Student Mass community at Loyola nurtures faith

By Christine Bordelon
Clarion Herald

Contact tracing.

These two words were not often heard outside of the medical profession until the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

Now, it is so common that even the close-knit student community at Loyola University New Orleans that organizes the 9 p.m. Sunday Mass does it.

At a recent Sunday Mass, student Sean Nguyen stood at Holy Name of Jesus’ church entrance with his cell phone in hand, scanning students’ event pass using the “CORQ” app that has the ability to quickly contact any Mass attendee if someone at the Mass tests positive.

“It’s a sign of the times,” said senior Sophia Christilles, the 9 p.m. Mass cantor, who is studying theater arts.

Technology has helped
The CORQ app is used on campus for special events, Christilles said, while Loyola uses a separate CampusClear self-screening app to handle contact tracing during daily class sign-ins.

COVID-19 has prompted several changes to the popular Sunday night Mass at Loyola. To provide more social distancing, the location had to be moved from the campus’ St. Ignatius Chapel, and the choir has been reduced from an average of six to 10 members to three to keep everybody safe. Ken Weber, associate director of student ministry, plays the piano.

Choir rehearsals are 30 minutes before Mass, something Christilles was wary of joining early on during the pandemic. But, she missed it so much, she returned to her lead vocal role within weeks.

“That is my regular commitment that I have been doing since freshman year,” Christilles said. “I find the community aspect of the other choir members at church.

There is a strong bond at Mass and in other religious activities that we provide.”

A cradle Catholic who grew up in San Antonio, Texas, Christilles said she’s attended Catholic school her entire life. Continuing her faith was a priority in college, and the welcoming community at Mass attracted her.

“I can’t get enough of it,” she said, expressing how the Jesuit values at Loyola were noticeable when she toured colleges. “It was so obvious when I visited. … I think I came and saw the culture of New Orleans. Loyola’s campus and students are warm and welcoming. I enjoy the religious community on campus.”

Chances to participate
The Mass, which is prepared by the Student Life and Ministry organization, is multicultural. A recent Mass was celebrated in Spanish and English. Weber encourages students to use their talents as greeters, choir members, lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion (although COVID has sidelined this). Daily Mass continues to be held in the chapel.

Weber sees every Mass as a learning experience.

“He very much wants to let the students lead and recognizes when they need help,” Nicole Westerfield, a senior music therapy major, said. “He wants to offer many opportunities for students.”

While Westerfield prefers the more intimate space of the chapel since attendees sit in chairs facing one another, she said attendance remains strong.

“The same community still comes, and we still celebrate it together, even though we have to space out,” she said.

Christilles gained a community sense by participating in Student Life events such as CLC (Christian Life Community) groups and semester Awakening retreats.

“At Loyola, I can share my faith and not feel like I’m being judged for it,” she said. “I really think I’ve blossomed in my faith by being with this community. This Catholic community on campus keeps faith alive, and it is spread on campus. Being a Jesuit school, the values are present for all students – religious or not.”

Faith grows within group
Nguyen, who is lector coordinator this fall, was a team leader for the recent six-week retreat held in person with small groups and online through Zoom. Nguyen was raised in Biloxi, Mississippi, in a very Catholic Vietnamese family.

“Growing up, we were always involved in the church,” he said. “So, when I got to Loyola I sought that same involvement. Loyola does such a great job with not just developing faith through service, but they develop faith in yourself at the same time.”

Westerfield also quickly got involved in faith opportunities at Loyola. She’s now on the core team of Awakening retreats, has been a lector, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, choir member and participates in the CLC’s weekly small group meetings to talk about Jesuit values and how they impact your life.

“You get to grow in faith and spirituality,” Westerfield said. “It’s an opportunity to listen to others, and they listen to you. During this COVID time, just being part of a community, just having those moments of community, has helped me maintain my faith, whether virtually or in person.”

A video highlighting the Sunday 9 p.m. Mass can be found at: https://bit.ly/35xDVBZ

[email protected]