Blog Archives

Continuing the Ministry Fair

4/24/2016

Greetings Newman folks!

It was good to be a part of the Parish Ministry fair last week! There was such positive energy and interest from so many to engage in the various Newman ministries. Thanks go out to all who were involved in putting the ministry fair together.

I would like to extend the invitation to anyone who wasn’t able to stop by the Campus Ministry table last weekend to partner up with us in providing both literal and figurative ‘nourishment’ to the student parishioners. On the literal side, anyone who possess the talent of baking and cooking is welcome to share the fruits of their labors in our various hospitality events, such as Midweek Mass and Dinner and After Mass socials. On the spiritual side, we would like to meet with resident parishioners interested in witnessing their faith or sharing their professional expertise by giving a talk; mentoring a student; or helping to organize and facilitate outdoor activities. If you are interested, contact us via email, [email protected] or call us in the office.

Peace.
Sal

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Re-Awakening Our Faith

4/17/2016

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Dear Newman Community,

What an incredible retreat weekend at Aggie Awakening VIII! For three days students took time away from the busy-ness of school, work, family and friends to spend time growing closer to God and one another. For some who have been previously involved with Newman, it was a time of deepening already rich relationships. For others who are new to our community, it was an opportunity to create new friendships. For still others who were returning to Church for the first time in a long time, it was the first step toward reigniting their faith. Please continue to keep this Awakening community in your thoughts and prayers!

Mona

Retreatants and staff at Aggie Awakening VIII.

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Hanging on to Easter

4/10/2016

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Dear Newman Community,

As you read this, Sal and I are with over 70 students on Aggie Awakening VIII! The retreat is put on by students for students- 40 students who have ‘lived’ Awakening previously have put in countless hours over the last several weeks culminating in the actual retreat this weekend. Our hope is that students have a rich, personal experience of God through Mass, Confession, prayer, and community, an experience that doesn’t end after the retreat but is the beginning of something new as their faith is (re)awakened.

But how does one hang onto such a mountain top experience after
it is over? Whether it is a retreat, a service trip, or holy days like the Triduum- how do we remember and continue to live these high
points of our faith experience?

One way we offer to students is through daily reflection in the form
of an Ignatian Examen. A prayer practice developed by St. Ignatius
of Loyola, the examen helps us reflect on the events of the day to
discern God’s presence and direction. Key to the prayer technique
is a disposition of gratitude and growth that calls us to remember
and live out Gospel values in our daily life. If this sounds like
something you might like to try, see the box at right for a guide to
the Examen.

Please pray for all the staff and retreatants on Aggie Awakening
VIII!

Mona

Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God’s presence God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
-From the Jesuit Prayer App, developed by the Midwest Jesuits in collaboration with Loyola Press.

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Easter Greetings!

4/3/2016

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Easter Greetings to all!

Our Lenten journey reached its conclusion with our beautiful Holy Week celebrations. I still vividly remember the first time I participated in all the Holy Week services at Newman as a young college student (with a full head of hair!). I was so moved by the Holy Thursday call to service in the communities participation in the washing of the feet, the solemn, prayerful veneration of the Cross on Good Friday, and the movement from darkness to light at the Easter Vigil as we were beckoned to come to the water, singing Alleluia. Our Lord’s passion, death and Resurrection took on a whole new meaning back then, and I continue to be nourished by our community’s prayerful celebrations of His saving actions.

It is this Pascal Mystery – His living, dying and rising that nourishes me as I serve as a campus minister. And it is this graced power that animates the many students that are busy preparing for next weekend’s Aggie Awakening 8. It is quite fitting that this semester’s retreat will happen during the Easter Season. At the very heart of the retreat experience is the hope, and thus the focus of all the staff’s efforts, that retreatants may recognize a deeper desire for relationship with Christ, be drawn into an experience of Christ and be awakened to a new way of life, following and loving Christ more deeply.

As you bask in the glory of the Resurrection, please keep staff and retreatants for Aggie Awakening 8 in your prayers. If you are, or know of any student who is interested in the retreat, there are still a few spots available, shoot us an email to get more info, or to sign up: [email protected].

Peace.
Sal

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Continuing the Ministry Fair

Re-Awakening Our Faith

Hanging on to Easter

Easter Greetings!

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