By Katie Vasquez
Dozens of students gather for a midday mass on a Monday, taking a break from their busy new schedules at Queens College to welcome a new chapel at the school’s Newman Center.
Brooklyn Bishop Robert Brennan, who blessed the altar of the Sacred Heart of Jesus chapel, said it’s a sign of faith at the secular college.
“They dedicated themselves to making a place beautiful for God and to create a place where they could make room for God in their lives,” said Bishop Brennan.
At a time when, according to research, most young people are leaving the faith. Queens College is bucking that trend.
“Being a public college and having a lot of students here, that surprises me, honestly,” said Nina Palces, a senior student at Queens College.
Young people have been gathering at the Catholic center since it was spruced up last year.
“It looks like, it’s so beautiful,” said Odalis Castro, a junior student at Queens College. “Like if you saw this before and now it’s a difference.”
The space is part of an ongoing effort by Queens College’s Catholic ministry to keep the students connected to their faith.
“It’s a pivotal time, and one of our key challenges is to make people know that we’re here for them,” said Bishop Brennan. “And when we meet the young people where they are, we have the chance to draw them in, to draw them closer to the lord.”
Among the features of the new chapel include this altar, designed by St Leo parishioner, Anthony Rodriguez.
“I think the greatest thing is using my talents for something that’s for god’s glory,” said Rodriguez. and on top of that, that helps a lot of people in their faith lives.”
Every part of this sacred space was designed with students in mind, to give them a place to pray, and find peace during their hectic schedules.
“We wanted to make the chapel a place where physically they could be soothed out, you know, that the light, the colors, the lights are there, the color of red, right?” said Queens College campus minister, Omar Cortez. “We wanted everything to just be a part of that aspect as well. Mental health is a big deal and we hope that chapel could be a pivotal role for our students and others in the future to come in and check out.”
Sacred Heart of Jesus chapel will remain open for students 5 days a week during school hours.