Every Wednesday night, after the stress and busyness of the day, students gather in the lower church for a mass that is like no other. Aptly titled “Wednesday Night Mass,” this church service has been a completely student run tradition for many years, and serves as a supplement to regular mass on Sundays.
Especially during the school week, when work can really become the only priority, Wednesday Night Mass gives students the break and motivation they really need to get them to the weekend.
I myself have been involved in the mass for three years now, playing guitar and singing along with many others. I have asked Nathan Chartier, who sings and plays piano for the mass, to speak a bit about what makes Wednesday Night Mass such a unique and fulfilling experience.
Chartier first speaks of how vibrant the mass is, and he celebrates the fact that everyone who is there really wants to be there. Wednesdays are very busy for many students at Saint Anselm, so it is really great to be in an environment where all the energy is really centralized for the whole time. Chartier also praises the homilies, usually done by Father Anselm, which are very down to earth. It is very inspiring to hear a homily mid week, as Father Anselm’s words usually apply to one’s life on campus or relationships with friends and family.
Another important aspect of the mass is in the music, which is much more contemporary than the traditional mass on Sundays. Chartier describes this difference very well, stating that contemporary music and traditional music simply resonate with different people and personalities in the congregation.
What is important to realize is that one form of music isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it’s always great to mix up styles. As Chartier puts it, “what is important is what both styles of music try to facilitate: an encounter with God.”
We have recently purchased the rights to a new set of mass parts, called the Mass of Peace. In this translation, the mass standards like the Gloria and Lamb of God have an upbeat, Latin style. As the weeks go on this semester, we will be practicing the new parts each Wednesday night with the congregation right before the mass begins.
This new set of mass parts will surely add to the vibrancy and uniqueness of Wednesday Night Mass.
So for all students, Catholic and otherwise, we really do encourage you to try to make it to a Wednesday Night Mass. We hope anyone looking for a break, some inspiration, or spiritual guidance will give it a shot. With guitar, piano, bass, and the environment of the lower church, the mass is a small and intimate way to worship with others students and faculty. Put aside your work for an hour, and come check out what Chartier describes as “same mass, with a different feel.”