On Thursday, Newman University welcomed its new students by celebrating the beginning of the school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. This Catholic service is held at the start of each year in order to welcome those who have just begun their education at Newman. The freshman class of 2020 was given special recognition and attended the service alongside returning students, faculty, and staff.
“It was very different,” states freshman Cera St.Amand. “But I enjoyed it because it was a different view from what I grew up with.”
Although a significant portion of the students who attended Mass are not of the Catholic faith, all were invited by Father Fogliasso, Newman chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, to participate and receive a blessing during communion if they preferred. The Newman Troubadours led each song throughout the Mass, accompanied by organist Carol Pracht and Music Director Deanne Zogleman.
The Most Rev. Carl Kemme, bishop of the Diocese of Wichita, celebrated the Mass held in St. John’s Chapel, located in Sacred Heart Hall. Xime Name, a sophomore, shares that she especially appreciated the Bishop’s homily.
“He didn’t just jump straight into speaking about the Gospel. Instead, he talked about how important it is that we make the new students feel welcomed here at Newman.”
Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D. presented a final welcome presentation, followed by two freshman class representatives, Sydney Triggs and Nathan Yeager. Following the service, all students, staff, and alumni were invited to participate in a campus-wide picnic, where a buffet style lunch was provided in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
“Overall, it was a very welcoming service and a good experience,” shares St.Amand. “Plus, the food afterwards reminded me of my own church services back at home.”
