Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost challenged members of the Roo Catholic community at The University of Akron to view Lent as “a time of grace, a unique adventure during which the spirit of God moves in our hearts to make us more than we are.”
Roo Catholic, the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry program at Akron, hosts regular Wednesday night gatherings with faith and food as well as events for men, women and all students. Their Ash Wednesday liturgy and pizza social has become very popular and this year moved to a larger venue, the ballroom in the Student Union.
Father Chris Zerucha, the pastor of nearby St. Bernard and St. Mary parishes in downtown Akron, doubles as the Roo Catholic chaplain. He concelebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass with Bishop Woost.
“I love Lent,” Bishop Woost told those gathered in the ballroom for Mass. “It’s my favorite season.”
He invited the group to consider how God is inviting us to be more than we are, reminding them that the Gospel warns us not to engage in the practices of Lent – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – only externally, explaining the purpose of these Lenten pillars is not to be seen.
“Instead, consider then as ways to allow the grace of God to enter our lives. What are you doing this season of Lent? Will it be a Lent like any other? Are you giving something up? Did what you give up really change your life? If not, the Spirit may be calling you to do something different,” the bishop said.
He suggested reaching out to someone in class who is having a difficult time, inviting someone on the fringes to join in or spending time with a homeless person. “Really get to know them instead of just giving a handout,” he added. “Jesus challenges us to be a people of prayer. But it’s not just a matter of saying some prayers and checking that off your list. Maybe the Spirit of God is calling you to do more.”
He proposed that they give 1% of their day – 14 minutes and four seconds – to God. This could be a daily Scripture reading, a real conversation with God, going to Mass more often or just going to church and spending quiet time in prayer.
Regarding fasting, Bishop Woost suggested the group think about what God is calling them to fast from, such as “our own needs, wants and desires in order to be more attentive to those around us, to become more than we are.”
He said this Lent can become a time of grace, a turning point in their lives, “a time of spiritual renewal and growth and a time to find joy. God can change us and make us so much more than we are. Make this Lent a time of true transformation, a time to become the person God always intended you to be.”
Ashes were distributed during the liturgy, which was followed by a time to socialize and enjoy pizza.
Bishop Woost spent a few minutes chatting with the students, including one who helped with the readings at Mass. The bishop learned that the young man was baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith. After discerning for a few years, he found his way to the Catholic faith and has been involved with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, also called RCIA. He will come into communion with the Church – receiving his first Communion and being confirmed – during the Easter Vigil at St. Bernard Church.
Click here for more information on Roo Catholic. Details on the diocesan Newman Catholic Campus Ministry program are available here. Also, the Newman campus ministers at the seven colleges in the diocese served by the program created a special Lenten reflection guide, “The Way of Salvation,” as spiritual resource. Click here to access the guide, which can be downloaded.