Are you aware of the true significance of Ash Wednesday? According to a poll questioning 50 randomly selected Binghamton University students, 66 percent of students are unaware of the importance of the religious holiday.
Ash Wednesday is observed by Western Christians and commemorates the first day of Lent, which occurs 46 days before Easter. As a ritual, the priest or minister of the religious institution marks the forehead of each worshiper with black ashes in the shape of a cross, thus officially signifying that he or she has entered into a period of Lent.
Newman House is one place where BU students can observe tomorrow’s holiday. Located on the east side of campus at 400 Murray Hill Road. and accessible through the footbridge directly behind Newing College, Newman House is a religious institution that fosters the spiritual and social growth of Catholicism. The house can hold 140 people.
“If you’re looking for a place on campus to seek your spiritual side, we want to provide a place for you today,” said the Rev. Corey VanKuren, chaplain for Newman House.
In addition to hosting mass on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and every Sunday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Newman House also offers study rooms and lounges with Wi-Fi access.
As a new member of the campus ministry, VanKuren described his experience here at BU as a “tremendous eye-opener.” VanKuren replaced Father Bob Sullivan as Newman House’s chaplain after Sullivan retired at the end of the spring 2008 semester.
According to VanKuren, he has already learned a lot from the BU community, such as mobile texting and various methods of mass presentation.
When asked about the diversity of Newman House, VanKuren said the House welcomes minorities and has Asian, Hispanic, African American and gay members.
“In creating diversity, we become separate,” he said.
Thus, he said, Newman House is “open to everyone.”
Newman House also offers the “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA),” which is intended for anyone 18 years or older who has been baptized, but not yet confirmed by the Catholic Church. The RCIA, open to all students, lasts from September to Easter, and requires a weekly 30-minute session after each mass on Sunday.
For those interested in celebrating Ash Wednesday here in Binghamton, Newman House’s chapel will be distributing ashes in recognition of the holiday tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Additionally, VanKuren will be hosting the distribution of ashes on campus at noon in the New University Union, room 252. The masses will be held for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and all faculty and students are welcome to attend.
For Genesis Cayetano, a freshman psychology and Spanish major, Newman House provides a comfortable place to go while she’s away from home.
“It appears to offer the same security and comfort that I experienced at my original church back home — a great place of refuge to prosper anyone’s spiritual growth,” she said.