Back

A Grateful Heart is a Joyful Heart - Let's Celebrate!

Arumi Ortiz - Sunday, November 24, 2024

Events Newsletter

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November, 24,2024

Counting Our Blessings Together

"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way." This beautiful Native American saying invites us to pause and reflect on the goodness of life, even when we cannot see the road ahead. As college students, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of deadlines, decisions, and what-ifs about the future. Yet, this quote challenges us to trust in the unseen and embrace gratitude for what God is already preparing for us.

Faith reminds us that God walks with us in every moment, weaving blessings into our journey in ways we might not yet understand. This trust is deepened through the community and friendships we build along the way. A late-night porch conversation with a friend, a shared meal, or a quiet prayer in a chapel, these are glimpses of the blessings already arriving in our lives.

Take a moment today to give thanks for the blessings you’ve yet to experience. Pray for open hands and an open heart to receive them.

As a community of faith, let us encourage one another to step into the unknown with courage and gratitude, knowing that God’s plan is full of hope and promise.

What unknown blessings are you thankful for today? 🍂🙏

Hearts Full of Thanks: Gratitude Edition

In this edition of the newsletter, we're leaning into gratitude! You'll find resources to inspire your heart, spark your prayers, and journey with us in giving thanks. Whether you're reflecting on blessings big or small, we're here to walk alongside you in faith and gratitude. Let’s keep counting those blessings—together!

Pause. Pray. Reflect

What are three things you’re grateful for that happened this semester?
Who has supported or inspired you recently? How can you thank them?
What is one challenge you overcame this year, and how did it shape you?

Marianist Table recipe

Looking for a dish to bring to your next gathering? Check out Alive magazine, where Marianist culture, faith, and community come alive—including a recipe section! This month, Bro. Andrew Kosmowski, S.M. shares a delicious dessert recipe that's perfect for sharing. Don't miss it—visit their latest issue for a taste of something sweet!

Alive Magazine (Online version)

A Simple Prayer of Gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar.

Also, thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. You protect me from those things that seem to haunt others. You help me make better choices and provide me with advisors to help me with life’s difficult decisions. You speak to me in so many ways so that I always know you are here.

And Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me.

I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness.

Thank you, Lord.

- By Kelli Mahoney

GratitUDe playlist!

President's Blog: From the Heart

Bella Lungren, a senior education major, beautifully captured the spirit of UD’s Scholarship Celebration, sharing how donor support has transformed her journey and the lives of her peers. With heartfelt words, she expressed how scholarships have not only provided financial relief but inspired a sense of purpose and service. As Thanksgiving nears, we’re reminded of the power of generosity and the strength of our UD community, where opportunities grow through the care we show one another.

Read teh full blog here

Remembering Others

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Dealing with Stress During the Holidays?

If conversations get tense, take a moment to breathe, excuse yourself if needed, and return to the table when ready.
Set healthy boundaries for personal time and say ‘no’ to overbooking your schedule.
If you're dealing with holiday stress, you can reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate support; both are available 24/7 and offer confidential assistance with trained crisis counselors.

Our Thanksgiving Prayer

Good and gracious God, we come before You today united with all who give You thanks and praise. Fill us with gratitude for Your many blessings
both physical and spiritual.

We thank You in particular this day for the gifts
of food and community/family. Bless this food, Lord, that it may nourish our bodies. Bless our family, especially those who can’t be with us today.
Also today, we remember those who have gone to be with You.

Grant us Your spiritual blessings and help us pray daily for the grace to serve You in response to Your abundant gifts to us. Bless all who serve You throughout the World.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, Your Son, Our Lord who gives all things freely according to our needs. Continue to bless us and give us Your peace.

Amen.

From the Marianist Mission

Conversation starters you can make at your next family/friends gathering!

"What’s one thing you’re especially thankful for this year? I’ve been thinking about what’s stood out for me."
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dish? I’m torn between [insert dish] and [insert dish]."
"If you could start a new Thanksgiving tradition, what would it be? I’ve been brainstorming some for my friends."
"What’s your post-Thanksgiving meal vibe—nap, walk, or diving straight into leftovers?
"If Thanksgiving were a movie, what character would you play?"
Ask your family members/friends/choosen family what they are most grateful for this year.
Offer to lead grace before the meal, or suggest everyone share a prayer or intention.
Start a conversation about how faith has played a role in your year and ask others to share their experiences.

Self-Care Tips for the Holiday Break

Take a break from social media to fully enjoy time with family.
Set aside 30 minutes daily to journal, pray, or meditate.
Get outside for some fresh air—go for a walk or play a fun game with friends or siblings.

Muslim Prayer Room

A fully functioning prayer room with Quran, Wudu area, and Women's area is in the Rike Center 205 and 207. Use your University of Dayton ID to have access to the Muslim Prayer room, seven days a week, 6:30am – 8:30pm. Enter using the main entrance with the ramp, across from Heritage Coffee. When the Rike Center offices are closed, this is the only door that will be available for key card entry.

Jummah

On Fridays at 1:30 pm students meet in the Rike Center, Rooms 205 (men) and 207 (women) for Jummah prayer.

Connect and Belong 📱

UD CRU!

This is the GroupMe for UD Cru! Please use this QR code to join and stay in the loop about all Cru events, hang outs!

Join the Fun, Liturgy Team Invites You to Our GroupMe!

Join the Liturgy GroupMe and stay up-to-date on "all things LITURGY" at UD!

May the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit be glorified in all places through the Immaculate Virgin Mary.

Que el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo, sean glorificados en todas partes por la Inmaculada Virgen María.

Do you need someone to talk to?

Spiritual directors/companions are here for you. More information here.

Want to engage with Campus Ministry?

Need help finding what's right for you? If you need help learning about ways to engage in Campus Ministry, complete our interest form - and a campus minister will contact you based on your interests.

MORE CATEGORIES

Events (13) General (1) Jobs & Career (0) Must Read (0) News and upcoming events (3) Newsletter (8)