'Mass on the Grass' celebrates the new school year

Intermountain Catholic

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The sun is setting as students kneel during the consecration of the Holy Eucharist during the Mass of the Holy Spirit. IC photos by Chris Young

SALT LAKE CITY — The sound of music, people singing, and the familiar words of the Mass could be heard in the surrounding area of the University of Utah Presidents' Circle Aug. 27.

St. Catherine Parish and Newman Center, Salt Lake City, celebrated the beginning of the new school year by welcoming freshman and returning students with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The Mass was concelebrated by Dominican Father Peter Rogers, pastor of St. Catherine Parish, and Dominican Father Daniel Rolland, associate pastor. The Mass was intended for all the colleges in Salt Lake City.

Fr. Rogers said, "We begin this celebration by asking Jesus to come into our hearts so that during this Mass of the Holy Spirit, we may truly feel Christ alive in our hearts. We ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially wisdom and knowledge, which we all need."

In his homily, Fr. Rolland said we all have times in which we struggle with our faith. Sometimes it is difficult and painful. But we turn to Jesus because he is there for us when we need him most, when we are feeling alone, dejected, or in the grips of temptation.

"We are starting a new year, and the University is a beautiful place," said Fr. Rolland. "But what makes it beautiful is the people."