Thursday, August 31, 2017

09.03.17

Campus Ministry Bulletin
vol 26 no 3

September 3, 2017 - Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

+ Jeremiah 20:7-9 + Romans 12:1-2 + Matthew 16:21-27 +
Mass this Sunday at 10:30 am ONLY







Mass Intentions:
Sunday09.0310:30 am
NO 6:30 pm         
For the SAU Community                
Monday     09.04NO MASSLabor Day
Tuesday     09.054:30 pm+ Max Miler, '55
Wednesday     09.069:15 pmFor Student Intentions
Thursday     09.07   4:30 pm+ Joseph Hanson, Jr., '49
Friday       09.08Noon+ Patricia Mendoza           

This Week's Activities Include:

Tuesday: Reconciliation 3:45 pm (Chapel); Peer Campus Ministers 8 pm (Lower Chapel); Bridge Bible Fellowship 9 pm (Chapel)
Wednesday: Ambrosians for Peace and Justice 8 pm (Lower Chapel); Reconciliation 8:30 pm (Chapel); 9:15 pm Mass & More (Grotto)
Thursday: Reconciliation 3:45 pm (Chapel); Music Ministry Rehearsal 6 pm (Chapel)
Friday: Reconciliation 11:15 am (Chapel)



Campus Ministry Offices - Lower Chapel
333-6132 or ministry@sau.edu  
Twitter: @SAUCampusMin
Fr. Thom Hennen, Chaplain
Chris Clow, Director of Music and Liturgy
Kaitlin Depuydt, Director of Service and Social Justice
Tammy Norcross-Reitzler, Director of Faith Formation
Paul Burd, Grad Assistant

Prayer Ministry - send intentions to BeesKnees@sau.edu.

Sign Up for Campus Ministry Events any time during the year!  Go to: www.tinyurl.com/campusmin2017.


A Flood of Prayers
It is hard to comprehend the sheer amount of rain that has fallen (and is continuing to fall in some places) in Texas and Louisiana as now tropical depression Harvey continues to wreak havoc in the south of our country.  At the time of writing this, 37 people have died, 30,000-40,000 people are in shelters and many thousands more have been displaced.  According to one source, estimated damages could be as high as $190 billion (compared to around $50 billion for Hurricane Katrina in 2005).  And, of course, these figures are about much more than money.  This is about people and their livelihoods, their homes, businesses, places of worship, and schools.  In the face of this kind of devastation, the question is often posed to those of us in ministry, “Why?  Why would God allow this?”  The implication, of course, is that God is “up there” twisting his moustache saying, “Let’s see how they like this!”  This is not my God.  This is not the God of revelation.  This is not the God of Jesus Christ.  Rather, this likely reflects more of our own human (and sadly vindictive) tendencies.  So, what is my profound theological answer to the question “Why?”  Here it is: I don’t know.  Nature does according to it’s, well...nature.  It is and always has been somewhat unpredictable.  We can and should have frank conversation about the effects of climate change on severe weather events and on development in disaster-prone areas, but the fact is that right now none of that matters.  Right now is a time for prayer, solidarity and compassion.  Information about how you can help those affected by this storm through Catholic Charities has been included in this bulletin.  Also, Campus Ministry will be collecting donations to support the disaster relief efforts.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of east Texas, Louisiana and anywhere else in the path of this storm as it moves northeast.   In a special way, we hold in prayer our alumni and fellow Ambrosians who live in these areas.  May God protect them and may the needs of those impacted be met through the loving hands of God’s people.  ---Fr. Thom          


•Labor Day Weekend Mass Schedule
Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am only this Sunday. There is no 6:30 pm mass Sunday and no 12:00 pm mass Monday as offices are closed.  Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

•Collection for Victims of Hurricane Harvey
As we have been seeing in the news, Hurricane Harvey has left a wake of destruction in Texas and Louisiana.  In an effort to help and as a sign of solidarity, Campus Ministry is collecting donations to go to Catholic Charities to help victims affected by the hurricane.  Catholic Charities will send donations straight to the dioceses affected.  Donations can be sent to Campus Ministry through campus mail (memo: Hurricane Relief), or you can also donate online here: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/CCUSADISASTER.  Even a small donation can help make a big difference in the lives of those affected by this natural disaster.

•Have you signed-up for Campus Ministry Activities? 
Thanks to all those who signed up for campus ministry activities and for volunteer opportunities at last Sunday’s mass and at ClubFest. We’ve got a great number of volunteers already and it’s going to be a great year!  There’s still time to sign up, just visit www.tinyurl.com/campusmin2017 or email us at ministry@sau.edu.  If you haven’t already, you’ll be contacted soon about all the Campus Ministry activities.

•“Broken” Play on Human Trafficking 
Ambrosians for Peace & Justice invite you to join us for a night at the theater on Saturday September 9th.  The local QC Theatre Workshop group is tackling and personalizing the struggles of human trafficking in their play called “Broken.”  We have seats reserved, so let us know at ministry@sau.edu if you can join us for the performance.  The play begins at 7:30pm, and we’ll have an opportunity to talk afterward with Braking Traffik, the local program to support victims of human trafficking.

•Music Ministry Retreat
Do you love to sing or play an instrument?  Been thinking about using your musical talents to help others, but unsure if you have the time?  Come learn more about Music Ministry at our Retreat on Friday, September 8 from 4-8pm in the Chapel and Gathering Space.  Make some new friends, learn some new music, have fun, and spend some time in prayer.  Dinner is included.  And if you can’t come to the retreat, you’re always welcome to join us for practice before every Sunday mass.  To learn more, contact Chris Clow at ministry@sau.edu.

•BEE Connected New Student Retreat
There are still spots available for our New Student Retreat, Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Sept. 23 at Camp Loud Thunder.  It’s a great opportunity to make friends, receive tips from upperclassmen, be introduced to all that Campus Ministry has to offer, and strengthen your faith.  Pick up a form in the Chapel Gathering Space or register online at http://www.tinyurl.com/BeeConnected17.  Only $10, and includes transportation to and from, lodging, and food.  But space is limited, so REGISTER SOON!  Email ministry@sau.edu to find out more.

•Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Training
A training session for both new and experienced EMs will be Sunday, September 17th after both the 10:30 am and the 6:30 pm Mass. If you are interested in serving in this important ministry please plan to attend one of the training sessions.  This ministry is reserved for practicing, confirmed Catholics.    Please contact us at ministry@sau.edu for more information.

•R.C.I.A./Sacramental Prep./Learning More about the Catholic Church
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, being confirmed if you have not completed your sacraments, or simply want to learn more about the Catholic Church, contact Tammy by emailing ministry@sau.edu.  A group will be forming soon.

•Find Us Online!
Stay up to date on everything happening in Campus Ministry, along with articles, insights, and prayers throughout the week.  Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SAUCampusMinistry) and Twitter (@SAUCampusMin).

•Ambrosians Of All Faiths and Denominations
At St. Ambrose University, all Ambrosians are welcome to join in any prayer, event, or activity of our Campus Ministry department.  If any student is seeking a church in their particular denomination or place of prayer in their faith tradition, please contact us by stopping in our office in the Lower Chapel or email us at ministry@sau.edu.  We can help you find a place of worship.

•BEESknees 
Take part in a unique prayer ministry that allows Ambrosians to pray in their own time and manner for confidential intentions presented each week on behalf of fellow Ambrosians. If you’d like to be part of it, or have intentions to offer, send to: Beesknees@sau.edu.

•St. Mary’s, Davenport Parish Carnival
The annual parish “Kermes” (festival) for St. Mary’s in Davenport  (516 N. Fillmore Street) will be Sunday, September 10th  from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Come and enjoy authentic Mexican food made by parishioners: tacos, tamales, gorditas, tortas, pambazos, corn on the cob, Mexican and American sodas and much more. All proceeds go to benefit the parish.  Hope to see you there!

•Volunteer Catechists
St. Anthony’s Parish in Davenport, IA is looking for 7th and 8th grade catechists for their Sunday morning religious education program.  Classes meet from 11:15 am - 12:15 pm.  For more information contact Denise Hoteling at davstanthonydre@diodav.org.