The Ohio Northern University Campus Ministry is establishing “Emerge,” a new spiritual formation program, after receiving a grant from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.

David MacDonald, ONU chaplain, will oversee the new program, which will focus on incoming students, helping them make the transition from high school to college while also seeking to help them grow and mature in their faith.

MacDonald is looking to recruit nine students to participate in the program and begin the process of making Emerge a permanent fixture at ONU. “We do a great job of helping freshmen transition into the academic world, and we would like to expand that to their faith,” he said.

The funds from the grant will be used to support weekly group spiritual direction meetings, two retreats and equipment to aid in the running of Emerge for the 2013-14 academic year.