Catholic Liturgy and Worship

Join us in sharing the mystery of faith through our many prayer and worship opportunities. We welcome all and pray that everyone may find a place of peace and transcendence in our prayer and worship.

Whether for Sunday Eucharist or Opening Year Celebration, we seek to foster and promote worship that “draws the faithful into the compelling love of Christ and sets them on fire” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy §10).

Together, the worship and prayer life at the university is both rich in its heritage and diversity.

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Seasonal Reflections

February 14, 2024

Beginning of Lent

Readings: Ash Wednesday | USCCB  Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent in this new year.  Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin offers us the following “10 Things to Remember for Lent”.  First, he reminds us of the three disciplines of this season: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving.  Once again, you will have the opportunity to participate in our campus wide Rice Bowl Collection during these forty days. Lent is also a time for prayer, a time to draw closer to Christ. Lent is a time for fasting, both today, Good Friday, and abstaining from meat on Friday’s during Lent.   Lent is an opportunity for renewed spiritual discipline. Can I pray more, give more, fast more frequently during these forty days? In a word, can I enter into Christ’s suffering during these days and be raised to new life with him at Easter? Bishop Ricken adds, “it is tempting to make Lent some ambitious period of person reinvention” but he says, “keep it simple”. Trying to do too much is a recipe for failure.   Lent reminds us of our weakness; thus, we more readily seek God’s help. Be patient with yourself, God’s love is unconditional.  If you learn […]

• January 7, 2024

  Epiphany of the Lord

  Readings: Epiphany of the Lord  As the Christmas season comes to a close, we celebrate today the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, which reminds us of the great homage due to our Savior, Jesus Christ.   As we hear in today’s Gospel reading, the magi have heard of Jesus’ birth and are eagerly searching for Him. They ask the people in Jerusalem: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” As we have been reflecting on for the past several weeks, Jesus’ coming as a baby, and yet king, reveals His incredible humility. The phrase “newborn king” would have shocked anyone. In fact, as we read in the Gospel, king Herod and “all Jerusalem with him” were greatly troubled upon hearing these words from the magi.  Jesus was not the Messiah that many of the Jews expected. A strong warrior ready for battle was often the image of the Messiah that people had in their heads. Jesus’ coming as a small helpless baby had many people baffled. And yet, His littleness and humility did not detract from His incredible majesty as King. The magi came […]

• January 6, 2024

  Christmas Weekday

  Readings: Christmas Weekday | USCCB   I am deeply moved by the comforting and transformative power of the Incarnation. The deep recognition that Jesus came to become one of us, and in becoming one like us – choosing to become poor, despised and vulnerable—reminded us of our own dignity as children of God, a beacon of hope, but also a call to mirror God’s love and compassion amidst the injustice we find it our world.  As we wrap up the Christmas season, this realization of what the incarnation demands from us, makes me embrace my faith with a deep sense of belonging and understanding.  To know Jesus as the Son of God is to see the world through a lens of divine love and compassion, extending beyond personal salvation to encompass a commitment to justice and a compassionate response to those in need. This aspect of faith is not just a moral obligation but a profound expression of Christ’s teachings and His love for all humanity. It’s a reminder that we are never alone, whether in our struggles or joys. In moments of doubt or hardship, this belief offers a reassuring presence, a gentle whisper that guides and comforts.  Living out […]

• January 5, 2024

  Memorial of Saint John Neumann

  Readings: Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop | USCCB  How do we get to know someone and love them? In the first reading today, we see the message of love and care for our brothers and sisters. Yet, this can be difficult because we may not know them. In the second reading, when Nathanael questions Philip “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” I was taken aback. It reminded me of my bias, or judgement of others based on where they are from. It also reminded me of times where I was judged due to my background. How can we show love for one another without knowing each other? However, Jesus saw Nathanael under that, and He knew him.  This season of Advent, I am reminded that Jesus knows us and loves us. Just like when Jesus told Nathanael that He saw him and knew him. It may take us time to love because we need to know and hear that reciprocal recognition from our brothers and sisters. Do we also expect this from God? Do we expect a clear message from Him to know that He loves us? Or are those sights and sounds already here, around us in our […]

• January 4, 2024

  Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

  Readings: Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious | USCCB  Today, I had the opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of a remarkable woman, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Like many of us, Elizabeth faced plenty of hardships, yet those challenges did not define her, and it is a good reminder for us that our hardships do not define us.  Instead, these experiences can be catalysts for growth & resiliency and give us a unique opportunity to support and uplift others going through similar hardships.   As I was reminded of the life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, I was struck by her dedication to education. Founding the Sisters of Charity and establishing the first Catholic school in the United States, she recognized the transformative power of education in shaping individuals and communities. This commitment to learning and service continues to resonate and encourages me to consider how I can contribute to the well-being of others.   It reminds me to appreciate this unique season of life that I find myself in.  To express my gratitude for being at the University of St Thomas at this moment and time.  A place where I have been challenged, where I have grown, where […]

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