Campus Ministry
Pilots Prevent
February 8, 2021
Although social distancing is still the order of the day, that doesn’t mean we have to be socially isolated. In fact, Campus Ministry is doing all it can to bring people together—safely—right when we need it most.
“We’re trying to make sure there are things people can come to in person, while keeping things safe, and many ways to connect virtually as well,” says Fr. Jim Gallagher, director of Campus Ministry.
You might not know it, but UP staff, faculty, and students can actually attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Mass in person again. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is now held in a larger room in the chapel, and offered Tuesdays from 8 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m. before the Sunday evening Mass. All you have to do is show up.
As for Mass, there are many ways to attend. It’s offered weekdays at 12:05 p.m., as well as Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., with the lunchtime and Sunday morning sessions also available via live stream. In-person attendance is capped at 50 people, and it’s helpful to RSVP for Sunday morning Mass via Engage so ministers know how many people will be there. But even if twice that many show up, no one will be turned away.
“We have contingency plans in case more than 50 people show,” says Fr. Jim. “We’re ready for that. We have the space for people to come.”
So far, though, hitting max capacity hasn’t been a problem. This past Sunday, for example, had plenty of space. “My guess is most people don’t know about the opportunity.”
Maybe that’s because they haven’t signed up for the Campus Ministry newsletter. Sent every other week, “It’s a good way to keep tabs on what’s going on,” says Fr. Jim. “It’s a little bit of what’s coming up in the next two weeks that people can participate in, general information, and interesting articles and videos people might enjoy. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for the newsletter. You’ll get all the info you need.”
The newsletter is also an essential resource for the One Body Initiative student study groups. It’s a collection of small, student-led groups of six to eight people who get together to answer the question: “How does the life of faith draw us into deeper community with others?” says Fr. Jim.
Some groups meet in person, some only online, some are general faith groups, while others are sub-groups of Campus Ministry, including Fish, the non-denominational community on campus.
“Using the newsletter, we put out a 10- to 15-minute video and study guide, and they’ll use that material however they want for the next two weeks of conversations. If they want to do more general conversation about the life of faith, they can do that. It allows for a lot of flexibility.”
The Campus Ministry website offers a wide array of resources as well. You can submit a prayer request, and even schedule a talk with a campus minister. There are also plans to hold an on-campus retreat toward the end of March.
“We want the whole UP community to know that if you’re struggling, have questions or need someone to talk to, just reach out,” says Fr. Jim. “I always tell students, if there’s something you’re looking for that you’re not seeing, contact us. Sometimes we have it and they just didn’t know. Or sometimes they have a great idea and we’re able to make it happen. We’re always open to feedback and input.”
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