By Kristie Schiefer
Assistant News Editor
Amidst student requests, the St. Bonaventure University Chapel added a 4 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass to its Eucharist Schedule this year.
The Associate Director of Faith Formation, Worship and Ministry, Julianne Wallace, described the mass as an added convenience.
“Last semester, Fr. Francis J. Di Spigno and I had two listening sessions with students after masses about what they liked and what they wanted to change. The students wanted a Saturday Vigil Mass,” Wallace said. “Saturday afternoon counts for Sunday.”
Wallace also said there had not been a Saturday Vigil Mass since she started working at St. Bonaventure in January.
“In the life of a Catholic there is always a Saturday Vigil Mass,” Wallace said. “Some students may have that tradition at home, so this option makes it easier for them.”
The Vigil Mass is held in the Chapel of St. Clare, a smaller space behind the regular Chapel, Wallace said.
“It used to be the music room. We cleaned it out and made it a smaller prayer space,” she said. “We did it that way because it’s a smaller community praying together. It’s more intimate.”
This past Saturday was the second Vigil Mass of the year, with about 18 worshippers in attendance, according to Wallace.
“I’ve been pleased with the turnout so far. We’ve had several faculty and staff come as well,” she said. “It’s nice to have our whole community gathered in one place.”
This change is not the only new addition to the Mass schedule this year, as part of a bigger plan for the University.
“The real goal for the Mass schedule is to make Liturgy applicable to the whole campus community. We want to have everyone celebrate it and make it more convenient,” Wallace said.
The other added convenience is a collaboration between University Ministries and Resident Life. The initiative is called “(Re) Connect and Reflect” and takes place in a resident hall every Wednesday at 9 p.m.
“It’s another way to bring Mass to the students’ lives,” Wallace said. “It’s easier for them to pray because they can just sit in the lobby and celebrate. It’s real relaxed.”
The Res Hall Masses are held in one of four quadrants of the campus each week; Robinson and Falconio Halls, Doyle Hall, Shay Hall, and the townhouses and gardens on the east side of campus.
“We want the students to know the Catholic side of St. Bonaventure and we are going out of our way to make that known,” Wallace said. “Even if it means adding a Mass or Res Hall Mass. We’re open to suggestions and trying new things.”
Wallace also said University Ministries wants to be bigger than the building they are in by having a greater presence on campus, and is doing so by being active in the lives of students, faculty and staff.
“We want the community to know we are welcome to all. You don’t have to be catholic to come to mass and pray,” Wallace said. “The invitation to pray is always extended.”
Other mass times are 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays and 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday in the University Chapel. Mass is held at 5:15 p.m. Thursday and 12:05 p.m. Friday in the Friary Chapel. A 11 a.m. mass is held Sundays at the Holy Peace Chapel, Mt. Irenaeus.
