Lent is a good time to recover the joy and hope that make us feel like beloved sons and daughters of the Father. The Father who waits for us in order to cast off our garments of exhaustion, of apathy, of mistrust, and so clothe us with the dignity which only a true father or mother knows how to give their children, with the garments born of tenderness and love.

— Pope Francis, Homily, 14th Feb 2016

Lenten Reflections

Programs and Events

Traditionally there are three pillars that guide us through the Lenten Season: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Prayer

More time given to prayer during Lent should draw us closer to the Lord. We might pray especially for the grace to live out our baptismal promises more fully.

Fasting

Fasting is one of the most ancient practices linked to Lent. In fact, the paschal fast predates Lent as we know it. Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control; it is often an aid to prayer. It should be linked to our concern for those fast without choice, who go without proper food, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures. We should remember the purpose of abstinence and embrace it as a spiritual link to those whose diets are sparse and simple. Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Reminder, no meat will be served on campus on Ash Wednesday or Fridays during Lent. 

Almsgiving

It is a sign of our care for those in need and an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given to us. Works of charity and the promotion of justice and integral elements of the Christian way of life we began when we were baptized.

Lenten Resources

Lent and Easter 2023

Saint Anselm College Campus Ministry

Programs and Events

Days of Fast and Abstinence
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent.  Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. More information on why we abstain from meat is attached. 
   
Daily Lenten Reflections
As we enter into the holy season of Lent, the Office of Campus Ministry invites you to spend some time each day with reflections written by various students, staff, faculty, and monks. These reflections can be accessed on Campus Ministry's webpage.
 
If you would like to receive an email each morning to remind you of that day’s reflection, please sign up on this Google form.
 
Purchase Lent and Easter books and greeting cards 
Campus Ministry, Jean Student Center. 
 
Ash Wednesday: February 22, 2023, (Day of Fast and Abstinence) 
Mass is celebrated at 12:00pm in Lower Church, 5:00pm in Abbey Church, and 9:00pm in Lower Church. 

Lenten Almsgiving 
Toiletries are being collected for the new women’s shelter at the YWCA in downtown Manchester in collaboration with The Harbor. Boxes for collections will be available in the Abbey Church, as well as Campus Ministry and The Harbor in the Jean Student Center. For more information contact Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu
 
CAMPUS Renew offers students the opportunity to form small peer-led faith sharing groups.  Campus RENEW groups meet for an hour each week for Scripture reflection, discussion and prayer. For more information contact our Peer Ministers at peerminstry@anselm.edu
 
 
Adoration:

  • Wednesdays - 7:45PM - 8:45PM
    • February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 29
  • Fridays - 8PM - 9PM
    • February 24, March 10 & 31

Stations of the Cross -   Fridays throughout Lent at 12:30 
Join the Campus Ministers for Stations of the Cross Fridays throughout Lent. Meet at 12:30 at the St. Benedict Statue. In the case of inclement weather, we will do indoor stations.  For more information, contact Fr. Francis McCarty at fmccarty@anselm.edu

Lenten Rosary Devotion for Women -  Mondays 12:30pm-1:00pm, Multifaith Prayer Room
All women on campus are invited to join Campus Ministry for a Lenten devotion of praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary on Mondays from 12:30-1 in the Multifaith Prayer Room. Never prayed the rosary before? That’s okay, too, we will have guides printed! Bring your rosary or borrow one of ours!

Food Pantry and Recovery
The Lenten season is often marked by acts of service. The Saint Raphael Parish Food Pantry is always looking for volunteers to assist with this vital service to our local community. For more information please contact Meredith Gebski (mgebski329@anselm.edu)

Each week, our Food Recovery program packs up leftover food from Dining Services and delivers it to local organizations in need. If you are interested in assisting with this program, please contact Julia Smith (jsmith403@anselm.edu)

Haustus - Each Friday during Lent, 1:30pm, Campus Ministry Office
All community members are welcome to join us each Friday afternoon for a time of community, hospitality, and conversation. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! For more information contact Kat O’Loughlin (koloughlin@anselm.edu) 

Freshman Mini Retreat - Friday February 24 5-9PM - Abbey Church
All first-year students are welcome to join Peer Minister Camille Desjardins for an evening of reflection and retreat. For more information please contact Camille (cdesjardins559@anselm.edu)

Subiaco Spring Retreat March 3-5, Grotonwood Retreat Center - Groton, MA 
All students are invited to begin Lent with refocusing on our spiritual lives and how we embody our faith in the same way St. Benedict retreated to Subiaco Italy. Registration fee $35, sign up in Campus Ministry by February 22. Contact Joycelin Raho for more information (jraho@anselm.edu)

What is Confession? - March 8th - Following the 9PM Mass - Lower Church
Join us for a discussion and Q&A about the Sacrament of Confession. What is it? What is its purpose? Why is it important? More information contact Fr. Francis (fmccarty@anselm.edu)

Reconciliation: March 12th  Confessors will be available following the 7 p.m. Mass.
More confession times below. 

Alumni Day of Reflection: March 19th  8:30 – 3:30: 
Located in the Lower Church. For more information or to register by phone, please call the Alumni Relations Office at 1-888-444-1889.
 
Feast of St. Benedict:  Tuesday, March 21st, Mass at 8:30am   

Benedictine Heritage Week: Week of March 27th (see schedule out soon) 
For more information contact Susan Gabert at sgabert@anselm.edu

Recreation with the Monks - Tuesday March 28 - 7:30PM
Join members of the monastic community for recreation. Play games, eat food, have fun, and engage in human connection. Recreation is in the Jean Student Center Game Room (Lower Level)

Spill the Tea: Wednesday March 29th @ 7:00 pm
Professors Peter B. Josephson and Gilberto Ruiz spill the tea on Anti-Semitism in the Passion Narratives. Join us for dinner, a short presentation and a Q&A session on the topic. For more information email Antony: aabiawad@anselm.edu 

Food For Thought: What is Holy Week? Sunday April 2 following the 7PM Mass
Join Peer Minister Brendan for a discussion about the upcoming celebration of Holy Week and Easter. Discussion with snacks will be held in the Lower Church following the Sunday 7PM Mass.

Blessed is She: Women’s Retreat: April 5th at 5pm – April 6th at 4pm (Beginning of Easter Break)

A 24-hour retreat is an invitation to all women to refresh your spirit, love your faith, and change the world. A perfect lead into Easter. To register, email Joycelin Raho at jraho@anselm.edu by March 27th..

Ordination to the Priesthood & First Mass 
Saturday, April 15 & Sunday, April 16
Join the monastic community as Fr. Titus Phelan, O.S.B. is ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Peter Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, at 11AM on Saturday April 15. Fr. Titus will celebrate his First Mass on Sunday April 16 at 11AM

OCIA Mass: Sunday, April 16 at 7:00pm
Students who have been preparing for the sacraments of initiation will be baptized, confirmed, and/or receive first communion. Bishop LIbasci will preside.

Easter Lessons and Carols - Saturday April 29 - 7:30PM
Join the Saint Anselm College Choir for their annual Spring Concert of Easter Lessons and Carols on Saturday April 29 at 7:30 PM in the Abbey Church.