Hey Hounds!
This past week in Campus Ministry was full of grace-filled moments. We gathered for the first Chapel Talk of the semester Food for the Heart with the Bridget and Christophet Klofft. We also hosted the first of many Come to the Table retreats led by Deacon Elmer and we partnered with the Campus Activities Board for Dusty Boots Dance Night. We hope all who attended found these experiences joyful and fruitful.
This Wednesday, February 18, we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent—a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Below you will find the Ash distribution schedule as well as several opportunities to enter into Lent in meaningful ways: an on-campus Prayer Service for Human Dignity, a clothing drive to support our neighbors at Abby’s House, and service opportunities through Campus Ministry’s SEND program with the Assumptionist community in El Paso and locally through the 1904 Days of Service.
As we prepare for this sacred season, we invite you to reflect on how you might grow intentionally in prayer, fasting, and generosity. It is a time that calls us to be attentive to our neighbors—friends and strangers alike—who long to be seen and accompanied. Know that you do not walk this journey alone; we enter this season together as a community committed to prayer, service, and solidarity.
Members of the Campus Ministry team and Assumption students bump into an Assumption alumni and graduate student, while serving at the first 1904 Day of service.
The Dusty Boots Night
Bridget and Christopher Klofft in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit sharing remarks.
Happening This Week in Campus Ministry
Upcoming Social Events
- Cookie Social Hour: Tuesdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in Tinsley
- Ice Cream Social: After Adoration (10pm) in Tinsley’s Community Room
Black History Month Ecumenical Service: February 25th at 8:00pm in the Chapel (Food will be served after the service)
Retreat Opportunity
This is the last call for our upcoming retreat opportunity of the semester is at Holy Family Retreat Center in Hartford CT.
We will be joining students from other colleges around New England for a weekend of prayer and reflection. Transportation and meals will be provided.
This retreat is from Friday, February 20th (4pm)- Sunday, February 22nd (12pm). We depart from Tinsley at 4pm on Friday.
Prayer Service for Human Dignity of Migrants
In line with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pastoral message on immigration and attentive to ongoing national events, Campus Ministry will be offering a Prayer Service for Human Dignity for Migrants on Monday, February 23rd in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 4pm.
We will be praying and holding space for all who are being dehumanized and experiencing violence–especially our migrant brothers and sisters. We will hear from members of the Assumption Community as we lean into the Lenten season, attentive to the call for conversion.
We are looking for members of the AU community to read and participate. Reach out to Luis Melgar if you are interested.
Love Thy Neighbor Clothing Drive – Donations Needed
While spring has not yet arrived, it might be the perfect time to clean out your closets. Beginning next week, Campus Ministry’s Love Thy Neighbor student group will host a clothing drive to support our neighbors at Abby’s House in Worcester.
Donations of gently used clothing can be placed in the collection boxes located in the Tinsley (Lauring) Community Room from Monday, February 23 through Friday, February 27.
Items especially needed include:
- Warm clothing (coats, sweaters, sweatshirts)
- Women’s clothing in good condition
- New socks and undergarments
Your generosity helps provide dignity, warmth, and care to those in need in our local community. Thank you for loving your neighbor in such a tangible way!
Black Culture and Heritage Ecumenical Worship Service:
a Hope that doesn’t disappoint
Campus Ministry, the Office of Student Success, the Cross Cultural Center and the Office of Student Affairs is excited to offer the annual Black Culture and Heritage Ecumenical Worship Service on February 25 at 8pm in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Conway Campbell, Sr. (VP for Student Success) will be presiding, joined by members of the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College and the Assumption University Chorale.
There will be a reception following the service in Tinsley featuring various ethnic foods. You won’t want to miss this!
Register for the El Paso SEND Trip
Looking to grow in service and immerse yourself in a community outside of Assumption? SEND trips are opportunities to visit new locations and learn first-hand about the lived reality of communities on the margins. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, we explore the intersection of faith and justice.
Our May trip to El Paso Texas and Chaparral New Mexico will provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of the Mexican/US border and Immigration and the role of the Assumption Charism in this region.
Consider applying for the SEND trip to El Paso, TX and Chaparral, NM that is happening from May 18th – May 24th. (after graduation).
To learn more, contact Una Murphy (uo.murphy@assumption.edu)
1904 Days of Service
Almsgiving is a common practice during the season of Lent. This Lenten season give back to Assumption and the local Worcester community by participating in the “1904 Day of Service” initiative.
Click on the link below to view all of the upcoming service trips happening both on campus and off-campus.
Join the campus ministry team and members of the Assumption Community as we serve the Worcester area!
If you have any questions or need help signing up, please contact Una Murphy (uo.murphy@assumption.edu).
Mustard Seed Catholic Worker
Another great way to get involved is through the Mustard Seed, a local volunteer community that provides dinner to individuals in Worcester each weekday. If you’re interested in volunteering with them, you can visit their website
Liturgical Ministry Support (Serving, Reading & Singing)
Interested in using your vocal talents at Mass? Or serving as a lector, greeter, communion minister, or altar server?
This is an invitation for our faithful-our students, faculty and staff to consider ministry in the Church; by being a Lector, Altar Server, Communion Minister, and Greeter for Sunday, Weekday Masses and Special Liturgical events on Campus.
Music Ministry
Music Ministry is a vocal ensemble that provides music for the masses on campus. Our other commitments include Lessons and Carols, Baccalaureate, and joining forces with the Chorale and Kuumba Singers for the annual, Black History month Ecumenical Service.
Rehearsals are every Thursday evening from 7pm-8:30pm in the Lauring Community Room in the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center.
