The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has several opportunities to practice religion on campus. Many catholic students decide to do this by going to adoration every Thursday night.
During the school year, Warhawk Catholic members go to the Campus Ministry Center to attend an event called “adoration,” where they spend one hour in silent prayer to worship Jesus Christ.
“What I enjoy most about adoration is being in the presence of God”, says Joe Wiebersch, a catholic missionary for the 2020-21 academic year. Adoration has made students here spiritually lifted as it helps build a relationship with God.
These meetings are held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Catholic Ministry Center, but the location has varied recently due to social distancing requirements. During this time, students have an hour of silent prayer time with some quiet group praying at the end. The end involves singing and a moment of silence.
So far this year, the meetings have mostly been held in the backyard of the Ministry Center, but they have also been held at Starin Park when there has been inclement weather.
These meetings are headed by Jeff Roedel, also known as “Father Jeff.” He is a priest that leads these gatherings. There are other leaders involved at adoration as well.
“The greater purpose of adoration is to offer glory to God and establish closer relationships with him,” says Roedel. Father Jeff just became a priest this past spring, and has settled into the role quite well. He has taken leadership of many of the campus activities related to Catholicism.
Students are interested in creating a closer relationship with God, however that isn’t the only place to do it. There is also masses held many times throughout the week, but many students decide to go to the 7 p.m. mass on Sundays.
These masses are held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, which is located on Main St. in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It is one of the main places off- campus that students go to worship God.
These adoration meetings and masses are free for anyone to come to, as the organization is inviting to many newcomers.
So if you are a student who is Catholic and wants to practice your religion, then going to Catholic mass or adoration is a good option for you.
