4th Annual Country Dance

The Newman Club partnered with the Ag Club for the 4th Annual Country Dance last Thursday evening.  It was a night filled with music, line dancing, regular dancing, cookies, lemonade and fun!  We look forward to the 5th Annual Country Dance next year!

Mustang Ovations: Community Service of the Year

Congratulations to the Newman Club on their recognition for Community Service of the Year.  At the Mustang Ovations, held on Thursday, April 13, Clubs were recognized for their participation in campus life and community service as well as leadership.  The Newman Club's support of and involvement with Ruby's Pantry, a monthly food distribution offered at the Marshall Armory and sponsored by Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, was recognized as the Community Service Project of the year!

More than 250 individuals and families purchase a share at Ruby's Pantry for $20.00.  Each share contains a variety of fresh and frozen food items, as well as packaged products.  Many months, there are even paper goods such as napkins or toilet paper.  Volunteers are needed to check in guests, serve the guests the food options and assist in loading their groceries in the guests' vehicles, not to mention prepping for the food distribution and cleaning up afterwards.  Southwest Minnesota State University students have helped in all areas.  The leading role the Newman Club has taken in making this initiative an important opportunity for students both to volunteer at as well to to participate in as guests.  Thank you, Newman Club, and Congratulations!!

Holy Week Schedule

Here is the Mass/Service schedule for Holy Week.  Please  note, daily Mass will not be held on Thursday.  Lunch will still be served at 12:30 with Stations of the Cross at 1pm.  There will also not be Mass on Easter Sunday at the Campus Religious Center. If you need assistance with transportation to Holy Redeemer Church for Mass on the weekend, please contact Becki at 507-530-3839.

Have a blessed Holy Week, embracing our Savior's Passion, Death and Resurrection!

Chrism Mass

Last evening, several members of the Newman Club traveled to the beautiful Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock, MN to join in the celebration of the Chrism Mass with the parishes of the New Ulm Diocese.  They were able to experience the blessing of the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens as well as the consecration of the Holy Chrism. As part of the Mass, they were also able to witness the renewal of the priestly vows by the priests of the  Diocese who were able to join together. It was a powerful and moving evening, especially knowing those oils will be used in our own parish, in just over a week, while baptizing and confirming two Southwest Minnesota State University students who are entering the Church at the Easter Vigil.

Chastity Project Book Giveaway BEGINS!

The Newman Club partnered with the international chastity awareness organization The Chastity Project.  Funds were raised by community partners to allow the Newman Club to distribute books promoting chastity to the students attending Southwest Minnesota State University.  Today, it began!  Thank you to our sponsors, the Chastity Project and the students leaders who are bringing this important message to our campus.

Monastic Holy Week Retreat

The Sisters of Mary Morning Star are offering a retreat opportunity during Holy Week for young women to attend.  Meals are included, but RSVP's are required to ensure there is enough food prepared for each meal.  Additionally, for women who would like to stay at the convent for the duration of the retreat, they would need to bring their own sleeping bags and pillows.  There is no cost for the retreat, but a free will donation would be accepted. Please contact Sr. Aude at 507-428-3919 to RSVP for part or all of the week!

Marty Seifert Presented!

As promised, SMSU Alumni Marty Seifert presented the "stories behind the story" of "Sundown at Sunrise" last evening.  We had a mix of students and community members who stayed after Mass to find out more about the people the historical novel was based upon. We were also granted the opportunity to see into the writer's mind to see the process of balancing the good and evil of what had happened back in 1917.  For those who have already read the book, it gives an opportunity for another look from a different view point.  For those who haven't, they certainly have a few items of note to be aware of as they are reading, like the four horses of the Apocalypse!

Thank you, Marty, for taking the time to spend with us, sharing your story, and the vision behind it!