Hey Hounds!
Happy Spring Break! This past week, we hosted our annual Black History Month Ecumenical Service in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. We are so grateful for the Kuumba singers, who lead us in worship, and Conway Campbell, VP for Student Success, who gave the sermon. Additionally, members of the Assumption community attended Boston College’s “Law, Conscience, and Migration Today” conference. An article about the event is available from Boston College here. For the second year in a row, Campus Ministry retreated to the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center for a College Retreat with 70 other college students. It was quite a busy week!
This coming week will be quiet on campus, as students are away for the Spring Break. See the updated worship schedule below for the week, as there are some changes from our usual Mass times. Please pray for our students, faculty, and staff who will be attending the SEND trip to the Dominican Republic. We hope it will be a fruitful experience for all.
For the Gospel reading, we hear about Jesus’ Transfiguration according to Matthew. May we also transfigure ourselves to Christ in deed, word, and thought. As we enter into the second week of Lent, let us remember Pope Leo’s call to abstain and fast from language that harms and dehumanizes others, and to lean into kindness this week.
“I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace” – The Vatican, February 5, 2026
Copyright © Transfiguration, Donald Jackson with contributions from Aidan Hart, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Black History Month Ecumenical Service.
Pictured are members of Assumption University’s Cross Cultural Center’Executive Board, Dr, Conway Campbell, Brenda Hunt, Luis Melgar. The Kuumba Singers of Harvard College led by Sheldon Reid provided music for the evening along with members of Assumption’s VOCE and Chorale groups. Dr, Jonathan Bezdegian (not pictured) was instrumental to the coordination of Wednesday evening’s service.
Food After the Ecumenical Service!
Catered by Akra Eatery
Members of the Assumption Community participated in the Law, Conscience and Migration Today Conference hosted by Boston College.
Pictured (Left to Right): Anne Covino, Una Murphy, Paul Covino, Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz, Bishop of El Paso, Luis Melgar, Lea Cristo.
College Retreat: Pilgrims of Hope Retreat
Pictured (Left to Right): Caelie Flanagan, John Nguyen, Luis Melgar,Maya Colouras, Charlotte Viñas, Ethan Hutter, Joe Gallo, Elmer Vergara, A.A.
Not Pictured: Joe Harrahy, Liam Waldron, Chanelle Ikirezi, Lucas Audette, Carlos Siguencia
Greener Lent
“It is only by returning to the heart that a true ecological conversion can take place” – Pope Leo XIV.
While we are not offering daily Lenten reflections, we are sharing reflections from partner organizations to center your prayer life.
Each Sunday of Lent, enter a Gospel-based reflection designed to deepen prayer and awaken discernment inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart.
Receive reflections from the Laudato Si’ Movement that invite us to move from contemplation of the Sacred Heart toward concrete acts of love and care for our Common Home and all who inhabit it.
Join Catholics across the country in a campaign to better hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. Greener Lent offers a way to combine fasting, prayer and almsgiving by changing your menu! Pick an option that works best for you: less meat, no meat, no cheese. Sign up anytime through Lent.
Write in “Assumption University, Chapel of the Holy Spirit” when it prompts you for ‘parish.’
A Gallery of Encounters with Jesus
Join Sr. Nuala Cotter, R.A., on March 5 and March 12 at 7:30pm for a virtual Lenten gallery walk! Come to one or come to both.
If you’re interested, please register for the link by emailing raworcester@hotmail.com.
We hope to see you then!
Prayer Service for Human Dignity and Life (Re-Scheduled)
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 and Life on Monday, March 16 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.
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).
For more information, 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).
Upcoming 1904 Day of Service Opportunities:
Wednesday, March 11 from 2:30-5:00pm: African Community Education (ACE) after school volunteers (Una Murphy will be attending)
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.
St. John’s Food for the Poor
The St. John’s Food for the Poor program on Temple St. Is always looking for helping hands! To contact the Danielle, the program director, to see how you can help, click below.
Liturgical Ministry Support
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.
