Sights & Sounds: College students find grace at ‘Mass on the Mountain’

On Saturday, Oct 25, a group of around 40 college students met at Ramapo Valley Reservation in Mahwah, N.J., for a day of fellowship and worship. Participants in the annual “Mass on the Mountain” outing came from five campuses where the Archdiocese of Newark has ministries – Montclair State University, Kean University, Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Ramapo College.

The students set off at 11 a.m., hiking to Hawk Rock where Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jim Chern, Director of Campus Ministry and Chaplain at MSU, and Fr. Jaroslaw (Jarek) Zaniewski, a part-time Chaplain at Ramapo and Stevens.

“It was such a peaceful experience having Mass on a little mountain top, with all the fall foliage and sounds of nature surrounding us,” said Lucia Pasternak, Campus Minister at Kean University. “One of my favorite moments was during the Responsorial Psalm, there was a cricket behind us that started chirping as we sang. It just goes to show that all of creation truly does sing His praise.”

Drawing closer to God

Sebastian Perez, Campus Minister at MSU, agreed that there was something special about the liturgy. “As everyone settled into the grass, the atmosphere began to change,” he said. “The sun broke through the clouds, the wind stilled, and several people even remarked that they heard birds begin to sing during the prayers of consecration.”

He added that for the second year in a row, the “Mass on the Mountain” hike was one of the ministry’s best-attended events. “There’s something about a mountain that continues to draw people closer to God,” he said.

After Mass, the students had lunch together. Fr. Jarek also made himself available to hear confessions before they headed back. “He went higher up on the rocks overlooking the stunning views and was very generous with his time,” Pasternak said. “The students were very excited to have the Sacrament of Reconciliation available. It was a real gift to see that.”

The ministers added that they were already looking forward to next year’s hike and Mass.

To view more images of the Archdiocesan Campus Ministry’s “Mass on the Mountain,” click HERE.

Visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s Campus Ministry page to learn more.

Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.

Featured image: College students from the Archdiocese of Newark participate in an outdoor liturgy during the “Mass on the Mountain” on October 25. (Image courtesy Kean Catholics)