St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center
@ the University of Arizona

8 PM, Wednesday Nights at Newman

Have you ever felt like you needed a retreat in the middle of the week? We know the feeling. Last year, the Newman Center started a night of fellowship and spirituality for undergraduates. Each Wednesday at 8pm is our student gathering called Emmaus, followed by a Candlelight Mass at 9pm. 

The model for each Wednesday nights comes from the story of Christ on the road to Emmaus with His disciples just after the Resurrection in Luke’s gospel. First, we see the Christian community gathered and journeying together. Christ then opens the Scriptures and shows Himself through them. Finally, His disciples recognize Him in the “breaking of the bread.” 

Every Wednesday night, students gather at the Newman Center for Emmaus, our retreat in the middle of the week. Each Emmaus is led by the Student Praise and Preaching team. The evening begins with praise and worship and is followed by scripture-based student preaching. As St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” The student preachings become unique by allowing each member of the team to discuss how an event in their life shows the importance of Christ’s message delivered 2000 years ago. In walking the journey with the student preacher each week, other students are drawn to Christ in an amazing way. This is followed by a process specific to each talk and is concluded with praise and worship. It is truly a spirit-filled experience. 

With each Emmaus, the elements of the gathered Christian community and Christ being shown through the Scriptures are present. The final element of Christ being present in the “breaking of the bread” comes through the Mass. The Candlelight Mass on Wednesday is unique for a number of reasons. First, it is the latest Mass offered by the Newman Center during the week. Second, the candlelight setting provides a very intimate worship environment. Finally, the Mass has a discussion homily where the scriptures are read twice and students are allowed to share their reflections and how the scriptures speak to them. Emmaus and the Candlelight Mass are a must!