A Reflection from Our Chaplain
Fr. Larry Blake
The older I get the more I realize I don't know much about many things. I know some about a little. Many of the people I have worked with over the years and now on this campus are better educated and more highly trained in their field than I am in mine. I have worked for nearly 40 years to provide pastoral care to people from all walks of life in the name of Jesus Christ.
As I continue to reflect on the events of Monday, December 11 on our campus I must admit that there is much I do not know about those who feel as though they are mismatched regarding gender identity. I hope to learn more by listening to them. I also hope that in the spirit of advancing the common good we will continue to talk with one another in this St. Thomas Community. For my part I will keep providing the best pastoral care that I am capable of, with God's help, to those who come to see me.
Study Monday Mass
Come and join us at the Study Day Mass on Monday, December 18 at 8:00 PM at the Chapel of Saint Thomas.
Come to pray and praise our Lord during this season of Advent before exam week.
We ask our Lord to keep watching over us bringing peace in our hearts and a serene time while we wait for the birth of the savior and a joyful Christmas celebration!
What is CSMG?
We have four spots reserved for students to attend this year's Catholic Social Ministry Gathering [CSMG] in Washington D.C.:"Building Community: A Call to the Common Good." This is a yearly gathering that brings together some of the most engaged and inspirational Catholic leaders across the country to Connect, Learn, Pray and Advocate!
Here are some of the things going on that weekend.
- Connect with more than 500 participants "representing social ministry leaders in local dioceses, religious congregations, Catholic educational institutions, and other national Catholic organizations...for a central annual opportunity for U.S. leaders in Catholic social action to network, advocate for social justice, and form emerging leaders in service to the Church and society.
- Learn the broader context of Catholic social ministry. Get informed on domestic and global challenges to human life and dignity, justice and peace. Bring your experience and perspective of your diocese, organization and faith community.
- Pray together to renew our vision for mission. Wonderful liturgies will mark the gathering.
- Advocate for policies to protect and support people suffering poverty and injustice. In this defining experience of the Gathering, the meetings and prayer flows directly to Capitol Hill, where as one faith community we bring concerns and proposals to defend and empower the most vulnerable. Continue this effort after the Gathering through district visits with members of Congress in your own community.
Interested in attending? Send Father Larry Blake an essay of 250 words explaining your interest no later than Thursday, December 21st to be considered.
For more information, please visit the official website: http://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-human-development/catholic-social-ministry-gathering/index.cfm.
Join the Gathering's virtual community on Facebook and Twitter.
Thinking About Your Spring Break Plans?
Sometimes it's nice to plan ahead early. If you've been thinking about what you would like to do for your spring break, please consider applying for a VISION trip. This year, our global community-building service trips will be taking us to the following sites: Alamosa, Colorado; Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona; Crow Creek Reservation, South Dakota; Chicago, Illinois; White Rose Farm, Missouri; Memphis, Tennessee.
Applications are not due until February 16th, but it is never too early to start thinking about it!
Have You Considered Joining Our Peer Ministry Team?
Applications are now being accepted through the Student Leadership Selection process. If you will be studying abroad for Spring Term, be sure to get your application in by December 12. See poster below for details.
SAVE THE DATE
Living In and With Christ
Silent Retreat
Deepen your experience of Christ by joining us for our annual silent retreat weekend. (Open to undergraduate and graduate students)
Friday, February 23 - Sunday, February 25, 2018
Christ the King Retreat Center, Buffalo, MN
For more information or to register visit the Office for Spirituality Retreat page
The staff of the Center for Campus Ministry sends their wishes for a happy and healthy holiday break. If you are travelling or going home for J-Term, we'll look forward to hearing all your stories when you return. If you're going to be on-campus, feel free to stop in for a hot beverage and a visit. We look forward to seeing you all whenever you return.
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