So I have to admit that I may have been slightly confused about tonight’s night prayer session before actually arriving. Before heading over to Our Lady of Perpetual Help chapel I quickly glanced at the email reminder that I could have sworn stated that there would be ‘carving of pumpkins with the Bishop.’ I thought to myself would the Bishop really make the journey to Walsh to carve pumpkins with us? Now I will say that I was in a rush to get going and may not have read every detail of the message; however the main point did come across that the Bishop would be on campus and that’s what really caught my eye.

Well I headed over to the chapel and to my surprise the church was beautifully decorated with Pumpkins, in fact all the lighting was dimmed enough so that the candles within the pumpkins truly came alive illuminating the entire chapel, adding a truly unique element to this night prayer session.

It had been a while since I had last been at a night prayers session and I forgot just how much I appreciated them. The time (around 9:30pm) and the location (our beautiful chapel) make for a truly refreshing experience. It seems that no matter how many things are going on in my life or how much homework I may have waiting for me after—that night prayer is essential. It truly helps me to stay strong in my faith even during times that I may be overwhelmed with school, work, or other obligations. For my first night back in quite a while I definitely picked a winner! Bishop Murry, as well as several other guests joined us to celebrate this special mass.

Bishop Murry shared with us a beautiful night prayer that encouraged us to follow Jesus’ teachings as close as we can—not letting anything come between God and us. The entire mass was set up differently with the Eucharist at the center of the Altar for adoration, as Fr. Chris and Bishop Murry were back within the pews. This style of night prayer really addresses so many of our needs, especially as it does so in non-traditional manners.

The rest of the prayer service went beautifully, with a job well done from our truly talented Campus Ministry singers. Arriving right on time (slightly late) meant that my friend Joe and I had to sit in the back pew. Little did we know that this would be where the Bishop would actually be residing throughout the mass. This seat also had an advantage as I could see the entire group of people who were attending. I thought it was great how there was such a nice balance between faculty and staff, students, and of course our Brother’s of Christian Instruction. The evening wrapped up with a delicious pizza social down in the basement of the chapel where everyone was able to visit amongst him or herself, as well as visit with the Bishop, Fr. Chris, and several graduate students from Kent who are studying theology.

I cannot tell you how happy I am that I was able to attend such a spectacular event. I have officially marked my calendar so that each week from now on, I will be able to reflect and pray to get through the rest of the week. Night prayer could not take place on a better day (Wednesday) in my mind, since by Wednesday many of us our stressed, overwhelmed with so much, and simply may not feel that they can make it to Friday. Night prayer can help!! I stress (ok, I encourage everyone, no more stress! ha-ha) everyone to give this opportunity a chance and attend one of these upcoming Wednesday nights; it’s a choice you definitely won’t regret.

I almost signed off without leaving you a thought for the week. I thought it would be appropriate with the pumpkins displayed in the chapel throughout the week to ask that you take a look at the works of the talented artists who took the time to carve these pumpkins and to reflect on the significance of each. The designs range from saints, to religious figures and its truly amazing to think what a masterpiece can come from something so simplistic of a pumpkin. Truly a perfect way of showing natures beauty, and evidence that God’s beauty shines through everything he creates. Also, think of the importance of all the individuals in your life–this is a time of year that we may take many things for granted–lets try to remain thankful for all that we have and remember the importance of friends and family in our lives.

I wish you all the best this week and hope that you will find the time to reflect on everything in your life that you have to be thankful for!

Take care, and Happy Halloween!!

Chris Burr