Seton Hill University opened the semester with a Welcome Mass on the lawn the evening before class started. The welcome theme will be continued in much of campus ministry’s programming for this semester.
“The class of 2017 has been told for the last few days, ‘You are welcome. You are welcome. You are welcome.’ So to the classes of 2014, 2015 and 2016, I’ll say it to you too: ‘You are welcome. You are welcome. You are welcome,” said Maureen O’Brien, head of campus ministry.
The campus ministry choir welcomed two freshmen who had just arrived on campus into their ranks, as they sang for the mass. Mass was held on the lawn with so many in attendance that more chairs had to be brought from other locations.
“That was definitely the biggest crowd of people we’ve had at the welcome mass for as long as I’ve been here. It’s nice to see people gather together to welcome each other to Seton Hill at the mass, and especially seeing the first-year students becoming involved in Seton Hill already,” said Jackie Yanchuck, senior and member of the choir.
Martin Bartel, a priest from the Pittsburgh of diocese, gave a homily about asking the “important” questions rather than the “curiosity questions”.
“As you embark on school you will be asking a lot of questions. Nothing is wrong with asking curiosity questions but make sure you focus on the relevant ones. What does God want from me? How can I use my skills to further the kingdom?” Bartel said.
The mass was also attended by campus chaplain Jerry O’Shea and John Regoli, a retired priest from the diocese of Greensburg.
Upcoming campus ministry events include Welcoming liturgy, a Muslim prayer service, a protestant communion service, the Labor of Love day of service and Week with Christ.