The campus community is celebrating the season of Lent in some very concrete ways. During this “Springtime for the Soul,” join us in observing some of the following opportunities.
Lenten prayer opportunities
- Prayer Wall — Members of the campus community are invited to write prayers of petition on the prayer wall outside the Chapel of the Holy Family. The wall will be up during Lent as a way to help unify our Lenten journey during this season of prayer.
- Examen — Join us every Monday at 12:30 pm in the Chapel of the Holy Family to celebrate this Ignatian prayer.
- Stations of the Cross — Gather with the campus community on Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Holy Family to meditate on the passion of Christ.
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament — Spend an hour in quiet prayer with the community on Thursdays (Feb. 21, Mar. 7, and Mar. 21) at 8:30 pm in the Chapel of the Holy Family.
- Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation — The community will gather and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation on Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00 pm in the Chapel of the Holy Family.
Fasting
Technology fast — This Lent, we want to try something different, by attempting to engage the entire campus in a fasting rite that is tangible, and whose fruits will better our campus community as a whole.
In an age of technology, we have the world at our fingertips, but do we every really stop to realize the world that lies right before our eyes? With this technology fast, our hope is that Marquette Students, friends, and faculty might stop – take a minute or two each day, and realize the world around them. This can take a different shape for each individual, which is what makes this project so interesting. Here are a few ideas to get you started on what we mean:
- Put your phone away while at meals with friends – give those you are with your full attention. Cherish the time spent together and the ritual that lies in breaking bread with a friend.
- In class, stay off Facebook – try to stay engaged in the lecture, by listening, asking questions, and participating.
- Instead of unwinding with hours of Television, pick up a book and let your mind escape into the world of fiction or have dinner with a friend.
- Call instead of text – in our society, we lose a lot when our conversations happen solely through text.
- When you need a study break, instead of talking out your phone or computer, take a moment for silent prayer or meditation. This is a great way to quiet yourself, recharge your batteries, reduce anxiety, and return to your studies more productive – while building your relationship with Christ!
- On your way to class, keep your phone and headphones in your pocket and take a moment to find beauty in the natural world or give someone a smile.
- Replace one hour of technology use with an hour of service. This can be something as simple as helping out a friend with some homework, or as structured as volunteering with a local organization like Midnight Run.
- Instead of posting another status or tweet, journal about it. This is a much more personal way to express yourself, without risk of hurting someone’s feelings. It can also be a great way to track patterns in your life, your values, challenges, and gifts.
- Take a run down to the Lake without the headphones – instead, let the noises of the city be your soundtrack – pumping you up and cheering you on! By listening, you may notice something you haven’t before.
- Close your email, and write a letter. For a grandparent or elderly friend, this is much more heartfelt then a note sent over the Internet. Plus, who doesn’t love getting mail!
- Put away the electronic to do lists, and go DO something. Act spontaneously as the spirit might move you, and see what graces you may receive.
- Instead of playing “Draw Something” on your phone, actually Draw something! Coloring is incredibly therapeutic, and it activates a part of your brain that we don’t use too often – our imagination!
- Instead of Facebook – stalking that kid in class you just met, meet for coffee to get to know the real person, not just the one-story image that the web depicts.
These are just a few ideas that we have come up with, but we urge you to get creative. That being said, be realistic! We don’t expect you to give up all technology for 40 days straight! We know that as students, you need access to computers, and smart phones. We are simply challenging you to challenge yourself – get rid of the access time spent dawdling, and refocus that energy to a more productive, creative, and imaginative place. This is not meant to be easy, but it is meant to help you grow as an individual, and the Marquette University develop into a more caring, connected, and self- aware community.
Fasting from food/material objects - Can you spare some change? Don’t buy that extra cup of coffee/tea? Do you really need to eat out so often? What about holding off on that new DVD, iPod, or music download! Maybe I won’t buy ice cream this week. Instead – take the money you would spend on these useful, but extra resources and donate them to help support the Heifer Project or St. Ben’s Community Meal. Our Christian community has a long and rich tradition of fasting during the season of Lent and taking our excess (in some cases) and share the resources we have with those who have nothing. This is a great way for our community to connect in a prayerful way with our local community.
- Sign up and join our Technology Fast.
Almsgiving opportunities
Marquette University wants to purchase a cow, or water buffalo or flock of ducks to help a community in need. Stop by campus ministry to drop off your donation (or alms from not buying that cup of coffee) anytime during the season of Lent. Here are the campus goals for the 40 days:
- The Heifer Project International - $1,000.00
- St. Ben’s Community Meal - $1,000.00
Campus Ministry
