The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord | Feb 2, 2020
This Sunday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which is also known as "Candlemas." In our video reflection this week, I talk about why this particular feast is associated with candles and the significance that candles have in our faith.

A couple of things of note about this Sunday: We will be starting a special Sunday devotion to St. Joseph this week. Bishop Jugis has declared the year 2020 to be the Year of St. Joseph in our diocese. As part of our observance of this special year, we will participate in the Seven Sunday Devotion that consists of special meditations and prayers on the seven Sundays leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19. We will include these prayers after our rosary before Mass, so if you are not normally here at 3:30 for the rosary, I encourage you to arrive about ten minutes before Mass begins to join us in these prayers.

At the end of Mass this Sunday we will also be offering the special blessing of throats that is associated with the Feast of St. Blaise. This will be especially welcome for anyone who is suffering from a sore throat during this cold season!

Finally, this Sunday is Superbowl Sunday. Some of our students are planning a Superbowl watch party Sunday evening starting at 6:30 at CCM. Anyone who wants to watch the game with us is most welcome to join us. We will still have our Credo discussion after Mass, but we will wrap up a little earlier than usual to enjoy the game.

In Christ's Peace,
Deacon Matt
On Throats & Candles

Read more about why Catholics traditionally bless throats with candles at the beginning of February each year...
This Week's Schedule
All activities at the Catholic Student Center unless otherwise noted
See our calendar for a full schedule of activities
Sunday, Feb 2
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
  • 3:00 pm | Confessions
  • 3:30 pm | Rosary & St. Joseph Devotion
  • 4:00 pm | Mass
  • 5:15 pm | Credo
  • 6:30 pm | Superbowl Party

This week our Credo discussion will be about moral issues of life & death. What does the Catholic Church believe about abortion, the death penalty, euthanasia, killing in self-defense and just war? Come with your questions!
Monday, Feb 3
  • 7:00 pm | Small Group Bible Study

Meet on the 2nd floor of the UC each Monday to pray with, read and discuss the scripture readings for next Sunday's Mass.
Tuesday, Feb 4
  • 12:00 to 1:00 pm | Silent Adoration

  • 3:30 to 6:00 pm | Community Table Volunteer Service

Meet at CCM by 3:30 to ride together to The Community Table in downtown Sylva to help serve hot meals to our neighbors in need from 4-6pm.

  • 7:30 pm | Small Group Bible Study

Meet in Brown Dining by the fireplaces for a weekly Bible study on the 1 and 2 books of Maccabees.
Wednesday, Feb 5
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  • 6:00 pm | Fellowship Dinner
  • 7:00 pm | Peer Ministry Program: Animals in the Church
  • 8:00 pm | Adoration & Evening Prayer

This week we'll be talking about Animals in the Catholic Church. We'll talk about what our moral duties toward animals are, as well as the role different animals play in our Christian iconography.
Thursday, Feb 6
  • 12:00 to 1:00 pm | Silent Adoration

  • 12:30 to 1:30 pm | "Resisting Happiness" Small Group

Meet at Hillside Grind coffee house for a book study with Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly. Learn how we tend to sabotage our own happiness -- and how to stop doing it!

  • 5:00 pm | Rosario en Español (Spanish Rosary Group)

  • 6:30 pm | Small Group Bible Study

Meet at the Starbucks in Brown Dining for a weekly Bible Study on St. Paul's 1 and 2 letters to the Corinthians. Learn how the early Church dealt with many of the same problems we face today!
Friday, Feb 7
  • 12:15 pm | Mass
  • 1:00 to 2:00 pm | "Cafeteria Catholic"

Friday is the day for "Grace Before Meals." Join us for weekday Mass followed by lunch together in the upstairs cafeteria at Courtyard Dining.
Save the Date!
Our Spring Retreat will be April 3-5 this year. Mark your calendars, and watch this space for more information to come!
What are you doing this summer?
Why not be a Totus Tuus Missionary...?
Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization, catechesis, Christian witness, and Eucharistic worship.

Totus Tuus calls upon college aged students from the Diocese of Charlotte and across the United States to carry this mission to every young person they encounter in the parish program. Students are hired for their energy, enthusiasm, love for the faith, commitment to spiritual growth, ability to work with a team, and desire to work with youth.
Catholic Campus Ministry at WCU
Deacon Matthew Newsome, MTh, campus minister
828-293-9374