The sound of Bob Donius playing the guitar with his warm welcome to mass every Sunday will soon be nothing but a memory for the St. Bonaventure community.
Effective July 1st, Bob Donius, vice president for University Ministries, will take a six month sabbatical and return to the university as a professor.
Donius said when he returns to campus next January he also will no longer have a role in the music ministry program. He will also vacate his cabinet position under Sister Margaret Carney, O.S.F.
Julie Smithson, a junior music ministry leader, said she was shocked to hear the news about the change in University Ministries.
“I knew something was going on before I left for Spring Break, but I did not know what. There have been numerous changes in University Ministries this year, but I always figured Bob would be here,” she said.
Donius said despite the surprising news of his new role at St. Bonaventure, he said all good things come to the end, and the Bonaventure community should be resilient to change.
“Change is fundamental in the universe. All good things have to come to an end, including our own life. This is a different kind of ending for me and for something new to begin. It’s similar to the challenge every senior is facing as they head towards commencement. They are off to something new too.”
Donius said during his sabbatical he will develop a new course that will discuss sexuality, dating, relationships, marriage, and family within the Catholic Church. Donius said he will teach this course as well as several other courses within the Clare College curriculum when he returns to campus in January. However, he said the course he will develop on his sabbatical will not be a part of Clare College.
Smithson said she does not feel this new class will be well attended because it won’t be a mandatory class for students to take.
“You will get those people who are extremely spiritual who will take the class, but besides that not many students will take a religious based class unless they are told to do so. If they offered it as a cross listing with Clare College, more students might sign up because they are required to take Clare’s.”
Donius also said after July 1, his administrative role, vice president of University Ministries, will be left vacant. Fr. Franics Di Spigno from The Holy Name Providence will be appointed Director of Faith Formation, Worship, and Ministry.
Donius said he met Fr. Francis several weeks ago, and he will have many people to rely upon during this transition period.
“He will rely on the gifts of the community to help out including student leaders. That is what the church life is. It’s not all about the one person in charge, it’s about the members of the body of Christ,” Donius said.
Kayla O’Keefe, a sophomore music ministry leader, said she is nervous about the transition period between Donius and Fr. Francis.
“I am a little worried where music ministries will go from here. Bob is a fantastic musician and without him, things won’t be the same. I look forward to coming each Sunday just to see him with his passion and zest for music and liturgy.”
O’Keefe said she is also nervous because this transition might have a negative effect on mass attendance.
“Whoever takes his place has large shoes to fill. His passion these past nine years has been to bring as many students into the church as possible, religious or not. This transition might have an effect on mass, and if we were to go backwards on that, it would be devastating.”
Donius remains confident though that University Ministries will not suffer through this change.
“I have faith in him (Fr. Francis). If he needs any advice, I am only a phone call away, but I will truly miss my role in music ministry. It is life giving me and a way I pray.”
