2016
Walking into Lent
Written by Jeff Thiele on Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Talk about blanket of comfort.
Resting on the eve of Lent (some may call it Fat Tuesday), my heart was astray. For some reason, the word “paczki” seemed to aggravate me, my mind was swirling and I had a difficult time feeling any sense of peace within myself. The time of day reached ten o’clock and I was truly ready to go to bed and get rid of this day I was having. Although upon arriving home, I was greeted by my very much still awake roommates, which I normally would absolutely love but at this point put me more on edge. I questioned what was happening with me at that point.
So I laid down into a bed of empty, swirling thoughts that I knew were just put in my mind to make me feel uncomfortable. My mind went to what Jesus perhaps might have felt upon entering the desert – uneasiness, angst, sadness… Knowing that Jesus might have been feeling this way eased me enough to let my dreams take over.
I woke up the next day with a small headache, but I could tell the headache was truly of the body, nothing else. Getting up felt different. While walking into the kitchen a blanket of warmth was simultaneously spread around me, a sign from God that today I would be okay with what I felt last night. I went about my day wearing this spiritual blanket across my shoulders, keeping me calm and in an ambient state of constancy about what my actions were, where my mind was and where I was headed. After receiving my ashes, I leaned back in my chair and felt a connection to those around me – we are all entering a journey, one that will push us into spiritual and emotional discomfort. However, I feel at peace with myself and with those around me, a peace that has blanketed itself over the entire Church, that tells us to go forth and be secure in who we are and where our journeys might take us this Lent.
Suggestion for Prayer:
Take some time in silence to become aware of God’s peace inside of you.
Jeff Thiele
Jeff is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in music at U of M. Although he’s being taught how to think analytically, his creative side seems to dominate all that he does. He believes that connecting spiritually and emotionally to other people via expression is essential to all humans and hopes that, through his role as a retreats intern here at SMSP, he can relay his lessons learned and thoughts on life to other students in new and interesting ways.
Email: jsthiele@umich.edu
2016
Companions on the Journey
Written by Colleen McClain on Ash Wednesday
You are the visible face of the invisible Father.
As I reached the station of the crucifixion, I hesitated before picking up the hammer. Written on the small piece of wood in my hand were the crosses I carried with me that day—emotional, physical, spiritual burdens.
This “Journey with Jesus” had been deeply personal—sitting silently in the desert; contemplating His transfiguration before me; coming face-to-face with my own brokenness in the Last Supper. Finally I, and several other parishioners, had arrived at the last station in the courtyard. Was I ready to place my crosses, intimate as they were, before the Lord and my companions?
I glanced at the wooden pieces affixed before me and took in their rawness. Even among the few gathered that day, the burdens I carried were hardly mine alone. Each of us had been broken in remarkably similar ways; so too had Christ before us.
Today, we join Him and each other on the Lenten journey. We examine our hearts; we take up our crosses; we go forth to these forty days cast as a common humanity.
The dust that I am and to which I shall return feels easily lost to the slightest breeze. Yet I imagine Jesus in our midst as we celebrate Mass today, pushing us ever-so-gently together, reassuring us that not one of us carries the cross in isolation.
That swept together into the Body of Christ, awash in God’s mercy, this very dust will ground us in the most profound of ways.
Dust forming the earth on which we will stand at the end of our journey, at the foot of the cross.
Dust from which distractions are milled away, allowing the desire for a heart that is changed and pure to grow.
Dust as the ashes that mark our foreheads in humility, as we go forth in solidarity with the St. Mary’s community and the entirety of the Body.
St. Paul reminds us in today’s readings that we are ambassadors for Christ. I pray that I might find the strength to raise my eyes outward as I look inward this Lent; to sincerely gaze into those of friends and strangers alike—ready to find eyes full of hope or fear, hearts struggling with their own crosses yet ready to say a prayer in return for me.
Together we will be tempted in the desert; together, witness Him transfigured; together, break bread in memory. And with space in our hearts and lives for God to enter in, together we will be transformed. For today, it’s the first step that matters.
Behold, now is a very acceptable time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.
Suggestion for Prayer and Questions for Reflection:
Read Pope Francis’s Prayer for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. How will you be Christ’s visible face in the world this Lent?
How will you make space in your heart, and in your life, for this Lenten journey to change you? Who will walk with you on this journey?
Colleen McClain
Colleen is a PhD student in the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology at the Institute for Social Research. When not at ISR, she can still usually be found on Thompson Street—serving with the GRAD/YP and Small Church Community leadership teams or the noon choir at SMSP—or taking up residence at a coffee shop a few blocks away.
Email: colleen.a.mcclain@gmail.com
2016
2016 Lenten Resources
Cast into the Story: SMSP Lent 2016
This Lent you have been cast into the story. The roles will not always be easy; you may find yourself tempted by the devil, as Jesus was for 40 days in the wilderness. Or you may find you’ve turned away from Jesus, as Peter did on the eve of the crucifixion. We are all cast into different roles, at different times, but during these times we must remember we are all one cast: children of God. Open your heart this Lent and let the drama prepare you for the risen Lord.
Lenten Programs
PRAYING THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 PM-8:00 PM; February 3, 17, 24, March 9, 16, 23, 30, April 6 & 13
Fr. John Ferone, SJ will guide us as companions of Jesus, bringing us new life and hope through Jesus’ great baptism.
INTO THE LIGHT
Saturday Mornings at 7:45 AM; February 13, 20 & March 12, 19
Reflect on Lenten scriptures and share a potluck breakfast.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Wednesdays 6:00-10:00 PM; Holy Thursday, March 24 9:00 PM-Midnight; Good Friday, March 25 9:00 AM-Noon
BIBLE STUDY
7:00 PM Monday nights
CENTERING PRAYER
Monday nights at 6:15 PM
Silent, contemplative prayer in which thoughts and feelings are stilled as we simply seek to be with God.
PRAY THE ROSARY
Tuesday nights at 5:45 PM in English; Wednesday nights at 6:30 PM in Spanish
WOMEN OF THE HEART
Thursday, February 11 & March 10 at 10:15 AM
CROSSROADS EASTER MEAL IN DETROIT
Volunteers prepare & serve at Crossroads Soup Kitchen. Contact Laura Padalino at laura.padalino@gmail.com
Worship Opportunities
ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10
Mass and Distribution of Ashes
12:10 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:10 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:10 PM (Spanish) & 9:00 PM
ASB MISSIONING MASS & RECEPTION FEBRUARY 26
5:10 PM-Liturgy to support and pray for the Alternative Spring Break participants followed by a reception in Newman Hall
STATIONS OF THE CROSS MARCH 25
Bilingual Stations of the Cross at 7:30 PM on March 25
RECONCILIATION SERVICES
All services begin at 7:00 PM
Feb 23 – Student Reconciliation Services at SMSP
Mar 14 – St. Thomas the Apostle Parish
Mar 15 – St. Mary Student Parish
Mar 16 – Old St. Patrick Parish
Mar 17 – St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Lenten Blog
Our Lenten blog is back! Throughout Lent we will feature daily reflections from students, resident parishioners, and parish staff on our website. Here are 4 easy ways to follow the blog:
- Click here to sign up to receive a daily email with blog post
- Download the myParish App and click on SMSP NEWS
- Go directly to our website (or bookmark it in your browser!) https://michigancatholics.org/category/lenten-blog/
- Follow us on social media: facebook & twitter
2016
Rotating Men’s Shelter Sign Up
Each winter, St. Mary Student Parish hosts an overnight shelter for men experiencing homelessness.
This year we will host men from Monday, February 15 through Monday morning, February 22. We are in need of a hospitality team to welcome guests and an overnight staff to spend the night. If you would like to donate snacks for the shelter, please contact Bill Alt. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the Year of Mercy.
2016
Register Now for the Busy Student Retreat!
This Lent, 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.
Retreatants commit to:
- An opening dinner on Ash Wednesday, February 10 at 5:30 pm
- 15 minutes of individual prayer each day during the retreat (February 7- March 27)
- 30-45 minutes of conversation each week with a spiritual companion
- A closing celebration on Sunday, April 10
The Campus Ministry team will match you with a Spiritual Companion for your Lenten journey, with whom you will meet once a week during Lent.
The cost is $10. Deadline to register is Sunday, January 31. While it is called the “Busy Student Retreat,” this retreat is also open to Grad Students and Young Professionals. If you have any questions and/or require financial assistance, contact Abby Braun.
2016
Sign Up for Small Church Communities!
Click here to sign up for the 2016 Lenten session!
Lent is a time when Catholics traditionally have fasted and prayed with the hope that they would have time to think about the more important things in life. Why not try it this Lent? In our parish, we will have the opportunity to gather in small groups of 8 to 10 people, once a week, starting the week of January 31st.
When we gather, we will read Scripture, pray, and share our faith. This experience will provide more than you can imagine. Sign up for a day and time of the week that works for you. You will not be sorry.
One parishioner reflects, “Ever since my SCC has started, I find myself thinking more about the importance of God in my life and my faith daily. I have a long way to go, but I am trying to pray more and trying to walk with Christ on my journey.”
For more information, please contact Kelly Dunlop.
2016
January Daytime Warming Shelter
During the month of January in Newman Hall our parish community provides a welcoming, safe, and warm environment where people experiencing homelessness can find companionship, compassion, kindness, and respect. It is a place of encounter that Pope Francis so often speaks about. We provide food, coffee, a warm place of rest, the opportunity for conversation, and the building of relationships. Solidarity and mutual giving are the values that guide this ministry.
Click here to sign up for a shift or to donate food items
The daytime shelter opens at 8:00 AM and closes each day at 4:00 PM. Is your schedule unpredictable? Do you want to help but can’t commit in advance? We’re encouraging residents and parishioners to simply stop by the shelter (no sign up needed) when they have time to meet and converse with the community.
We are also enhancing the giving and receiving of new and gently used donations by creating a gift registry. These needs may range from personal toiletries, winter gear, lightly used or new clothing, cleaning supplies, and well-kept furniture (some of our guests are recently housed). For furniture donations, you will need to transport the items directly to the person requesting; we will help connect you with the guest.
Click here to view the gift registry and sign up for specific items
2015
One of Us
Written by Fr. Ben Hawley, SJ on the Nativity of the Lord
It was 72 degrees in New York City yesterday morning, December 24. How do we celebrate Christmas Day? These are surprisingly real questions. Christmas Day honors the birth of the Savior of the World, and yet the image of a White Christmas can be vivid in our imaginations. But 72 degrees? What do I do with this reality?
The discomfort and amazement that many of us feel about 72 degree weather on Christmas Day remind us how strong the cultural associations of Christmas are in our spirits. This discomfort and amazement ask us to reconsider what we actually believe about this special day. What do I believe? How can I best observe that day?
Our fundamental belief as Catholic Christians is that God, the Divine Creator, the Ultimate Other became one of us today, became one united with us in a way that lifts us up into union with the Divinity – each of us and all of us. The person of Jesus of Nazareth is rightly the focal point of the holiday and the reality that makes my life and your life worth living, because without him- we discover- we can do nothing.
A recent meme on Facebook urged us not only to keep Christ in Christmas but also to keep Christ in Christians. What a great reminder! The baby born today is born inside each one of us. Our fundamental task in life is to see him there in me, to see him there in you and in all everywhere, and be reverent and joyful to one and all. May this Divine reality and peace be manifest in us all!
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Fr. Benjamin Hawley, SJ
Fr. Ben, as Jesuit priest, has served as Pastor and Director of Catholic Campus Ministry since August 2010. As pastor his ministry focus is helping the parish be “the field hospital for the wounded,” per Pope Francis, where people discover Jesus’ liberation and healing. He also leads a communion service each game day for UM players and coaches of the football team. Following his ordination in June 2000 Fr. Ben served as President of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School of Indianapolis until 2006. Prior to becoming Catholic in 1988, Fr. Ben worked for the Agency for International Development, the foreign assistance program of the US Government.
Email: pastorstmarys@gmail.com
2015
The Joy of the Unadulterated Soul
Written by Brendan Dailey on Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent
I went for a run one day, a little over a month ago, taking advantage of (what I thought would be) rare 60° weather on a mid-November afternoon. During my brief jaunt through my subdivision and nearby park, I for some reason had found myself drawn to four different children that were out and about in the great weather. I love kids, but this was more than that; there was something more tugging at my attention. After reflecting on it a little bit, I realized that there was something they all had in common – whatever it was they were doing outside, it was with a pure, innocent joy.
As I’ve grown older, my own childhood innocence has receded, replaced instead with the temptations and sins that ensnare me. But these children serve as a reminder to me of what it’s like to live with the exuberance, wonderment, and enthusiasm of an unadulterated soul.
Today’s Gospel tells us that Zechariah prophesies of his own son “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way”. As John grows into this prophet, preparing the way of the Lord, he becomes the voice that cries out in the desert, calling us to follow Jesus. As our journey through Advent comes to a conclusion, I pray that I, and you, might hear John’s cry in the cries of laughter and joy of children, our little companions on this journey of life. May their joy serve as a reminder to us to prepare our hearts for Jesus, and to let ourselves experience Christ’s love with the awe, wonder, and exuberance of a child.
Questions for Reflection:
As I’m preparing for the Christmas season, what am I worried or anxious about, instead of joyfully focusing on celebrating Christ’s birth?
Can I let these things go as a final act of Advent preparation?
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Brendan Dailey
Brendan is an alumni of the University of Michigan and currently works for the University as an IT professional. He is a member of the Graduate Student and Young Professional lead team, and frequents the 12 pm Mass.
Email: bdailey@umich.edu
2015
Who has Your Back?
Written by Karen Thomas on Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent
This Advent I had the blessing of catching up with a childhood friend that I had not seen in 15 years. While our childhood friendship was filled with playing games, having sleepovers, and listening to Bon Jovi, it also included a shared belief in Jesus Christ. Our faith was not the center of every conversation and interaction, but it was an underlying connection that strengthened our friendship and understanding of each other.
As adults, we have both continued to grow in our faith through a personal relationship with Jesus and by finding God in our relationships and life experiences. Coincidentally, we have both been thrown some health related curve balls, me about ten years ago and hers is a present day challenge. As she shared with me her current joys and struggles, she also reiterated her complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ and his plan for her. This faith and trust is not blind, but rooted firmly in the knowledge that God is doing great things with her life. She knows that she does not need to be afraid, because he will not let her go. Her words resonated deeply with my own experience and reminded me that God truly does have our back and calls us to be Christ for each other so that we too can have each other’s backs.
In reading today’s gospel, I was most struck by the shared truth that Elizabeth and Zechariah proclaimed about God by naming their son John. While their neighbors and relatives did not understand the choosing of a non-family name, Elizabeth and Zechariah proclaimed the name, “John” with strength and faith. Rooted in faith and standing strong together, they beautifully cooperated with God’s plan for their family and ultimately God’s plan for the world.
I believe that for Jennifer and I, our faith in God will always be a shared source of strength and joy. Despite not being geographically close we can still have each others backs.
Questions for Reflection:
Remember a friend or family member who has had your back. How have they supported you in your life and faith journey? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for their presence in your life.
Reflect on how God might be calling you to share your faith with a friend or family member this Christmas Season. Who needs to hear the Good News from you?
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Karen Thomas
Karen is a native of Southeast Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan. Prior to her work at SMSP, she served and worked with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, completed an MA in Pastoral Ministry at Marygrove College in Detroit, and was trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method of religious education. She serves as the Campus Minister for Family Faith Formation and lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Mike and two daughters.
Email: kbthomas@smspnewman.org