Mass of the Holy Spirit Marks the Start of the Academic Year

Caldwell University held its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit Sept. 9, marking the start of the academic  year and celebrating the university’s  Catholic Dominican heritage.

Chaplain Father Al Berner, the celebrant, said the university gathered to ask God to energize the campus community and to help “us be open to learning and to one another.”

The music was provided by the Caldwell University Chorale, cantor Nicholas Bushey and pianist Warren Helms.

The choir sang “Laudare, Benediere, Praedicare” as the recessional hymn. Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., vice president of student life, explained that the hymn is of significance to Caldwell this year since the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, will be celebrating their 800^th anniversary beginning in November.

A special blessing was given to the fall athletes, student government leaders, resident life leaders and members of the choir.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, the university will hold “Pack the Chapel” with Mass at 8 p.m. in the Mother Joseph Residence Hall chapel. “We have Mass each Sunday night, and we want to encourage the campus community to ‘pack the chapel’ this Sunday night and all Sunday nights,” said Sister Kathleen. Refreshments will be available after Mass.