3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (A) | Jan 26, 2020
This Sunday we read St. Paul's admonishment to the Corinthians to " be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." Our gospel tells of Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him and become "fishers of men." In my reflection this week, I talk about the importance of Christian unity and the special role that the papal office has as the visible point of unity in the Church.

I want to encourage everyone, if you have not done so already, to participate in one of our small groups this semester. We have four that meet at various times and places on campus. You can find the schedule below or on our web site .

Today many tens of thousands will gather in Washington, DC, for the annual March for Life, standing up to give a voice to the voiceless children who die each year by legal abortion in the United States. Since the beginning of the Church, Christians have stood up for the most vulnerable in society, and have always condemned the intentional killing of unborn children as a grave offense against the sanctity of life. The fact that so many today feel that abortion is necessary is a sign of great societal illness. As Christians we are called to act in charity toward all those in need to ensure that no mother or father ever feels the need to make such a deadly choice. Please pray this weekend for an increase of respect for all human life, from conception until natural death. There is not one of us who is not infinitely valued by God.

In Christ's Peace,
Deacon Matt
The Church Teaches....
"Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law" ( Catechism of the Catholic Church 2271).
This Week's Schedule
All activities at the Catholic Student Center unless otherwise noted
See our calendar for a full schedule of activities
Sunday, Jan 26
  • 3:00 pm | Confessions
  • 3:30 pm | Rosary
  • 4:00 pm | Mass
  • 5:15 pm | Credo

This week our Credo discussion will be about Social Morality . We are social creatures, made to be in relationship with one another. Our first relationships are with our parents and family, but we soon expand out and form important relationships with extended family, friends, communities and larger societies. What are our duties and obligations toward family and society? Come with questions!
Monday, Jan 27
  • 7:00 pm | Small Group Bible Study

Meet on the 2nd floor of the UC each Monday this semester to pray with, read and discuss the scripture readings for next Sunday's Mass.
Tuesday, Jan 28
  • NOTE: NO ADORATION THIS TUESDAY

  • 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, Jan 29
  • 6:00 pm | Fellowship Dinner
  • 7:00 pm | Peer Ministry Program: The HOLY SPIRIT
  • 8:00 pm | Adoration & Evening Prayer

This week we'll be talking about the Holy Spirit after dinner. Come learn about this mysterious person of the Holy Trinity and his role in the Church and our lives as Christians. Come Holy Spirit!
Thursday, Jan 30
  • 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, Jan 31
  • 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