Author: btobias

The Rotating Overnight Shelter is Back!

If you are looking for a chance to volunteer your time, consider signing up for a shift with the Rotating Shelter February 16 – February 23. Sign up to join the hospitality team at the beginning of the night, or for an overnight shift.

Rotating Shelter Sign Up

We are also accepting food and snack donations! Please contact Lisa Hirsch or Rachel Conner.

Volunteer for a Year of Service in South Africa!

WHAT Open Arms provides housing, education, and love for 57 children in the poorest province of South Africa.

WHO We need you! Open Arms is now recruiting Michigan students for a full-year commitment starting July 2015 to teach in the home school, organize children’s activities, and assist the directors with management.

WHEN Join us for an info session Thursday, Feb 26th at 7 PM in Donnelly Hall as part of the Gabriel Richard Lecture Series.

APPLY NOW Email Open Arms or visit our Long Term Service page for more info. The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb 23. Interviews for July 2015 positions will be scheduled the week of Feb 23 in Ann Arbor.

Blood Drive – Feb 1st

Put the power of faith into action and help save a life!

SMSP will be hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive this Sunday, February 1st from 9:00 AM – 2:45 PM in Newman Hall. The need for blood is especially critical because of decreased donations due to the cold and inclement weather.

Walk-ins are welcome, or go online today to redcrossblood.org and enter our sponsor code goblue to schedule your appointment today!

Join an SCC and Meet New People!

Last year, as a freshman, the University of Michigan quickly became by far the largest stage I had ever been on and the fact that I didn’t know a lot of people made it a little scary. I was excited to get to know people at school and quickly learned that the best way to do so was to get involved in groups of people with similar interests. Once I found St. Mary’s I began searching for specific ways to grow in my faith while continuing to make friendships and get to know my peers. Quickly it became apparent that I needed to join an SCC. I joined the Undergraduate Men’s SCC and got to know some really great guys. Aside from getting a head start on the weekly readings each Wednesday night, we were able to talk openly about our faith lives. Every week it was a time that I could go and know that I was in a safe place with people who respected how I felt and accepted everything I was saying. I have had a great experience with SCC’s and know it will continue in the future.

Jon Perry is a sophomore in the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts at the University of Michigan.

SCC Reflection & Sign Up Link

Freshman year was difficult. Nothing can compare to it: leaving home, the only life I had known up to that point, and moving to a huge university where I could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. I was told that it takes time to make friends, which is true, but the waiting was excruciating.

I came to mass by myself one Sunday, and prayed that God would help me get through the next few weeks until I could go home again. At the end of mass, I heard an announcement for the Small Church Communities. I cannot describe what I felt, but something in me moved and I felt an urge to join an SCC. I hoped that I would make some friends and maybe learn a little more about my faith.

When our first meeting rolled around, I was a nervous wreck. I have always been shy and really didn’t know what an SCC would be like. Even so, I went and was amazed by the community created in this group. I made some of my best friends here in Ann Arbor, one of which is now my roommate. Now, almost 3 years later, we still meet as a group and my SCC helps me to bring God into my daily life. I have grown tremendously in my faith, and I can honestly say that my Small Church Community has changed my life.

Elise Huber is junior studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan

Interested in joining an SCC? Please visit our SCC Registration Form.

Busy Student Retreat is Back!

Are you looking for a way to deepen your faith? Do you want to go on a retreat but feel too busy to commit to a weekend away? Not sure what to ‘do’ for Lent this year? If so, the Busy Student Retreat is for you!

Spend time with God in the midst of your regular hectic schedule. Bring the joys and concerns of your daily life into conversation with Jesus. Invite the Holy Spirit into your decision making.

WHO The retreat is open to undergrads and members of the graduate student & young professional group

WHAT Retreatants commit to 15 minutes of daily individual prayer and 30 minutes meeting weekly with a spiritual companion (a Campus Minister, priest, or a parishioner who will lend a listening ear and talk with you about your prayer and faith life)

WHEN February 15 – April 7 (The retreat takes place in your daily life during the Lenten Season)

COST $10.00 (financial assistance available if needed)

Registration is open through Sunday, February 8th.

If you have any questions and/or require financial assistance please contact Abby Braun.

Lenten SCC Sign Up

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

We all come from different places on the faith journey, but in a community with sharing we find we are all heading in the same direction. Why not join us this Lent? Journey with us in a Lenten Small Church Community by praying and sharing Scripture – we believe you will be richer for the experience.

For more information, including meeting times and locations, please visit our SCC Registration Form.