Billings Catholic Campus Ministry

The joyful news that He is risen does not change the contemporary world. Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice. But the fact of Easter gives us the spiritual power to do the work, accept the discipline, and make the sacrifice.
~Henry Knox Sherrill

Have a great Easter! Use your time off to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and to prepare yourself for a strong finish to the academic year.

How is your Lent going so far? Most of the time the season seems to pass so quickly, that by the time it is completed, I feel like I really haven’t challenged myself that much at all. This year has been no exception, and already I feel as if I could have made a stronger effort to spend more time in prayer, to indulge a bit less, and that I could have done more for those in need. Fortunately for me (and anyone else who is feeling the same way), we still have time left. A priest at my local parish has told me several times “that we should strive for Sainthood one day at a time.” While a week and a half until Easter may not seem like much, it is still a period of ten or so days where we have the opportunity to focus on striving for Sainthood on a daily basis.

I know one bright spot for me this Lent has been our weekly discussions, and especially last week’s on identity. The future can be frightening at times, but it is certainly relieving to hear that we are all on the same journey together. We are all searching for meaning, and we are all looking to find our way. Finding an “identity” is a daunting task, but as with the approach to Sainthood, perhaps it is best to build a wholesome identity one day at a time. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to get involved with BCCM this semester. I have enjoyed it, and I will miss our group next year.

Happy Easter!

Kasey Stanton
BCCM Peer Minister

Jesus Christ is a God whom we approach without pride, and before whom we humble ourselves without despair.
~ Blaise Pascal

We have a busy week up ahead, but with several different BCCM events come several opportunities to get in the Easter spirit before Holy Week. Challenge yourself to reach out and get involved in some way!

Wednesday, March 28, 7pm at the St. Pius X Parish Center 
We will be meeting at the St. Pius Parish Center for a conversation on Catholicism and the media. We will discuss how the Church is presented and how the media affects our spirituality. Please contact us if you need directions or if you have questions. There are only a few more BCCM gatherings for the semester, so we’d really like to see you!

Thursday, March 29, 7pm at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral
If you would like to go to Confession this week and would like someone to go with, BCCM will be at St. Patrick’s for the parish’s Communal Penance Service. Again, please let us know if you have questions or need directions.

Sunday, April 1, 8:40am-12:30pm at St. Pius X
We are volunteering at St. Pius on Sunday morning to serve coffee and rolls, and we will also attend Mass together. Feel free to join us for all or just part of Sunday morning!

Just a couple of other notes:

On April 10, 2012 we as students will raise awareness of the TOMS movement at MSU-Billings. We will spend the day barefoot. That night we will be hosting a “Style Your Sole” party, a party that allows you to decorate your own pair of TOMS white classics. In order to get your shoes, you must contact Megan Garza, Patti Hellman, Mary Ronan, or Quincy Linhart. The shoes will be sold at at 10% discount for $40.00. We hope to get members of the Art Department to be there as well to help all of us artistically challenged people. It is a great cause and I encourage you to check out the website,onedaywithoutshoes.com.

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is giving out small scholarships ($300) to Catholic women enrolled in college (you must be attending school next year). If interested, please emailbillingsccm@gmail.com and ask Mary for an application! Applications are due April 30th, 2012.

As the end to the school year is approaching, I think many of us may find it difficult to find time within our busy schedules to take time for ourselves. For me personally, I find it difficult to find some time for myself and reflect. One great way for students to make time throughout their busy days is to set a time each day that you will be at peace. Additionally, I believe that a great way for students to gain a better understanding of scripture and prayer is to learn from others. For me, I am more comfortable learning when others around me are offering their input, but also learning themselves. With BCCM, I have personally learned how I can incorporate my personal faith into my everyday life. BCCM has allowed me to reflect on what I truly want to do with my life and given me a great support group to talk with. I was inspired by the stories that I heard when I served a weekend at St. Vincent DePaul. The experience itself opened my mind about people. Before, I felt as though some people were bad. But, I realized that you cannot judge a person based on their appearance. People are genuinely good, even though society may assume otherwise because of prejudices and stereotypes. I thank BCCM for all that it has taught me and I cannot wait for the discussions still to come this semester.

Jerome Rangitsch
BCCM Peer Minister

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Wednesday, March 21, 7pm at the MSUB Lewis Room
We will be meeting in the Lewis Room at MSUB (let us know if you need directions, but it’s right outside the cafeteria) for a discussion on finding purpose and identity. If you would like a little background info on our discussion before Wednesday night, check out this link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-james-martin-sj/12-things-i-wish-i-knew-a_b_802687.html. It is the season of Lent and we only have a few more weekly gatherings left for the semester, so we would really like to get a good turnout.  Hope to see you soon!

Just a couple of other notes:

On April 10, 2012 we as students will raise awareness of the TOMS movement at MSU-Billings. We will spend the day barefoot. That night we will be hosting a “Style Your Sole” party, a party that allows you to decorate your own pair of TOMS white classics. In order to get your shoes, you must contact Megan Garza, Patti Hellman, Mary Ronan, or Quincy Linhart. The shoes will be sold at at 10% discount for $40.00. We hope to get members of the Art Department to be there as well to help all of us artistically challenged people. It is a great cause and I encourage you to check out the website, onedaywithoutshoes.com.

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is giving out small scholarships ($300) to Catholic women enrolled in college (you must be attending school next year). If interested, please email billingsccm@gmail.com and ask Mary for an application! Applications are due April 30th, 2012.

If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

Wednesday, March 7, 7pm at Off the Leaf
We will be meeting at Off the Leaf at 7pm to socialize and get drinks. If you are a Rocky student and you need a study break or if you are an MSUB student still in Billings over the break, please join us for a little company! This week, remember that God is for you and that you are for God. Challenge yourself to make this your best Lent yet!

Just a couple of other notes:

• On April 10, 2012 we as students will raise awareness of the TOMS movement at MSU-Billings. We will spend the day barefoot. That night we will be hosting a “Style Your Sole” party, a party that allows you to decorate your own pair of TOMS white classics. In order to get your shoes, you must contact Megan Garza, Patti Hellman, Mary Ronan, or Quincy Linhart. The shoes will be sold at at 10% discount for $40.00. We hope to get members of the Art Department to be there as well to help all of us artistically challenged people. It is a great cause and I encourage you to check out the website,onedaywithoutshoes.com.
• The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is giving out small scholarships ($300) to Catholic women enrolled in college (you must be attending school next year). If interested, please emailbillingsccm@gmail.com and ask Mary for an application! Applications are due April 30th, 2012.
• Have you ever had an inner voice tell you to consider a life of serving God as a Religious Brother or Sister? Could God be calling you to be a priest? Father Leo McDowell, the vocation director for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings will be here on March 13th to answer questions you might have concerning these vocations. Father Leo will be saying Mass at St Patrick Co-Cathedral at 6 pm and is inviting those who might have questions, or curiosity, about the life of a priest or religious to join him for pizza at Old Chicago following. (Father Leo’s treat for pizza and soft drinks) Please let Mary Williams know by March 12 if you’ll be able to join us.

A good rest is half the work. ~Yugoslavian proverb

You’ve worked hard to this point, so enjoy your spring break and get ready to go for the last half of the semester!

Wednesday, February 29th and Wednesday, March 7th: 7pm at Off the Leaf
The RMC and MSUB spring breaks are on different weeks, so we are going to keep things simple. We will meet at Off the Leaf on both of the next two Wednesdays for drinks and socializing. These socials are great study breaks, and if you’re on spring break, challenge yourself to do a little extra for Lent. When we are busy with work, class, and studying it can be challenging to make firm Lenten commitments, so try to use your additional time to do something special.

Just a couple of other notes:

• On April 10, 2012 we as students will raise awareness of the TOMS movement at MSU-Billings. We will spend the day barefoot. That night we will be hosting a “Style Your Sole” party, a party that allows you to decorate your own pair of TOMS white classics. In order to get your shoes, you must contact Megan Garza, Patti Hellman, Mary Ronan, or Quincy Linhart. The shoes will be sold at at 10% discount for $40.00. We hope to get members of the Art Department to be there as well to help all of us artistically challenged people. It is a great cause and I encourage you to check out the website, onedaywithoutshoes.com.
• The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is giving out small scholarships ($300) to Catholic women enrolled in college (you must be attending school next year). If interested, please emailbillingsccm@gmail.com and ask Mary for an application! Applications are due April 30th, 2012.
•  Have you ever had an inner voice tell you to consider a life of serving God as a Religious Brother or Sister? Could God be calling you to be a priest? Father Leo McDowell, the vocation director for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings will be here on March 13th to answer questions you might have concerning these vocations. Father Leo will be saying Mass at St Patrick Co-Cathedral at 6 pm and is inviting those who might have questions, or curiosity, about the life of a priest or religious to join him for pizza at Old Chicago following. (Father Leo’s treat for pizza and soft drinks) Please let Mary Williams know by March 12 if you’ll be able to join us.