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Campus Ministry Reflections
I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. During the Bee Connected New Student Retreat held each September, we reflect on this Scripture reading and the importance of staying connected to Jesus, the Vine, during college. Jesus nourishes us through prayer, His Word and the sacraments. Our campus ministry efforts focus on providing these opportunities for our students to be nourished by the Vine. Even in the midst of the pandemic we were able to provide several meaningful retreat experiences, Adoration, the Rosary, both a men’s and women’s faith sharing group, service opportunities, Reconciliation, and most importantly, in person Masses at Christ the King Chapel. Nourished from the Vine, we hope to bear fruit that makes a difference at St. Ambrose and beyond. What a blessing it is to see signs of this fruit in our students and alumni who strive to live out our Catholic values in their families, in the workplace, and in the community. As commencement nears, and we send graduates out to bear fruit in the world, we pray that they stay connected not only to Christ, the Vine, but also to their St. Ambrose classmates, teammates, faculty and staff. -- Tammy
*The Mass schedule during finals week will be the normal schedule as shown above.
This week, Coordinator of Music, Justice & Media Lauren Bollweg and Peer Campus Minister Jess Mendenhall take over the podcast! Lauren and Jess learn who Fr. Thom and Meg were in high school. This is a revealing episode you don't want to miss!
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.
Follow us online for news, events, prayer and spiritual resources, plus much more:
Campus Ministry Reflections
Just a few days ago, we heard the verdict of the Derek Chauvin case for the murder of George Floyd. As I watched the livestream, emotions were high and frankly, I am still processing this information and figuring out how I feel as I write this reflection. With the constant connection through media it can be overwhelming. While there is definitely hope, this is not the end, and in many ways only the beginning of long awaited change.
So what do we do next? Minnesota’s attorney general Keith Ellison said, “Today's verdict is not justice. But accountability is a first step to justice”. Justice implies true restoration. There are still many issues to be fixed. True restoration cannot be achieved overnight but it is something that must be done. To work towards change, we must reflect on our own actions and biases. To learn, we must have uncomfortable conversations and accountability in the necessary safe spaces. I pray that the St. Ambrose community has the courage to continue its long standing tradition of being a voice for social justice. I pray that God guides us all in our own journeys and helps us see how we are called to be the change. May He provide healing to those who have been oppressed and are hurting. May all who have power and privilege continue to take steps towards reform and uphold the dignity of ALL of God’s people. Let’s not lose this sense of hope, but together continue to take the necessary steps to move forward.
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.
Follow us online for news, events, prayer and spiritual resources, plus much more:
Campus Ministry Reflections
This week, it hit me: there is less than a month left of the semester. Wow. The tests, final projects, last few meetings, and end of the year events will consume these short weeks, and they will fly by, just as the rest of the semester has. It's easy and understandable to feel overwhelmed by all of this, and perhaps you're reading this and wishing I hadn't reminded you. Luckily, we are also surrounded by the overwhelming joy of Easter as we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus for 50 days! The Psalm this Sunday pleas, "Lord, let your face shine upon us." Let this be our prayer through the chaos of the next few weeks: Lord, may your face shine upon us, and allow the joy of Easter to energize and motivate the SAU students, faculty, and staff to learn well, teach enthusiastically, and work with joy in these final weeks! – Lauren
Congrats, Brenda and Taryn!
This past Sunday, Brenda Anguiano was confirmed and Taryn Schneider was received into the Catholic Church and confirmed. They were prepared and accompanied by catechists, Tammy Norcross-Reitzler and Trish Gallagher. Congratulations, Brenda and Taryn, we welcome you with great joy!
Ramadan began this year on April 12th, and is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays.
Besides Christ the King Chapel, St Ambrose has two other prayer spaces available to students, faculty and staff of all faiths: the prayer room on the first floor of McCarthy Hall, and the Father Joseph DeFrancisco Interfaith Prayer Space on the third floor of Ambrose Hall. The Interfaith Prayer Space is available through May 12, 2021, 7 days a week from 7am - 10pm. You will need to enter the building from the 3W door (facing McMullen Hall).
Blessings to all our Muslim community members during this holy season of prayer and fasting.
This week, Fr. Thom and Meg are joined by St. Ambrose President-Elect Dr. Amy Novak. She joins the podcast to share her background and hobbies, what led her to SAU, and her deep passion for higher education.
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.
