Campus Ministry Newsletter
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In Reflection of This Past Year - A Message from CM Director, Seán Bray
Earlier this week a friend noted that we've been in this pandemic for 40 weeks, the same length of time as a pregnancy. Sitting with this realization in Advent, I find myself reflecting on our current realities through Mary's "yes" to conceive, carry and birth Jesus into the world.
How many of us like Mary have been troubled and chosen to move forward in faith. Each of us has said "yes" to an extraordinary situation during this pandemic. It might have been to attend classes, teach students, work remotely, provide care for the community, juggle home/school/work, offer spiritual practices and prayer, build relationships, serve the community or plan for our eventual return to campus. As you look back on the semester, what did you say "Yes" to as an act of faith?
Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox, an Episcopal priest and theologian, writes, "We are all meant to be “other Marys,” or mothers of God. We all birth the Christ in our work and in our being and personhood." Our student leaders, professional staff and various members of the Loyola community through labors of love have given birth to new programs and ministries. I truly stand in awe of way this community embodies its faith and responds to troubling and extraordinary circumstances with care and imagination. As you look back on the semester, what has come to life in you or through you this semester?
I am grateful for all your support of Campus Ministry's prayer programs and for the ways you reveal God’s presence in our community. I pray each of you will find time for rest, reflection and rejuvenation. May this Christmas season give birth to hope, joy and faith in your lives and may God bless you now and always.
WRAPPING UP THIS SEMESTER!
Walking Through The Season of Advent
This year, Campus Ministry will take a week to focus on each of the following four themes of Advent: Hope, Faith, Love, and Peace. Follow along with us on Instagram and check out our very own Advent Calendar made by the Liturgical Ministry team at Loyola!
We hope you will also check out the following resources this Advent Season:
Jesuit Refugee Service Advent Calendar - Walking With Refugees
Ignatian Spirituality Advent Reflections
Rise Up: A Weekly Call to Solidarity from Ignatian Solidarity Network
The 32nd Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 20th at 7pm
This year, Loyola University Maryland will celebrate its 32nd Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. While Lessons and Carols may look different this year, we are still looking forward to holding this very special event virtually. The event will be released virtually here.
This annual ecumenical service, rooted in the great English choral tradition, combines music and scripture readings of the Advent Christmas Season.The Loyola University Chapel Choir and guest artists, under the direction of George P. Miller, Associate Director of Campus Ministry, perform seasonal music from a broad range of musical styles and traditions. Join us for a one-of-a-kind virtual performance!
Contact: George Miller, Associate Director
Christmas Eve Mass
December 24th at 4pm
Contact: George Miller, Associate Director
Gospel Choir's Fall 2020 Virtual Concert
Campus Ministry wishes Happy Holidays to all members of our campus community celebrating holy days in their faith traditions this season!
Nativity Fast (Orthodox Christian) Nov. 28-Jan. 6
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic) Dec. 8
Advent (Christian) Nov. 29 - Dec. 24
Hanukkah (Jewish) Dec. 10 - Dec. 18
Christmas (Christian) Dec. 25
Bodhi Day (Buddhist) Jan. 20 (in some observances)
Guru Gobind Singh Birthday (Sikh) Jan. 5
Christmas (Orthodox and Coptic Christian) Jan. 7
Feast of Three Kings/Epiphany (Christian) Jan. 6
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NEXT SEMESTER!
Intern Selection 2021-2022!
Applications for these leadership opportunities rooted in faith and justice will open again in Spring 2021. Come to an info session to learn how you can build your career skills on campus and help serve the community as a Campus Ministry Intern!
Info sessions will be held on the following dates:
- Wednesday, Feb. 10th at 6 p.m
- Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 6 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 25th at 6 p.m.
Applications are due March 3rd, 2021. Click here to learn more about the positions and application process!
Contact: Seán Bray, Associate Director
Interfaith Hope and Renewal Prayer Service
January 28th, 2021 at 3pm
Each year in January we begin our spring semester with an Interfaith Hope and Renewal Prayer Service (H.A.R.P.S.) to serve as a blessing for our Loyola community. We will be hosting H.A.R.P.S. virtually this year and we hope you will join us.
H.A.R.P.S. recognizes the diversity and richness of the various faith traditions represented at Loyola and in our surrounding communities. Leaders from local faith communities, faculty, staff, administrators, students and community partners all share together in prayers, readings, reflections and blessings to inspire hope and renewal in the life of our community.
Contact: Rev. Scott Adams, Assisstant Director
Livestream Catholic Masses
Wednesdays at 12:10 pm
Sundays at 5pm (Alumni Memorial Chapel) and 10pm (Hopkins Court Lounge)
First Friday Mass will resume in February, 2021
To become a lector for mass, contact litmin@loyola.edu!
Visit www.loyola.edu/campusministry for live-streaming and zoom links.
Join the Liturgical Ministry Community!
Want to get on the awesome weekly emails from the LitMin team? Interested in getting involved at Mass? Sign up to become a Liturgical Minister! Lector positions are currently available for Fall 2020. While we're virtual, the community of liturgical ministers stay connected with weekly reflection and prayer emails and opportunities to connect. If you are interested in being a Eucharist Minister or Minister of Hospitalities once we return to live instruction, you can sign up for those future positions as well!
Contact: CM Interns for Liturgical Ministry, litmin@loyola.edu.
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Resources & Campus Partners
Support at The Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is offering many services for support from individual counseling, group counseling, virtual workshops, consultations, comprehensive referral support, to online anonymous communities. To learn more, call the counseling center at 410-617-2273 or visit their website.