Second Sunday of Advent Second Sunday of Advent | USCCB Salvation in every time, and in this time Today’s readings are all about God’s mercy and decisive action – in the past, in the future, and today. They inspire hope in suffering people. The Book of Baruch recalls the Babylonian Exile, a period of devastating loss and destruction for ancient Israel. But now, God is returning the people to their home, and re-fashioning them into a community of mercy and justice. Baruch calls Jerusalem (and us) to stand up and look for this joyful restoration. Likewise, today’s Psalm describes the overwhelming joy experienced by those rescued from exile and returned home. In a similar vein, Paul’s letter to the Philippians rejoices “that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6) – even though Paul is writing from prison, and he will soon be executed.  The Gospel of Luke brings this theme of joyful expectation to bear on a very specific place and time: “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee . . . the […]
Catholic Liturgy and Worship
Join us in sharing the mystery of faith through our many prayer and worship opportunities. We welcome all and pray that everyone may find a place of peace and transcendence in our prayer and worship.
Whether for Sunday Eucharist or Opening Year Celebration, we seek to foster and promote worship that “draws the faithful into the compelling love of Christ and sets them on fire” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy §10).
Together, the worship and prayer life at the university is both rich in its heritage and diversity.
Mass Schedule
Join us in sharing the mystery of faith through our many worship opportunities. We welcome all and pray that everyone may find a place of peace and transcendence in our prayer and worship.
Chapels & Prayer Spaces
Numerous chapels and prayer spaces, rich in history and artistic design, are available to the St. Thomas community for spiritual nourishment. Campus meditation spaces are open to people from all faith traditions.
Liturgical Ministry
As liturgical ministers, students are called to help the community celebrate. Join us and let the spirit and power of the liturgy be one of your teachers.
Music Ministry
Music ministry supports and leads community worship by engaging hearts, minds and bodies in active participation.
Vocalists and instrumentalists of every type of band and orchestral instrument are needed for Sunday Masses, special liturgies and ecumenical services.
Mass Intentions
Mass intentions are special intentions offered to God as prayers of intercession and thanksgiving in and through the Eucharist.
We are happy to receive Mass intention requests from current students, faculty and staff, as well as members of our alumni community and donors. We will do our best to find a date for your intention within four to six weeks.
Ministries and Life Events
Weddings
St. Thomas alumni, current students, faculty and staff, as well as children of alumni, faculty and staff are eligible to reserve a chapel for their wedding.
Should a couple prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage at St. Thomas, we look forward to helping them prepare for their wedding, a very special day, and also for their marriage, which lasts a lifetime.
Funeral Masses and Memorials
The Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas is a fitting place to remember and celebrate the lives of those for whom the University of St. Thomas has been significant. We welcome you and stand ready to assist in celebrating the life of your loved one.
Becoming Catholic
Campus Ministry walks with St. Thomas students who desire to learn more about or complete the Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation). Faith is a pillar of our university, and we welcome students to explore it.
Catholic Vocations
Is God tugging at your heart, asking you to discern your vocation? Take a moment, say a prayer, and glance at some of the vocation material here. We have discernment material, event calendars, and community information. May the Lord bless your discernment of where He is calling you!
Seasonal Reflections
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December 8, 2024
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December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent Readings God’s Promise of Peace The opening line for the first Sunday of Advent from the book of Jeremiah says, “The days are coming when I will fulfill the promise I made.” As we begin a new church year, we start with a promise from God. The promise is for the fullness of life, and for peace to reign among all peoples. That does not mean the troubles are over, however. In fact, the gospel for the same liturgy has Jesus giving warning signs about disruption, turmoil and roaring seas and waves among other things. In fact, he says “people will die of fright, in anticipation of what is coming upon the world for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” We will still have troubled times. In fact, of course, we are living in troubled times right now with various threats of escalation of war around the world. Many are unsettled and living in fear in our own country and communities. Some are filled with hope and others with fear and worry. And yet the promise of the Lord remains the same. In the Advent season, as we look forward to the celebration of […]
Give to Campus Ministry
Make your church offering or give to the mission of Campus Ministry here. Gifts of any size are appreciated and make a difference for our community and our students. Thank you for your support.