Lent

Mass Schedule
Daily Mass:  Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. Community Mass and 5:30 p.m. Student Mass 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, Director of Liturgy, at [email protected]; 718-990-3346    
 
Reconciliation Schedule 
Monday–Friday: 11:50 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Sunday: Before the 5:30 p.m. Sunday night Mass (4:50–5:20 p.m.)
First Sunday of every month: 10–11 a.m.

Reconciliation Monday 
Date/Time: March 30, 1–5 p.m. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
 
Miraculous Medal Novena     
Date/Time: Every Monday directly after the 12:15 p.m. Mass 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
 
Holy Hour Adoration 
Date/Time: Every Tuesday directly after 12:15 p.m. Mass (Approx. 12:45–1:45 p.m.) 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: One hour of prayer with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Holy Hour begins immediately after the 12:15 p.m. daily Mass and concludes with Benediction.  
 
Stations of the Cross 
Date/Time: Booklets for self-led prayer will be available throughout Lent. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: The Stations of the Cross is a Lenten devotion that offers witness to Jesus’ Passion and Death.  
At each station we reflect prayerfully upon the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and to simply experience the visual images to reflect on Christ’s love for us. 

Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, Director of Liturgy, at [email protected]; 718-990-3346 for all the above. 

Event: Palm Sunday, The Passion of the Lord 
Date/Time: Sunday, March 29, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The Gospels record Jesus arriving in the city riding on a donkey, while crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” honoring him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.
 
Event: Reconciliation Monday 
Date/Time: Monday, March 30, 1–5 p.m. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: As is customary during Lent, Catholics receive this sacrament of forgiveness to obtain divine mercy for the sins committed against God and neighbor and are reconciled with the community of the Church. 
 
Event: Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper 
Date/Time: Thursday, April 2, 7:30 p.m. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: The Triduum begins with this celebration of the Last Supper that Jesus took with his disciples. It is one of the oldest celebrations, dating back to the first century Church. Holy Thursday is the “day of the new commandment,” the new commandment being that Christians should love one another, just as Christ has loved them. 
 
Event: Good Friday, Veneration of the Cross and Reproaches 
Date/Time: Friday, April 3, 3 p.m. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: Come pray with us on this holy day that commemorates the day Jesus died on the cross. 
 
Event: The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night 
Date/Time: Saturday, April 4, at 9 p.m. 
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
 

Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, Director of Liturgy, at [email protected]; 718-990-3346 for all the above. 
 

Event: Residence Ministry Team Presents: Gather & Grow Thursday
Date/Time: Every Thursday
Location: St. Thomas More Church after 12:15 p.m. Mass; then Montgoris Dining Hall
Description: Join the Residence Ministry team (Antony Abi Awad, Rachel Burgos, Elvira Garcia, and Victoria O’Keefe) every Thursday for fellowship and community. We’ll swipe you into Montgoris Dining Hall.
Contact: Elvira Garcia, [email protected], 718-990-6327

Event:  Spanish Mass
Date/Time: Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. on February 25, March 11, and March 25
Location: St. Thomas More Church
Description:Weekday Mass offered in Spanish twice monthly.
Contact: Rev. Hugo Medellín, [email protected]

Event:  Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl Campaign
Date/Time: Starts Ash Wednesday (February 18) during all Masses/services
Drop boxes available February–April; campaign concludes Easter Sunday
Location: St. Thomas More Church
Description: The CRS Rice Bowl Campaign encompasses prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to accompany individuals on their Lenten journey. CRS Ambassadors distribute Rice Bowls so members of the University community can add monetary donations or spare change throughout Lent. Bowls include daily reflections, and participants may also sign up for Lenten emails with scripture quotes and invitations to events like Simple Suppers. Please drop off at St. Thomas More Church after Easter. All donations are sent to Catholic Relief Services. Join the campaign virtually on Instagram @StJohnsCRS.
Donate: you may donate online here.
Contact: Alexia Dolamakian, [email protected] 

Event:  Abundance Bible Study
Date/Time: Every Friday, 6–8 p.m.
Location: Hollis Hall, First-Floor Prayer Room
Description: Interested in diving deeper into Scripture but not sure where to start? Join a community of fellow young believers to explore the context of the Word and how it applies to your relationship with God today.
GroupMe: https://tinyurl.com/abundancebiblestudy

This offering affords students the opportunity to gather in community. Rooted in Sacred Scripture and led collectively, this weekly evening gathering includes reflection, learning, and prayer. The steady meeting time and welcoming culture create space for students to feel connected, seen, heard, and cared for.
Contact: Rachel Burgos, [email protected], 718-990-3354

Event:  Busy People Retreat
Description: A free, one-on-one retreat offered on campus or by phone with Brother Mike Sheerin. The retreat includes three to four conversations focused on spiritual questions, practices, and hopes, regardless of religious affiliation. Scheduling is flexible.
Contact: Brother Mike Sheerin, [email protected] 

Event:  Holy Hour for Peace
Date/Time: Thursday, March 26, 2–3 p.m.
Location: St. Thomas More Church
Description: Holy Hour is a Roman Catholic devotional tradition of Eucharistic adoration. This time of prayer encourages a deeper encounter with Christ through adoration, prayer, and song. In response to current events, U.S. Bishops have encouraged churches nationwide to offer a Holy Hour for Peace.
Contact:
Andrea Pinnavaia, [email protected], 718-990-3346
Michael Fontana, [email protected],  718-990-2688 

Event:  Rosary & Community
Date/Time: Thursday, March 12
Location: St. Thomas More Church
Description: Come and pray the Rosary at St. Thomas More Church in Spanish every second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m.
Contact: Rev. Hugo Medellín, [email protected] 

Event:  St. Louise Lunch and Learn
Presenter: Sr. Ellen Marie Hager
Date/Time: Thursday, March 12, at noon
Location: D’Angelo Center Ballroom
Contact: Jennifer Guzowski, [email protected], 718-990-1612

Event:  What are you offering this Lent? “Give Something Up” Commitment Board - SVDP
Date/Time: Beginning week of February 9
Location: D’Angelo Center hallway; St. Thomas More Church Narthex
Description: All are invited to write on a Post-it® what they are giving up for Lent, or taking on (prayer, kindness, service, etc.).
Contact: Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97 M.S.Ed., [email protected], 718-990-6115

Event:  Celebrating St. Louise de Marillac
Date/Time: After 5:30 p.m. Mass on March 15
Location: Fr. Daly Church Conference Room
Description: Come and celebrate and learn about St. Louise de Maillac.
Contact: Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97 M.S.Ed., [email protected], 718-990-6115

Event:  St. Vincent de Paul Society – Vincentian Stations of the Cross
Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, directly after the 5:30 p.m. Mass; and Monday, March 23, during Common Hour
Location: St. Thomas More Church
Description: Join us in a Vincentian reflection of the Stations of the Cross.
Contact: Sr. Patricia Evanick, D.C. ’97 M.S.Ed., [email protected], 718-990-6115

Event:  Vincentian Service Opportunities with Rose Soup Kitchen
Date/Time:
Every other Thursday
Morning Shift: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (March 13 and 27; April 10)
Afternoon Shift: 12:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m. (March 13 and 27; April 10)
Location: Vital Church NYC
Description: The Rose Soup Kitchen is a woman-led operation that provides home-cooked meals twice a month to anyone in need of food. Transportation is provided for students who seek a meaningful in-person opportunity to participate in service. As part of our Vincentian identity, reflection takes place on the way back to campus, allowing students an opportunity to share their experience and learn from one another.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event:  Vincentian Service Opportunities with Zion Tabernacle Food Pantry
Date/Time: Every Tuesday
Morning Shift: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (March 11, 18, and 25; April 1)
Afternoon Shift: noon–5 p.m. (March 11, 18, and 25; April 1)
Location: Zion Tabernacle FBH Church, Ozone Park, NY
Description: The Zion Tabernacle Food Pantry is a woman-led operation that provides weekly groceries to anyone in the community who needs nutritious food. Transportation is provided for students who are looking for a meaningful in-person opportunity to participate in service. As part of our Vincentian identity, reflection takes place on the way back to campus, allowing students an opportunity to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event: Vincentian Service Opportunities with Midnight Run
Date/Time: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: March 9–11, 16–18, 22–25, and 30
Location: Designated Midnight Run stops in Manhattan, NY
Description: Midnight Run is a volunteer organization dedicated to those experiencing housing insecurity by combatting their invisibility in a big city and one’s own numbness to them. St. John’s has been participating since 2004 by affording students the opportunity to go into Manhattan to distribute food, clothing, and toiletries. Most importantly, conversation and connections are shared. Students meet on campus to prepare sandwiches and other supplies. Transportation is provided to designated stops in public areas where encounters and distribution take place. Midnight Runs are led by Campus Ministry’s trained Graduate Assistants and Student Assistants, so students are never on their own. As part of our Vincentian identity, reflection takes place at the end of the night on the way back to campus, allowing students an opportunity to share their experience and learn from one another.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event: Vincentian Service Opportunities with St. John’s Bread and Life
Date/Time: Every Monday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (March 10, 17, 24, and 31)
Every Wednesday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (March 12, 19, and 26; April 2)
Location: St. John’s Bread and Life, Bedford-Stuyvesant, NY
Description: St. John’s Bread and Life’s mission is to respect the dignity and rights of all persons by ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food and comprehensive human services resulting in self-sufficiency and stability. Transportation is provided for students who seek a meaningful in-person opportunity to participate in service. As part of our Vincentian identity, reflection takes place on the way back to campus, allowing students an opportunity to share their experience and learn from one another.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event: Vincentian Service Opportunities with Kissena Synergy
Date/Time: Every Wednesday, 9 a.m.–noon (March 11, 18, and 25; April 1)
Location: Kissena Park Velodrome
Description: Kissena Synergy’s mission is to advocate for and participate in the continued cooperative upkeep, maintenance, and transformation of the Kissena Velodrome and surrounding park grounds. Activities range from weeding, mulching, planting flowers and trees, and other prep work needed to cultivate assigned park areas.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event: Lenten Concert Series

Date/Time: Thursday, March 12, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: As part of your Lenten journey, you are invited to hear the angelic sounds of the St. John's University Mixed Chorus perform the music of Anton Brucker, Amy Beach, Ola Gjeilo, Jonathan Dove and Sir John Rutter. The Mixed Chorus will be joined by St. John's University Assistant Director for Music, Michael Fontana, as he performs several organ works by J. S. Bach.

Event:  Come Hungry and Leave Full Program
Date/Time: Friday, March 13, at 5 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Join the Residence Ministry team (Antony Abi Awad, Rachel Burgos, Elvira Garcia, and Victoria O’Keefe) for a shared meal and welcoming space to relax, reflect, and connect with others. All are welcome to come as they are and leave feeling nourished in body and spirit.
Contact: Elvira Garcia, [email protected], 718-990-6327

Event:Vincentian Service Opportunities with Midnight Run’s Breakfast Run
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, and April 4, 7–11 a.m.
Location: Designated Midnight Run stop in Manhattan
Description: Midnight Run’s Saturday Breakfast Run supports those experiencing housing insecurity through distribution of food, clothing, and toiletries, with conversation and connection at the center. Students meet on campus to prepare sandwiches and supplies. Transportation is provided. Breakfast Runs are led by trained Graduate Assistants and Student Assistants. Reflection occurs at noon on the way back to campus.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event:Vincentian Mission Orientation
Date/Time: Friday, March 13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Queens campus
Description: Interested in getting more connected to the University’s mission? Want to learn more about our history or the meaning behind Catholic and Vincentian statues on campus? Join us for an in-person training.
Registration:https://stjohns.libcal.com/event/13623153
Contact: Lucy A. Pesce, Ph.D., [email protected], 718-990-3004

Event: Disability Awareness Month panel
Date/Time: Thursday, March 19, Common Hour
Location: TBD (Queens Inclusivity Resource Center/D’Angelo Center, Room 128)
Description: This panel aims to foster an inclusive campus community through the lens of disabilities, promoting empathy and understanding while challenging preconceived notions surrounding disabilities, whether visible or invisible. Jason Luchs, Associate Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services, will give a presentation and then join a panel with Student Government, Inc., and representatives from St. John’s School of Law who work with disability awareness and advocacy.
Contact: Victoria O’Keefe, [email protected], 718-990-8075

Event: Lenten Concert Series
Date/Time: Thursday, March 19, 2:00 - 2:45 p.m.
Location: St. Thomas More Church 
Description: Your Lenten journey is not complete without hear the virtuosity of concert organist and St. John's University Adjunct faculty member, Dr. Michael Kaminski as he performs music of Vivaldi/Bach, Mendelssohn, and Bedard.

Event:  SEARCH 21 Retreat
Date/Time: Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29
Location: Transportation to and from Queens campus provided
Description: The Search 21 Retreat is a three-day retreat designed to help young adults reflect on: Who am I? How do I relate to others? How do I relate to the Divine? This “spiritual plunge” invites students to explore spirituality, develop personal and communal prayer life, and strengthen the University community. Complete the interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/DjwiEBF5PJ
Contact: Antony Abi Awad, [email protected], 718-990-2562

Event:  Vincentian Service Opportunities with Hour Children
Date/Time:
Every Monday: 11:15 a.m.–5 p.m. (March 10, 17, 24, and 31)
Every Tuesday: 9:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (March 11, 18, and 25; April 1)
Every Wednesday: 11:15 a.m.–5 p.m. (March 13, 20, and 27; April 3)
Location: Hour Children, Astoria, Queens
Description: Hour Children supports the needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children. Services include providing healthy and nutritious food through a client-choice, supermarket-style food pantry. Volunteers support by distributing food, stocking the pantry, and interacting with community members.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event:  Vincentian Service Opportunities with Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens
Date/Time: Every Thursday, 12:30–4:30 p.m. (March 13 and 27; April 3)
Location: Location varies
Description: As part of the St. John’s Vincentian mission, the Institute for Vincentian Impact invites students to participate in service with Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ). Service sites vary, and volunteers assist with assembling emergency food and toiletry bags for newly arriving asylees and refugees.
Contact: Canile Jackson, [email protected], 718-990-3412

Event:  Conserve to Serve Initiative
Date/Time: Spring 2026
Location: Queens Campus
Description: Address food insecurity while reducing food waste. If you’ve ever left an event wondering what happens to leftover food, join this University-wide initiative to reduce food waste in two steps:

1. Snap a photo of the food.
2. Send the photo and a description to @conserve2serve on Instagram.

Event:  Find your “Why”: Vincent & Me Advocacy Workshop (IVI Find Your Why)
Date/Time: 1:50–3:15 p.m., Feb. 19, April 9, April 30, and at faculty request (recurring; variable), Wednesday during Common Hour
Location: Sullivan Hall, First Floor, Mission and Ministry Multipurpose Room, or faculty classroom
Description: A 60-minute workshop where participants learn about the life of St. Vincent de Paul, then reflect on their personal connection to the Mission through prompts related to Identity, Interest, and Action. Walk-ins welcome.
Contact:  [email protected] or [email protected] 

Event:  Catholic Relief Services (CRS) RiceBowl Simple Meal/Food & Me Writing Workshop
Date/Time: Friday, February 20, noon–2 p.m.
Location: Sullivan Hall, Multipurpose Room
Description: Whether you are observing Lent or just interested in socializing with peers, join us for a simple meal of rice and beans shared in community, plus a Food & Me writing workshop led by Writing Center assistants.
Contact:  [email protected] 

Event: CRS RiceBowl Simple Meal
Date/Time: Friday, February 27, noon–2 p.m.
Location: Sullivan Hall, Multipurpose Room
Description: Whether you are observing Lent or just interested in socializing with peers, join us for a simple meal of rice and beans shared in community.
Contact:  [email protected] 

Event:  Service with IVI-VS (GOOD FOOD)
Date/Time: Thursday, March 10, 1–5 p.m.
Location: Sullivan Hall
Description: GOOD FOOD is an expanding program offering attendants the opportunity to explore food through different lenses to further develop their holistic relationship with consumption, food systems, and food justice. Join us for service with one of our weekly service partners.
Contact:  [email protected] or [email protected] 

Event: Field Trip: Social Enterprises (GOOD FOOD)
Date/Time: Thursday, March 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: TBD (Queens/Bronx/Manhattan/Brooklyn/Staten Island)
Description: Join a field trip to visit social enterprises that use food for good in the community as part of the GOOD FOOD program’s exploration of consumption, food systems, and food justice.
Contact:  [email protected] or [email protected] 

Event:CRS RiceBowl Simple Meal
Date/Time: Friday, March 27, noon–2 p.m.
Location: Sullivan Hall, Multipurpose Room
Description: Whether you are observing Lent or just interested in socializing with peers, join us for a simple meal of rice and beans shared in community.
Contact:  [email protected] 

Event:  Campus Ministry Breakfast Pop-Up
Date/Time: Monday, March 9, 8:30–11 a.m.
Location: Fr. Daly Conference Room, St. Thomas More Church
Description: Stop in for coffee and bagels and take a moment to connect with members of Campus Ministry. Come for a quick bite, stay for conversation, and be part of our campus community.
Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, [email protected], 718-990-3346
Isabella Conter, [email protected] 

Event:  Religious Articles Giveaway
Date/Time: Monday, March 16, 1–3:30 p.m.
Location: D’Angelo Center Lobby
Description: Stop by the Campus Ministry table for a free religious articles giveaway. Pick up rosary beads, medals, and other devotional items while connecting with members of Campus Ministry.
Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, [email protected], 718-990-3346
Isabella Conter, [email protected] 

Event:  The Passion of the Christ Movie Night
Date/Time: Friday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Location: Fr. Daly Conference Room, St. Thomas More Church
Description: Join us for a movie night featuring The Passion of the Christ, followed by reflection and discussion about what the film means for our faith journeys.
Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, [email protected], 718-990-3346
Isabella Conter, [email protected] 

Event: Painting and Lenten Reflection
Date/Time: Monday, March 30, 1:50–3:15 p.m. (Common Hour)
Location: Fr. Daly Conference Room, St. Thomas More Church
Description: Spend time painting on canvas while reflecting on your Lenten journey, prayer life, and spiritual growth as we prepare for Easter. This is a relaxed, reflective space to slow down, be creative, and connect with others.
Contact: Andrea Pinnavaia, [email protected], 718-990-3346
Isabella Conter, [email protected] 

Event: Holy Mass 
Date/Time: Every Sunday evening, Feb. 22, March 2, 8, and 15: 7:45–8:30 p.m. 
Location: Vincentian Chapel 
Description “Taking part in the eucharistic sacrifice, which is the fount and ape of the whole Christian life, the faithful of Christ offer the Divine Victim to God and offer themselves along with It” (Lumen gentium 11). Come and be united to Christ as we celebrate the Lord’s Day as a community. 

Ash Wednesday

Event: Ash Wednesday Mass 
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18; 1 p.m.  
Location: Vincentian Chapel 
Description: “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk 1:15). Come and pray as a community as we enter into the Holy Season of Lent. 
 
Event: Ash Wednesday Mass and Reconciliation 
Date/Time: Wednesday, February 18; Mass begins at 1 p.m.; Reconciliation begins at 11 a.m. 
Location: Collegio Apostolico Leoniano (Mass), Room 216 (Reconciliation) 
 
Event: Assisi Pilgrimage 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 21; 7 a.m.–7 p.m. 
Location:   Meet in Student Lounge 
Description: Come and be a pilgrim in the City of Peace and the hometown of Saints. We will have the opportunity to venerate the body of St. Francis, which is specially exposed in honor of the 800th anniversary of his death. 
 
Event: Lenten Pilgrimage: Santa Corce, Santa Scala, Laterano 
Date/Time: Saturday, March 24; 3–5 p.m. 
Location: Meet in Student Lounge 
Description: “Behold, the wood of the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the World!” (Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion), Come and venerate the True Cross and other relics of Christ’s Passiion, walk up the Holy Steps, and visit the “Mother and Head of all Churches” in anticipation of Holy Week and Easter. 

HOLY WEEK/EASTER BREAK 
We will help students request tickets to celebrate Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and/or Easter Sunday at the Vatican, if they desire. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that these tickets will be available, as they are granted on a somewhat random basis. 
We will also send students to Holy Week and Easter liturgies in English at Saint Patrick’s Church, the American parish in Rome: https//stpatricksa.m.ericanrome.org; only 20 minutes from the St. John’s Rome location via the metro and a short walk. No tickets are required! 
 
For all Rome events, contact Rev. Thomas O’Donnell at [email protected] or  Deacon Lucas Folan at [email protected] 

Ash Wednesday

Mass: Mass with Distribution of Ashes 
Date/Time: Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 a.m.  
Location:   The Chapel of Miraculous Medal 

Mass: Palm Sunday 
Date/Time: Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.  
Location:   Basilica of the Sacred Heart  
 
Event: Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord’s Supper 
Date/Time: Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m. 
Location:   The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris 
 
Event: Good Friday- Celebration of the Passion 
Date/Time: Friday, April 3, 7 p.m. 
Location: The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris 
 
Event: Easter Sunday Mass  
Date/Time: Sunday, April 5, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 6:00 p.m. 
Location:   The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris 

For all Paris events, contact Farida Khatchadourian, Director of the Paris location, at [email protected].