Campus Ministry Welcomes Seton Hall's Newest Pirates

It was with great excitement and anticipation that Campus Ministry and the Seton Hall University community welcomed the Class of 2030 to campus for four different orientation sessions throughout the last two weeks. The sessions were split into two days, occurring on June 15-16, June 17-18, June 22-23 and June 24-25.

Students were welcomed to campus with a whole host of activities ranging from a game night, snow cones and tabling events to registration and presentations from different departments around campus. One other landmark event which occurred for each group on their first day on campus was the celebration of Mass with all of their fellow incoming classmates in Bethany Hall. The Orientation Masses marked a special occasion – all students coming together for a moment to pause, reflect and pray before setting out on the life-changing journey of being a Seton Hall Pirate.

The priest community had several great thoughts and for the newest Pirates as they began their journey at Seton Hall. Director of Campus Ministry, Father Nick Sertich, challenged students to think deeply about what they want to get out of their next four years at Seton Hall and who they want to become as people. Father Nick confronted the fact that new beginnings are scary, but that with new beginnings comes great beauty and opportunity. As Father Nick explained to the students, “You sit here today because for some reason God has brought you here. And God is saying ‘you got good things in store here.’”

Father Nick went on to say to the students that “You’re going to see beautiful things” and “some of you are going to find your greater purpose” here at Seton Hall. While Seton Hall is of goodness and opportunities, Father Nick also acknowledged that challenges are a part of the college journey as well. When those challenges come however, Father Nick told the students that “You’re going to do something life-changing, something Christ-like. You’re going to Hazard Zet Forward.” Father Nick’s message offered students a beautiful balance of the reality of college life. There will be many days full of goodness and opportunity, but also many days full of challenges. Whatever the case, we as Pirates learn to Hazard Zet Forward and embrace the good and the bad, the easy and the hard.

Father Colin Kay, Seton Hall’s vice president for Mission and Ministry, offered students a similarly beautiful message in his homily. He challenged the new Pirates to “come and see.” There may be doubts, questions, anxieties and more feelings of uncertainty heading into freshman year. Despite any of the worries, doubts and fears, Father Colin challenged students to have open eyes, ears, hearts and spirits as they enter their new chapter at Seton Hall. Mentioning the gospel, Father Colin said, “Come and see what good can come. Nathaniel did, and it changed his life”. Father Colin’s message was a great reminder to be open and to give things a try, especially in new situations. For when we are open, the fruit is abundant.

So, join Campus Ministry in welcoming our new Pirates, the Class of 2030, to campus. In what promises to be an exciting journey, let us all be reminded of our constant call to Hazard Zet Forward and to come and see the goodness that God has in store for us.

Categories: Campus Life, Faith and Service