There was a day over the break that I came in to do a little work. Between the walk over, the time I spent in my office and elsewhere on campus and my walk back home, I don’t think I saw another soul. On the one hand, it was peaceful and quiet and I could concentrate on some projects I had been wanting to get to. On the other hand, it was very eerie, like something out of a post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie or “The Twilight Zone.” It was definitely a reminder that above all St. Ambrose University is its students! It is not the same without you and you are the whole reason we exist. As students started to make their way back to campus, even in the depths of winter, it felt like spring. It is good to have everyone back and to be up and running again, even if we don’t feel fully prepared for the new semester. I hope the break was restful and that classes and activities are off to a good start. My impression from most every student I have spoken with is that they were happy and excited to return. That is a good sign. We must be doing something right. As you ease into the new semester, I hope you will find ways to stay involved without taking away from your studies -- in fact, in ways that may enhance your studies. As we look to Civil Rights Week here on campus, there are many opportunities to remind ourselves of the values that we hold dear as Ambrosians and then to make the connection as to how we are called to live those values now and in the future. I hope you will take full advantage. Welcome back to all! It is great to have you back and many blessings to you in the new year! --Fr. Thom
March to Remember
Tuesday, January 21st 3-4 p.m. Starting location is Christ the King Chapel
Join the St. Ambrose community as we participate in a silent march to commemorate the Civil Rights Movement.
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It hardly seems possible, but another semester has already come and gone. If I have learned anything in my time here as chaplain it is the art of “time travel,” as time seems to pass more quickly here than in the rest of the universe and we are always having to think several months, if not years, ahead. A late Thanksgiving this year seemed to rush things even more. But for all of our hurry and thinking ahead, the season of Advent is a great time to slow down and wait. It is a good time to be in the present. Those who know me know that I am a bit of a Star Wars buff. Recently, in preparation for the final movie installment to come out this month, I rewatched the original trilogy. My favorite is The Empire Strikes Back (the best Star Wars movie of them all, in my humble opinion). This viewing I was struck by a particular line of the wise, centuries-old Jedi Master Yoda about the rash and impatient Luke Skywalker. He says, “All his life has he looked away, to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was, what he was doing.” It is an easy trap for us all, not to consider where we are now, what we are doing now. We try to anticipate everything: the next task, the next event, the next stage of life. We do this, I suppose, because we want to be prepared and to eliminate stress as far as possible in our lives or because we’re just so excited about what is to come. But, ironically, in all of our anticipation we often stress ourselves out more and miss the beautiful and exciting things happening right now. Of course, our soon-to-be graduates can’t help but look ahead some, as they prepare for graduation, a new job, a move, etc., but I hope that in the midst of it all they can stop and just enjoy these last days here at this place that has become their home. To all of those graduating at semester, may God bless you in all your future endeavors! And for all of us as we enter into this season of joyful expectation, may we not fail to recognize Christ already present in our midst. A blessed Advent, a truly happy Christmas, and a grace-filled New Year to all! --Fr. Thom
Feast of St. Ambrose Mass Sunday, December 8th - 10:30 AM
Join us for the Second Sunday of Advent as we honor our patron saint, St. Ambrose. Bishop Zinkula will preside at the liturgy, which also features music led by a combined choir of SAU Music Ministry and Chamber Singers, as well as the presentation of the McMullen Awards. A reception will follow in the Gathering Space. All are welcome!
Congratulations to Winter Graduates! A well earned congratulations to all who will be graduating from St. Ambrose on Saturday, December 14! May God continue to grant blessings on all your endeavors and in the best of our SAU tradition, may you be a blessing for the world!
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