After being removed from Campus Ministry’s Sunday schedule in fall 2020, the 10:15 p.m. Mass is being reinstated for two nights this semester, the first of which took place on Sunday, March 21. Though it was initially replaced with a smaller 11 p.m. liturgy, students mobilized to restore the gathering they describe as “one of the most beautiful places of worship” on campus.
In previous years, the student-led 10:15 Mass, often simply called “the 10:15,” occurred weekly in the Heights Room on Lower Campus as the most well-attended Campus Ministry Mass. As an informal setting where the congregation dressed casually and amicably set up chairs for each liturgy, the celebration was typically unlike any other offered on campus. Students were encouraged to “Come As They Are” into a community that made dancing, singing, and connecting with others central to its identity. It is well known for its spirited music, friendly introductions, homilies specifically curated for a college audience, and opportunities to share heartfelt intentions for prayer.
In an effort to reinstate the 10:15 in Campus Ministry’s schedule, student leaders shared a petition online that aimed to gather signatures and testimonials from members of the BC community who were passionate about the 10:15. The petition explained that the 10:15 was a welcoming and loving space that “created opportunities for people to experience God in ways they may not have before.” It especially welcomes community members who traditionally would not choose to attend Mass. Its student board, the petition noted, is also entirely made up of seniors this year. In this case, if the Mass was completely eliminated, it would be virtually impossible to pass on the tradition to younger classes for them to organize it in the future.
The aims of the 10:15 for attendees of all backgrounds are generally listed as providing a space to find God, experience His love, and encounter a unique style of Catholic worship. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, 10:15 Mass advocates wrote that “it is more important now than ever to create and continue safe opportunities to build community.”
This semester, after the successful grassroots mobilization of BC students, the 10:15 returned, being celebrated on March 21 in the Fish Field House. Another Mass is currently scheduled for April 18, also in the Fish Field House. It is open for students to attend and will be livestreamed on Facebook for off-campus alumni to gather together safely. Constant reminders that “We are One Body” from the student leaders of the 10:15 were posted online as anticipation for the re-established Mass builds across campus.
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Petition: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsXM4_NLF_IlbIjoHUj90tiX1TVaBLtF4ceddeg8MBUZK7BQ/viewform
Mary Rose is a Senior majoring in English and Perspectives and minoring in Management for Social Impact and Public Good. In addition to reading and writing, she enjoys bopping with the Full Swing dance team, working at the Church in the 21st Century Center, and leading projects for IATG: The Feminist Society of BC.
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