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Friday, April 3, 2020
4.5.2020
Change upon Change
Each day it seems there are new and harrowing statistics, new factors to consider with this virus and its impact on the globe, and new directives and measures being put into place as our country braces itself for the peak of this pandemic. We have all experienced an incredible amount of change in an incredibly short amount of time. It has been one change upon another, and can be downright disorienting and discouraging. Tossed about as we are in these turbulent seas, all the more do we need an anchor in our faith. This image of being tossed about by the waves featured prominently last Friday in Pope Francis’ message and blessing to the world. He reflected on the short passage from the fourth chapter of Mark’s Gospel (4:35-41) describing the episode in which the disciples were caught in a violent storm on the sea, all while Jesus was asleep in the stern of the boat. They woke him and he rebuked the wind and the sea, then asked his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Anyone keeping up on what our world is facing right now might reasonably be terrified, and yet we are called to have faith - faith in the one “whom even the wind and sea obey.” In Pope Francis’ address, he also had some beautiful statements about what this experience is already teaching us. He described this as a time not of God’s judgment, but of ours, “a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to the [the Lord] and to others.” How true. Think of all the things that even a month ago may have seemed “important,” which now seem silly, from our particular food preferences to celebrity gossip to sports scores (though I have to say, I am missing my English Premier League soccer and the start of the baseball season). Yes, in a way that perhaps nothing else could, this has given us the gift of perspective. I hope and pray that on the other side of this we will not have missed the opportunity to become more the people we are called by God to be, sharing this common home called earth. As if there weren’t already enough change, I have to announce a change in regard to my own assignment. Beginning July 1, while remaining as chaplain for the university, I will become the vicar general for the Diocese of Davenport, working more closely with Bishop Zinkula in the affairs of the diocese. Much like my first year here as chaplain, when I was also vocations director for the diocese, this will require me to split my time some and will require some creative restructuring within Campus Ministry. Still, I’m very happy to be able to continue in my ministry here and am honored and humbled (though, a little terrified myself) by this new appointment. Your prayers are appreciated! --Fr. Thom
Did you know Fr. Thom has a podcast? Fr. Thom and Megan Grady have started a podcast to discuss pop culture as well as topics regarding faith.
Give Us This Day:Give Us This Day has made available at no charge a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select "Digital" in the upper right of the screen.
The Diocese of Davenport: The Diocese has been posting updates about how COVID-19 has affected the Diocese as well as spiritual care resources.
Be Not Afraid Conference: Sign up for daily inspiration and hope-filled emails from Catholic speakers.
The USCCB: The USCCB has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and suggested several online resources, live-streamed Masses, and prayers, especially seeking the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Understanding the Lenten Fast and Abstinence FASTING: Catholics age 18-59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday - only partaking in one full meal. Two other smaller meals (not equaling a full meal) and liquids are permitted. ABSTINENCE: Catholics over 14 years old must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all other Fridays of Lent. Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not eggs, milk, or condiments made from animal fat. We are reminded each year that the obligation to do this penance is a serious one, but no one should be scrupulous in this regard; if health reasons or the ability to do one's work is seriously affected, these regulations do not apply.
Fast Fest will continue on Instagram! Follow @saucampusmin for updates and learn how you can fast from convenience, even during a pandemic!
Have a question about a program or event going on in Campus Ministry? Got an idea for something you'd like to see happen? EMAIL US at ministry@sau.edu.
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Each day it seems there are new and harrowing statistics, new factors to consider with this virus and its impact on the globe, and new directives and measures being put into place as our country braces itself for the peak of this pandemic. We have all experienced an incredible amount of change in an incredibly short amount of time. It has been one change upon another, and can be downright disorienting and discouraging. Tossed about as we are in these turbulent seas, all the more do we need an anchor in our faith. This image of being tossed about by the waves featured prominently last Friday in Pope Francis’ message and blessing to the world. He reflected on the short passage from the fourth chapter of Mark’s Gospel (4:35-41) describing the episode in which the disciples were caught in a violent storm on the sea, all while Jesus was asleep in the stern of the boat. They woke him and he rebuked the wind and the sea, then asked his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Anyone keeping up on what our world is facing right now might reasonably be terrified, and yet we are called to have faith - faith in the one “whom even the wind and sea obey.” In Pope Francis’ address, he also had some beautiful statements about what this experience is already teaching us. He described this as a time not of God’s judgment, but of ours, “a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to the [the Lord] and to others.” How true. Think of all the things that even a month ago may have seemed “important,” which now seem silly, from our particular food preferences to celebrity gossip to sports scores (though I have to say, I am missing my English Premier League soccer and the start of the baseball season). Yes, in a way that perhaps nothing else could, this has given us the gift of perspective. I hope and pray that on the other side of this we will not have missed the opportunity to become more the people we are called by God to be, sharing this common home called earth. As if there weren’t already enough change, I have to announce a change in regard to my own assignment. Beginning July 1, while remaining as chaplain for the university, I will become the vicar general for the Diocese of Davenport, working more closely with Bishop Zinkula in the affairs of the diocese. Much like my first year here as chaplain, when I was also vocations director for the diocese, this will require me to split my time some and will require some creative restructuring within Campus Ministry. Still, I’m very happy to be able to continue in my ministry here and am honored and humbled (though, a little terrified myself) by this new appointment. Your prayers are appreciated! --Fr. Thom 
