From Campus Ministry to Holy Week: What’s Happening Now

This past week, following a meeting with our Bishop, it was decided that responsibility for the Newman Center at UW River Falls would move to Saint Patrick Parish, effective immediately. The Newman Center is the Catholic Parish that ministers to the students at UW River Falls. It is comprised of its own church and a house that serves as a student center. In the recent past, the pastor at Saint Bridget’s in River Falls has served as its pastor. For at least the rest of the school year, Father Dan and I will serve the Newman Center. Working with us is Mallory Schneider, who serves as the Director of the Center. 

There is a Sunday evening Mass at 6 PM, when the university is in session, and we are adding a 12:30 PM Mass on Wednesday. All are welcome to attend Mass there. The Center offers Eucharistic Adoration during the week, a variety of Bible Studies, small group gatherings, retreats, and social opportunities for students. In recent years it has grown in popularity among the Catholic students at UW River Falls. Next year, two alumni from the Newman Center will begin studies to become priests, and three women are discerning Religious Life. We are excited to be able to serve the students there.

This coming week, Sunday afternoon – Tuesday late afternoon, March 22-24, Father Dan and I will be in Superior for our annual Priest Assembly and Chrism Mass. Each year the priests of our Diocese gather for continuing formation that concludes with the Mass when the Bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism. As priest we also renew the promises we made on the day of our ordination as priests. This year’s presenter for the continuing formation part of our time together is Dr. Scott Sollom. Dr. Sollom is the Chair of the Department of Theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. However, he grew up here at Saint Patrick Parish and was a youth minister for our parish. His mother is an active member of our parish. I have not heard him speak before, so am really looking forward to our assembly this year. 

This coming week we also have our Lenten Reconciliation evening. It is Wednesday, March 25, beginning at 6:30 PM. Mass that evening will be moved to 5:30 PM. We will have several priests that evening to hear Confessions. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Plan to join us that evening. 

It is hard to believe that this coming week is also the Knights of Columbus’ third and final Lenten Fish Fry. The first two have been great and there is no reason to believe this final one won’t be as good, if not better. Make sure to plan to support the Knights, the various charitable works they support, and join with family, friends, and others from our community to enjoy a wonderful meal and great evening. 

Finally, make sure to mark your calendars for next Sunday, Palm Sunday, and all the liturgies that follow during Holy Week. There are cards available by the entrances of the church that have the schedule for Holy Week on them. There is no more important week of the year than when we come together to celebrate and remember Jesus’ Last Supper, arrest, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Just as we put other important appointments on our calendar, make sure your appointments with God are on there as well.