strengthen our union with Christ, and build a welcoming Christian community where none walk alone.