November 7, 2019
Representing 24 congregations from across the New York metropolitan area, as well as New Jersey and Connecticut, 70 Catholic Brothers and Sisters recently gathered together in St. Thomas More Church on the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University for the fifth annual Brothers and Sisters Night.
“The main purpose of this annual event is to let the students meet, pray, and eat with Sisters and Brothers serving the local Church,” said Br. Michael Sheerin, F.M.S., Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Leadership. An original member of St. John’s Residence Ministry team, he was part of the University community from 2000 to 2007, and returned in 2015.
The event, which coincided with the University’s weekly 5:30 p.m. Sunday Student Mass, offered students a glimpse into the lives of men and women who have committed themselves to serving others as Catholic Brothers and Sisters. Sponsored by St. John’s University Campus Ministry, the evening was coordinated by Br. Mike.
At Mass, the call to worship and the post-Communion reflection talk were delivered by St. John’s students who had attended previous Brothers and Sisters nights on campus. Among them was Zachary Savino ’18TCB, a student in the Master of Science in International Communication program.
“I have participated in every Brothers and Sisters night, and each one helps guide me—not only toward my vocation, but to a specific charism as well,” he said during his reflection. “If you ask the difficult questions in life, I promise you will find fulfillment in the end—whatever that may be.”
Following Mass, those in attendance shared a meal and enjoyed meaningful conversation.
“The energy and feel of the entire evening is palpable every year,” said Br. Mike. “Students said they never saw so many Sisters and Brothers gathered together in one place, sharing their love of the consecrated life. It was the Church alive!”