Last Lent, campus minister Br. Matthew helped transform the University of Minnesota’s “Great Hall” into a sanctuary for Ash Wednesday Mass.
“In past years, Ash Wednesday Masses on campus were celebrated in small rooms for between 15 to 30 people,” said Br. Matthew. “But last year we invested all our efforts into a single Ash Wednesday Mass that attracted nearly 450 students.”
After the homily, a senior (now graduated), Joe Thurston, was invited forward to give a personal testimony to the entire congregation.
“I think the Mass helped a lot of people understand that even if they feel lonely or isolated in their faith at a large university campus, in fact there are a large number of people who are with them in their beliefs,” said Joe.
Student leaders witnessed to their faith by placing cards under each chair that encouraged students to do something meaningful during Lent. Activities included inviting students to attend a weekly Gopher Catholic Night, to serve in a local food pantry, and to participate in the campus ministry’s homeless outreach project to deliver bagged lunches to people in need.
Following Mass there was free hot chocolate for students, which encouraged newcomers to stick around and meet other Catholics.
“Many students involved in our campus ministry understand the great need for outreach,” said Br. Matthew. “They express their love for God by inviting their peers into a relationship with Christ.”