Going to a Catholic University is something that is very special to me. Being Catholic myself, I have enjoyed the opportunity to go to daily mass whenever I can right here on campus. With my busy schedule of working and going to class, I have had a hard time making it to the noon weekday mass but this semester I have taken advantage of the 9:30 pm mass on Wednesday nights right here in St. John’s Chapel. It gives me a good break from the everyday stresses of life to be able to pray and reflect on what really is important in life. Last night’s Ash Wednesday mass was pretty full with students and it felt great to be a part of something so close to the heart of the University.

Labels: Ash Wednesday, campus, Catholic, Mass, St. John's Chapel

Cardinal Newman Week!!!

This week is Cardinal Newman week at school so that is exciting because of all of the extra activities that will be going on around campus. My favorite event of course has to deal with food! Every year, High Tea is held in the Gorges Atrium, complete with fancy tea cups and other fine china. It is a fun representation of the English background of our school’s namesake, John Henry Cardinal Newman. There is always plenty of goodies such as breads, crackers, and little deserts along with, of course, tea. The food is all made by faculty and staff members so it is always fun to see what they will bring. I have to be honest, some of the food is not exactly common in the United States, so I always am sure to come with an open mind for trying new things!

Labels: "Cardinal Newman", "Gorges Atrium", "High Tea", "John Henry Cardinal Newman", activities, campus, food

I have recently been reminded of the genuine kindness and compassion that exists on the Newman campus.

It can be seen in a staff member’s invite to her house on Valentine’s Day to hang out with her since you may be dateless for the night. It is seen in a professor bringing snacks for your class to keep you awake since you have had a problem drifting off in her lecture that is right after lunch. It is seen in a roommate bringing you home ice cream to the residence hall just because she knew you would enjoy it after a long day. It is seen in staff members’ concern and encouragement regarding an upcoming doctor’s appointment. It is seen in a classmate loaning you her book for the semester because she had an extra one. It is seen in the daily smiles and greetings from people like those who work in the dining center at lunch time, to those who work on the custodial staff even late at night.

It is amazing to me how much you can get to know people throughout your time at a school. It’s good to be at a place where you feel loved.

Labels: "residence hall", "Valentine's Day", campus, greetings, Kindness, loved, semester, smiles, snacks