Even during a time of social distancing, SJC Brooklyn’s Campus Ministry has something for everyone when it comes to staying connected with the College community.
Sister Marie Mackey, C.S.J., SJC Brooklyn’s campus ministry director, said staying connected to her religion, and those around her, is essential to her well-being during the pandemic. She is spreading that message to others by organizing virtual book clubs, retreats, and service activities, and ensuring everyone wears a mask and follows social distancing protocols during the weekly Wednesday mass in the Kennedy Chapel in Burns Hall.
S. Marie partners with SJC Long Island’s Campus Ministry Director Cristian Murphy for virtual events and activities, expanding its reach to both campuses.
“We’re trying, despite not being able to physically be together, to provide people with different ways to connect,” S. Marie explained.
Campus Ministry Activities
Here’s a sampling of the many ways Campus Ministry is helping the SJC community connect this semester:
- Students are reading “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” by Greg Boyle in a monthly book study. Copies of the book are available in the Campus Ministry office, located in the Student Life suite.
- Alumni have their own book study. They are reading “Inner Chapel” by Becky Eldredge.
- A group of Honors students are becoming pen pals with members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood congregation.
- Weekly Mass is being held in person on Wednesdays in the Kennedy Chapel. Space is limited, due to social distancing requirements. Reserve your seat in advance by emailing S. Marie, or catch it virtually on a live stream on the Campus Ministry Instagram page.
- Students are making emergency bags for the homeless, which include such items as face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and a warm hat, socks, protein bars, chapstick and tissues.
- Student volunteers are cleaning out overgrown areas of an empty convent in Jamaica, Queens, while wearing face masks and staying socially distant. The convent area will ultimately become a space for an intentional community for college students and young adults, S. Marie said.
- A group of students are making phone calls to senior citizens who are alone and isolated during the pandemic.
- Campus Ministry is giving out “spiritual swag” outside the Student Life suite. The item distributed changes every week. So far, they have given out journals to write prayers, small wooden crosses and a rosary. They are also giving out “You are my dear neighbor” pins, leading up to Founders Day, Oct. 15.
To get involved, email S. Marie at smackey@sjny.edu.
