FAQ

When and where is university mass celebrated?

University mass is celebrated each Sunday from September until late April at 7:30pm, in St. Joseph’s Church. The parish is located in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood, directly across from the University of Ottawa. Please enter at 174 Wilbrod Street, near the corner of Cumberland. Our doors open 45 minutes before mass starts for quiet reflection, prayer, choir practice and to provide an opportunity to meet other students.

Who celebrates university mass?

We are fortunate to have two Oblate priests serve as active members of our community. Fr. Jack Herklotz and Fr. Ken Thorson celebrate university mass at St. Joe’s.

How can the laity get involved?

We encourage active lay involvement and invite you to participate by serving as a lector, eucharistic minister, or by presenting the prayers of the faithful and the gifts. At St. Joseph’s Parish we also have a tradition of lay reflections. Our choir always welcomes new singers, guitarists, drummers, violinists and anyone who would like to play any other instruments. Please visit us 45 minutes before mass starts and speak with Heather MacDonald, our choir’s coordinator and director.

Is University Mass very different from what I might find in other Roman Catholic churches?

In the novel Finnegan’s Wake, Irish author James Joyce writes that ‘Catholic’ means “here comes everybody.” University Mass at St. Joe’s is an example of the rich diversity that characterizes Catholicism. You might find that some of our traditions are a little different from what you would experience in other parishes. During the Eucharist, all are invited to stand around the altar, as a sign of community. Our prayers of the faithful reflect the needs and concerns of students and young adults who form the core of university mass. We also welcome lay reflections and active lay participation.

What kind of songs do you sing during university mass?

The St. Joseph’s Young Adult Faith Community choir leads a vast array of songs from many genres. We combine meditative music from the Taizé movement with contemporary songs written by the likes of David Haas and Sr. Mary Toolan. We also sing older Catholic hymns, as well as music influenced by other cultures and traditions. We’re looking to expand our repertoire during the 2010-2011 school year and we welcome your ideas and feedback!

Do you organize any social events?

Yes! We hold small receptions after each Sunday evening mass and you are invited to stick around at St. Joe’s for some cookies, juice and an opportunity to meet other students and young adults. We are also exploring ways to hold occasional dinners before mass during the coming school year and the Oblates have been known to host Thanksgiving and Christmas parties at their house in Sandy Hill. Be sure to stay tuned!

Do you publish a newsletter or a bulletin?

Yes, we have launched our brand new weekly bulletin well in advance of our 12 September 2010 evening mass. The bulletin’s issues include readings, a calendar of events, as well as columns and interviews. The bulletin’s first issue has already been uploaded to our website and will be preserved online, along with all subsequent issues. We welcome your articles, art work and thoughts. If you would like to submit material to either the bulletin or to our website, please contact Christopher Adam via e-mail: christopheradam@sympatico.ca .