St. John’s University Campus Ministry sponsored its third annual Brothers/Sisters’ Nite at the 5:30 Sunday Night Student Mass on September 17, 2017. The main purpose of Brothers/Sisters’ Nite was to let the students see, meet, and pray with a number of Sisters and Brothers serving the local Church. Representing 14 Congregations, 51 Brothers and Sisters gathered together in the University Church of St. Thomas More. Present were: Marist Brothers, Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, Brothers of the Sacred Heart, De LaSalle Christian Brothers, Marianist Brothers, Capuchin Brothers, Daughters of Charity, Daughters of St. Paul, Daughters of Wisdom, Little Sisters of the Poor, Sisters of Life, Dominican Sisters of Amityville, Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, Precious Blood Sisters, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. Sister of Life, Bethany Madonna shared her vocation story with the students after Communion. She reflected on understanding discernment as a prayerful exploration leading to a better understanding of her call to follow Christ as poor, chaste and obedient. Following the Mass, the Religious and students participated in a pizza fest for a meet and greet.

Comments made by the students about the experience included: “It was great to see the ease in which the Sisters and Brothers interacted with us.” “They are so genuine and happy with their lives.” “Speaking with these Religious on a personal level helped me understand their life better.” “Conversing with a Brother was helpful in my clarifying the Brothers’ vocation for myself.” Event was coordinated by Marist Brother Mike Sheerin, SJU Campus Minister.