By Emilio Alvarez, campus ministry

It is that time again to prepare for the Ver Sacrum, the Sacred Springtime. Not many people look at the Liturgical Season of Lent and consider it to be a resemblance of spring. The season of Lent brings about reminders of personal journeys, deserts, struggles, and obstacles within our faith. It’s also a time where we are called to examine our own personal relationships with God and those around us.

Even though there is a stark difference between the carnival like season before Lent and the Lenten images that remind us of ashes, fish frys, etc., Lent is a time for renewal. It is a time to invest in and take care of oneself and the relationships we have between God, nature, and others. If we think of Lent as the Sacred Springtime, we can then think of ourselves as metaphorical flower buds. We must take care in tending and nurturing ourselves through prayer, music, exercise, sleep, or anything that will rebuild the broken relationships we may have.

Viterbo campus ministry invites all of you to think about ways in which you can nurture your relationships. Try enjoying some quiet contemplation, an opera, a run, an activity that makes you feel alive; the options are endless. Enjoy Lent as a Ver Sacrum.

In preparation, for Lent (Ver Sacrum) feel free to participate in any of our Lenten opportunities.

Start your Lenten journey Ash Wednesday, March 1 in San Damiano Chapel:

• 7:30 a.m. Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Catholic Mass and Distribution of Ashes
• 11:15 a.m. Ash Wednesday Catholic Mass and Distribution of Ashes (The 11:15 a.m.–12:10 p.m. classes are cancelled to permit attendance.)
• 5:15 p.m. Christian Prayer Service and Distribution of Ashes with Rev. Bill Reese as preacher and Fr. Conrad Targonski as worship leader.
• 9 p.m. Taize Prayer Service and Distribution of Ashes

The following are weekly events throughout Lent:

Mondays

• Noon Daily Mass, SDC
• 7 p.m. Frassati Nights in campus ministry Murphy Center room 348

Tuesdays

• Noon Daily Mass in San Damiano Chapel

Wednesdays

• Noon Daily Mass in San Damiano Chapel
• 9 p.m. Taize Prayer in San Damiano Chapel 

Thursdays

• 9–11 a.m. Morning MUG (free coffee and treats) in Murphy Center room 348
• Noon Daily Mass in San Damiano Chapel
• 9 p.m. Praise and Worship in San Damiano Chapel on March 9, March 23, and April 6

Sundays         

• 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday Mass

Alternative options for Catholic Mass:

• Monday-Friday at 11:15 a.m. at St. Rose Convent (Maria Angelorum Chapel)
• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the hospital chapel (second floor)

Special Events during the Season of Lent

Theology on Tap: Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m., San Damiano Chapel. Kate Hennessy, granddaughter of Dorothy Day, will share her experience of her grandmother.

First Friday Prayer: March 3, April 7, and May 5 at 8 a.m., San Damiano Chapel

Eat and Retreat: Brophy Center room 124

• Friday, March 10 – Following the noon Christian Prayer, join us for a free soup lunch, prayer, and conversation. (12:30–1:15 p.m.) in Brophy Center room 124
• Friday, March 24 – Join us from 12 noon–1:15 p.m. for a free soup lunch, prayer, and conversation in Brophy Center rooom 124

Christian Prayer Service with Rev. Bill Reese, San Damiano Chapel at noon Friday, March 10

Holy Week and Easter Triduum Schedule for San Damiano Chapel

Monday, April 10

Noon - Office of the Passion of St. Francis of Assisi (no daily Mass)

Tuesday, April 11

10:30 a.m. Mass of Chrism at the Cathedral (no daily Mass)

Wednesday, April 12

Office of the Passion of St. Francis of Assisi (no daily Mass)

Thursday, April 13

5:15 p.m. Holy Thursday Mass (No noon Mass)

Friday, April 14

Noon Office of the Passion of St. Francis of Assisi and Installation of the Stations of the Cross

5:15 p.m. Good Friday Service

Saturday April, 15

8 p.m. Easter Vigil

Sunday, April 16

11 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass

6 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass