On Sunday, Sept. 29, Catholic Campus Ministry welcomed 350 students and parents for their annual Family Weekend Mass and brunch.
As the start of the 10 a.m. Mass grew closer and extended into the homily; staff set up extra chairs throughout McBride and the Numen Lumen balcony to accommodate all the families and students.
“It was an exciting issue to have,” said Assistant Director of Development Nina Devaney ’24. “We had already set up almost every chair in the building before Mass. We had to pull chairs from the brunch set up, but people were still standing!”
By the end of Mass, the Sacred Space, McBride and the balcony were full, with others leaning against the back wall or standing in the aisles.
“It was incredible to witness so many students attending Mass with their families and over 10 students volunteering to assist with ministry roles,” said Lizzie Gildner, student ministry coordinator.
Catholic Campus Ministry has hosted Family Weekend Mass for many years but added the brunch last year to connect with even more with families. This year, 275 people attended the brunch, a significant increase from the previous year. Parents are still talking about their experience, often sharing how much Mass and brunch are the weekend’s highlight and how much they enjoyed being part of the CCM community.
But as excited as everyone was for Family Weekend, it was plain to see that Father Peter Tremblay was elated. Father Peter radiated joy when standing in the hall welcoming people as they entered Mass or moving from table to table at brunch, chatting personally with each family.
“I am always excited to talk with parents,” said Father Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic life. “And I am overjoyed to share all the hard work the student leaders and the community are doing on campus.”
