Students from several colleges in the Diocese of Cleveland, including The University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, Ashland University, The College of Wooster, Oberlin College, Baldwin Wallace University and Borromeo College participated in College night on April 1 at St. Bernard Parish in Akron.
The event was organized by Newman Catholic Campus Ministry, which is led by Joann Rymarczyk-Piotrkowski. She worked with a group of students to plan the event, which began with Mass. A taco truck, food, fellowship and fun followed the liturgy.
(See photo gallery above.)
“I want to show my support and thanks to the young church for keeping the faith,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the group. “You are rooted in the cross of Christ.”
The liturgy began with the blessing of palms. Concelebrating the Mass were Father Damian Ference, vicar for evangelization, and Father Chris Zerucha, St. Bernard pastor.
The bishop noted a special connection between Palm Sunday and young people, point out that St. Pope John Paul II chose Palm Sunday 1984 for the first World Youth Day. Young people were among those welcoming Jesus as he entered Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday.
“He saw great faith in you,” the bishop said of the late pontiff.
The bishop reminded the young people that they are rooted in the cross, which means different things in life. Our crosses can be different things to different people, he said, mentioning things like death or a bad break-up.
He said Jesus accepted is cross and was obedient. He could have avoided crucifixion by denying that he was God’s Son, but he didn’t.
“Palm Sunday begins on a high note and quickly turns dark,” the bishop said, referring to the unfolding events and the day’s readings.
Our crosses, if embraced, give hope and speaks to something greater than the death of Jesus, he said, alluding to the Resurrection.
“The true identity of Jesus was revealed at the foot of the cross by the centurion who said, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God.’”
The bishop pointed out other examples of the power of God, including the temple curtain being torn in two, earthquakes and rocks splitting. He said this power was unleashed as Jesus breathed his last because “His power cannot be contained.”
People find consolation in the cross because there’s healing power in the cross of Jesus. The love and mercy of the cross is celebrated at every Mass when we eat his body and drink his blood poured out for us. He will make us one with him,” Bishop Malesic said.
“The cross is folly to many, but it has become the ladder by which Jesus comes down to us and takes us up to him,” he added.
“The faith of the young church is something to celebrate as we stand at the foot of the cross,” the bishop said.
He invited all graduating college seniors to come forward for a special blessing during the Mass.
After Mass, the group could head outside to place an order for food from the taco truck. They gathered in the church hall for a meal, conversation and games. The bishop was impressed at the number of conversion/faith stories he heard from the young people and offered his thanks to them for their continuing faith and strength.
For more information on Newman Catholic Campus Ministry, click here. The ministry seeks to encounter and accompany students, faculty and staff to form welcoming communities that invite all into a deeper relationship with Christ.