Campus Ministry Newsletter

Assumption University

After being closed for most of June and all of July, Campus Ministry reopened for the new academic year on August 1.  We are looking forward to welcoming the newest members of the Assumption community from the Class of 2026 in less than three weeks!

Jonathan Bezdegian

Welcome to Assumption’s Newest Campus Minister 

Joining the Campus Ministry staff this week is Jonathan Bezdegian, the new Campus Minister for Liturgical Music and Mission Trips. Jonathan, who is a Lecturer in Music at Assumption and served as the accompanist for the Sunday 7 PM Mass for several years, was most recently Director of Music at Christ the King Church in Worcester.

Jonathan began his intensive organ instruction with Dr. Frank Corbin at Assumption in 2002 and graduated from Oberlin College in 2007 with a BM in Organ Performance and a minor in Music History. He went on to earn a master’s degree in organ at McGill University and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance from The University of Washington. Jonathan is the former Dean of the Worcester Chapter, American Guild of Organists.

Jonathan’s primary areas of responsibility will be liturgical music and the SEND program of service, immersion and mission trips. His office is #115 in Tinsley, and his first Sunday leading music will be August 21. Welcome Jonathan!

New FOCUS Missionaries at Assumption

Kevin Donkor and Paul Farruggia

Kevin Donkor and Paul Farruggia are Assumption’s two newest FOCUS missionaries, joining returning missionaries Alexine Siwy and Marie Volcko. Kevin, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame who previously served with FOCUS at Brown University, George Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania, is the new FOCUS Team director. Paul graduated this past May from Mt. St. Mary’s University in Maryland. FOCUS missionaries serve in Campus Ministry where their ministry is devoted to developing relationships with students and helping students grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Welcome Back Rachel

Rachel Dean

Rachel Dean, one of the two InterVarsity Christian Fellowship representatives serving in Campus Ministry, was on sabbatical from January to July this year. (InterVarsity staff members take a sabbatical every seven years.) We are delighted to welcome Rachel back to campus. In addition to her ministry with athletes and other students, Rachel is the Minister in Residence for Alumni and Desautels halls.

Welcome Mass for Class of 2026 (and no 10 AM Mass) on Sunday, August 21

Welcome Class of 2026

Assumption is implementing a new academic calendar this year, and first year students from the Class of 2026 will move onto campus on Sunday, August 21. Due to the heavy traffic and lack of campus parking that morning, there will be no 10 AM Mass on Sunday, August 21. Instead, all Assumption students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to join the Class of 2026 and their families for the annual Welcome Mass at 2 PM that day.

The academic year schedule of Chapel services will start on the first day of classes, Wednesday, August 24:

Sunday Mass: 10 AM and 7 PM

Morning Prayer: 8 AM (every day)

Evening Prayer: 4:45 PM (Sunday), 5:35 PM (Monday-Saturday)

Monday-Friday Mass: 5 PM

Saturday Mass: 8 AM

Sacrament of Reconciliation:

6:20-6:50 PM (Sunday),

9:05-10 PM (Wednesday)

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: 9-10:30 PM (Wednesday)