Lent at Rockhurst

As part of the Jesuit, Catholic college experience, Rockhurst University offers a full slate of Lenten programs and activities.

Ash Wednesday
Rockhurst’s Lenten observances begin on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, with Masses offered at noon, 4:30 p.m., and 10:10 p.m. in Mabee Chapel, as well as 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church.

Mass, Reconciliation and the Rosary
Throughout Lent, RU will offer Mass at noon on weekdays, 10:10 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and 6 p.m. on Sundays. The University’s campus ministry program offers Pasta and Prayer on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Reconciliation is also available every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in Mabee Chapel. For individual reconciliation, contact Rev. John Craig, S.J., at 816-501-4829 or Rev. Luke Byrne, S.J., at 816-501-4868.

The Rosary will be recited in Mabee Chapel each Sunday at 5:15 p.m., sponsored by Hawks for Life.

Adoration
Take part in Adoration in Mabee Chapel at the following times: Monday, Feb. 27, at 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m., Monday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m., and Tuesday, March 27, at 11 a.m.

Fasting, Prayer & Almsgiving
Sponsored by Rockhurst’s Catholics in Action group, the University offers an opportunity for students to learn more about the three pillars of Lent – fasting, prayer and almsgiving – from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at the Campus Ministry Center, located at 5132 Forest Ave. The session will provide students with background on the Church’s teaching and practice of the pillars, a discussion of one’s own practice and understanding, and prayer.

Living Stations & Fish Fry
Rockhurst community members are invited to the Living Stations of the Cross at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30, on the quad. This event, sponsored by Catholic in Action, is an opportunity for the community to pray the Stations in a unique and engaging way. It will be followed by RU’s annual fish fry at 6 p.m. at the Campus Ministry Center. The cost to attend the fish fry is $2. Contact Michelle Scheibner, campus ministry assistant, at 816-501-4747 or michelle.scheibner@rockhurst.edu to RSVP.

Strengthen Your Brethren: A Men’s Retreat
Strengthen Your Brethren, to be held on Sunday, April 1, is an opportunity for male Rockhurst students to consider their relationships of all forms, grow in friendship with their peers and, significantly, God, and examine the ways in which they are called to live more authentically. Contact the campus ministry office for more information or to sign up. The cost to attend is $20.

Holy Week: An Evening of Reflection
Rockhurst students are invited to take a break from the day-to-day chaos and participate in an evening of reflection at 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 4, in Mabee Chapel. Attendees will reflect on the Lenten season, examine Christ’s Passion and what it means for their lives, and prayerfully prepare for the Triduum – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. The evening concludes with Mass at 10:10 p.m. To RSVP, contact Cindy Schmersal, campus minister, at cindy.schmersal@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4303 by Monday, April 2.

“Traditionally, Lent focuses Christians on three areas, commonly called the Three Pillars of Lent – Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving,” said Maureen Henderson, director of campus ministry. “The Campus Ministry Lenten offerings, whether they be sacramental, formational, prayerful or social in nature, are focused to transform us, draw us closer to God and make us more like Jesus during this holy season. Campus Ministry also sends out a brief, daily Lenten reflection via email to all students, staff and faculty in the hope of encouraging more time spent in prayer and reflection during these 40 days.”

To learn more about Lent at Rockhurst, or for information about campus ministry services, contact Schmersal at cindy.schmersal@rockhurst.edu or 816-501-4303.