As a young priest at Notre Dame University, Bishop Patrick Neary enjoyed celebrating Sunday night Masses with the students in the residence halls. He liked seeing the students taking care of all aspects of the celebration.
On the evening of Oct. 20, he was reminded of those experiences as he celebrated the 9 p.m. student Mass at Saint John’s Abbey Church. Students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University served as sacristans, lectors and Eucharistic ministers and sang in the choir. Hundreds of students took time out from their studies to attend.
“It brings back such fond memories of my time at Notre Dame celebrating Mass in the residence halls on Sunday evenings,” Bishop Neary said. “So, celebrating with the students is a continuation of a Sunday night tradition that I treasured as a young priest.”
Since he was ordained for the Diocese of St. Cloud in 2023, Bishop Neary has been intentional about meeting and spending time with not only the priests of the diocese, but also the people — including the students.
“I think that it is important [for him to celebrate with us] as it makes students feel like they are a valued member of the church community and it can encourage [them] to stay committed and pursue a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith,” said Raphael Ignacio, who regularly attends the 9 p.m. Mass.
“Bishop Neary is an excellent example of living out your Catholic faith, and for students that can inspire those who are struggling, to reinvigorate their faith,” Ignacio said.
Margaret Nuzzolese Conway, director of campus ministry, enjoyed seeing her students having such a positive encounter with the bishop.
“Not only is he our local faith leader, but Bishop Neary is incredibly relevant, approachable and pastoral with students,” she said.
“Our students find great joy in our monastic communities; the monks of Saint John’s and the Sisters of St. Ben’s are inspiring to them. So, when they see the bishop present in relationship and affirmation of our sponsoring communities, they experience the Church in even greater wholeness.”
SJU faith student coordinator, Courtney Huiras was inspired by Bishop Neary’s homily, but also noticed how much time and attention he gave to the students.
“What ultimately stood out to me was that Bishop Neary was the last person to leave the church after the Mass and social,” she said. “He intentionally took the time to have conversations with students and didn’t rush anything. I think it really shows his care and intentionality towards each community he interacts with, and it does not go unnoticed.”
Bishop Neary said he enjoyed getting to know the students and talking with them.
“I want them to know how much God loves them, and for them to understand that they are the disciples of today that Christ has called by name to follow him,” he said. “They are the ones who must bring Christ to their peers who may not practice their faith and who have not yet met Christ.”
“What struck me about the students at Mass is how tuned in and present they are to the entire liturgy. They listen to the readings and homily with attentiveness, they sing from the heart, and they receive Communion with reverence and joy,” he added. “They are there because they want to be there and I think they also rejoice in finding peers who equally value their Catholic faith and want to live it to the fullest.”
