The new school year is upon us! Students living on campus have officially moved back in, including the many freshman beginning their NMSU experience. Classes begin on Wednesday, so Newman should be buzzing next week with students returning to worship over the weekend, be sure to give them a warm Newman welcome back! We will celebrate the beginning of the school year with our annual Mass on the Grass. All are invited to join us on Sunday, August 21 at 7 pm to gather around the Eucharistic table and celebrate God’s presence on our campus.
Newman will also be abuzz during the lunch hours, 11-1pm with student activity on weekdays as Lunch Bunch gets back in gear. This past Tuesday, Bonnie, who serves as the Lunch Bunch Coordinator, 22 volunteers, Fr. Ray, Mona and myself gathered for a morning of preparation and prayer. A representative from the Health Department offered a presentation on safe food handling, so you can rest assured that the meals will be delicious and safe! We also took time to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the many volunteers who give so generously in service to the important Ministry of hospitality. We also prayerfully reflected on the vital role faith plays in our commitment of service. It is indeed our relationship to Christ, nourished in Word and Sacrament that calls us to serve . The unexpected grace of service is that, as the Prayer of St. Francis reminds us, it is in giving that we receive. So, as the Lunch Bunch crew works to prepare and serve meals with a generous spirit of hospitality, we trust that they will encounter Christ’s presence through their service and in the students they serve. Please keep their efforts in your prayers! And, help us spread the word about this great ministry!
Peace,
Sal