Almost 600 students gathered Sunday night (Aug. 31) at Clemens Stadium to celebrate the annual SJU Campus Ministry Kickoff Mass.
The event – in which the weekly 9 p.m. student mass is moved from the Abbey Church to outdoors under the lights – is now in its sixth year. It’s a way for students to connect with faith clubs and organizations on campus and learn more about their work.
500 t-shirts of the Abbey Church were handed out and those in attendance enjoyed a free slice of Gary’s Pizza.
“This was the biggest mass I’ve ever been to,” said Andrew Withuski, a member of SJU Campus Ministry and the student lead for the Mass.
“It’s something different for people that only happens here at CSB and SJU. It’s a unique experience. It’s also a great way for faith organizations on campus to let people know we’re here.”
This year’s event was held just days after the tragic mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis – an event that directly impacted a number of CSB and SJU students, alums and their families.
“It’s so meaningful when so many students come out to pray and stand together in faith, especially in the wake of last week’s tragedy,” said Margaret Nuzzolese Conway, executive director of SJU Campus Ministry. “We held a powerful moment of remembrance for Annunciation and the empathy in the stadium for the victims was evident. (The Kickoff Mass is) also a time when many faith clubs and offices come together and we are grateful to the 9-plus groups that joined to table with us.”
SJU and CSB Campus Ministries banded together to take up a collection to be donated to the Annunciation community.
“We know that many Bennie and Johnnie families, particularly in the Minneapolis community were deeply affected by last week’s shootings and we express our support, solidarity and care to those students, parents and alumni most in need,” Nuzzolese said. “We know God hears the cry of the poor, and all those who suffer the effects of violence committed by another. This was a moment to stand together – as Fr. Nick (Kleespie) preached in his homily – to stand together as one community gathered in faith, hope and love.
“We’re hoping students will be inspired not only for financial action, but also for advocacy,” she continued. “We’re called as followers of Christ to give of ourselves for a more just, peaceful and loving society.”
