Ash Wednesday at the Campus Ministry

Ash Wednesday services were held in the Interfaith Prayer Room in the Campus Ministry this week. A prayer was led by Campus Chaplain Cylon George, whose wife and four young children were there with him.

A diverse group of people gathered in the room and took their seats around a central table. Piles of holy books from major religions were stacked on the table, along with three burning candles and a small tray of ashes, which had been blessed for the occasion.

George began the services with a gathering prayer and a scripture reading from the Prophet Joel, with everyone in attendance reciting after him, “Be merciful O lord, for we have sinned.”

Mary Kate Robinson, a retired HVCC staff member and frequenter of the Interfaith Prayer Room, stood up to recite a short scripture reading after which everyone was invited to come forward and receive ashes.

The Lord’s Prayer was recited and the attendants sent on their ways.

The Campus Ministry, located on the second floor of the Siek Campus Center, is open during office hours to all students of any faith as a quiet place to pray or simply relax during a busy day.

Office hours are Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to noon. When the office is closed, a key for the prayer room is available from the Student Activities Office.

A weekly prayer service is held on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m.

For more information about the Campus Ministry and the Interfaith Prayer Room, or about volunteer opportunities, visit the Campus Ministry, or contact George at (518) 629-7168, or email him at atc.george@hvcc.edu.