First-year students, Newman faculty and staff celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Matriculation Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 29, in St. John’s Chapel, which welcomed the first-year class to Newman University.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit and Matriculation Ceremony is a beloved Newman tradition that marks the transition from accepted student to full-fledged university student.
The Most Rev. Carl A. Kemme, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, offered the Mass for his 11th consecutive year alongside celebrants the Rev. Edmund Herzog, the Rev. Chad Arnold, the Rev. Joseph Gile and the Rev. Jeff Jacobs. The master of ceremonies was the Rev. Chris Rumback. The Newman Chorale and Troubadours performed under the direction of Music Director Deanne Zogleman and were accompanied by pianist Carole Pracht.
As a greeting to the first-year class — made up of students from 23 different states and 22 foreign countries — Vice President of Enrollment Management Michael Probus emphasized that every student of Newman is “valued and supported.”
“As you begin this new chapter, know that you are stepping into a vibrant community dedicated to empowering you for a life of intellectual growth, service to humanity and a lifetime of meaning,” he said.
He continued that Mass is a powerful reminder that “you are not alone on this journey.”
Newman President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, added, “We consider it a privilege to walk with you on your college journey and we hope you realize it is a privilege to be here.”
A spirited message for the first-year class
In his homily, Bishop Kemme referenced St. John Henry Newman, Servant of God Father Emil Kapaun and St. John the Baptist, whose feast day is Aug. 29.
“God has a plan for you, a plan that will take you to many surprising places and experience many surprising things,” he told the students. “I beg you never to forget that he will be there for you in those moments and in those places like Father Kapaun was in Korea in 1951 and John the Baptist was so long ago.”
Kemme described Newman University as being at the “heart of the diocese,” a place he is proud to serve as bishop, as a member of the Board of Trustees and as a celebrant of the Mass for the first-year class.
God has a plan for you, a plan that will take you to many surprising places and experience many surprising things.
Bishop Kemme
He reminded the students that they are rooted in a university of Catholic intellectual tradition, meaning they are not only being educated but also being formed fully.
“It’s the formation of the whole person,” Kemme said. “Your mind, your heart, your soul, that immortal side of you, that immortal part of you, your body. All your hopes, dreams and aspirations are being molded and formed within this extensive Catholic intellectual tradition.”
He concluded, “We invite you to come to daily Mass here and to use this space for personal worship, adoration, reflection, renewal, and inspiration any time that your schedule permits. Be available to recognize and experience the joy of the Gospel.”
Jagger encouraged all students — regardless of their chosen faith — to use St. John’s Chapel as a place for reflection, worship and peace as they invest in one another and make a difference.
“By your mere presence here you set yourself apart, making a statement about your aspirations for this opportunity, your persistence and grit, demonstrating that you have the ambition to grow, to be made new and to use your God-given talents well,” Jagger said. “I hope as you continue your journey here at Newman University you will continue striving for excellence using your own imagination with guidance from the Almighty.”
Find your place at Newman University
Newman University is a community that empowers students to shape their future and their impact on the world around them.
