This December, Campus Ministry will be hosting free Advent Art Journaling on Thursdays, Dec. 1 and 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Ministry lounge.

Students do not have to register in advance and art supplies will be provided for these walk-in-sessions. The Campus Ministry Lounge is located on the ground level of the Student Union.

These sessions are a chance for you to follow an art prompt that usually has some words like joy, love, peace and hope. The event will provide students with an opportunity to express themselves.

“My favorite part is that we are using the same prompt but each person in their own unique and distinctive way come up with something that speaks to them,”said Jenell Patton, assistant director of Campus Ministry.

Advent is the reminder of in-tentionally slowing down in the liturgical calendar as we wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ—whose birth we celebrate on Christmas.

“We hang people’s work on the Campus Ministry wall to allow people to further reflect on intentionally waiting on the arrival of Jesus Christ’s birth” said Patton.

You do not need to be someone who practices religion to participate. Just come, slow down and be present to yourself and the God of your understanding.

While Advent Art Journaling is a special holiday event, Campus Ministry hosts free events Sunday through Friday that students can participate in throughout the semester.

Every Sunday, Campus Ministry hosts a Women’s Group at 7 p.m. that focuses on a video series on Breneé Brown and Brown’s series on “Atlas of the Heart.”

Campus Ministry hosts Student Athlete Fellowship every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room.

Students who love knitting or wish to learn can go to Sip and Stitch on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Supplies to knit are provided in addition to tea and coffee.

Campus Ministry also hosts Catholic Devotions on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

On Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., students can participate in Wednesday Night Fellowship.

Then on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., join Campus Ministry for a Bible Study session. On Fridays from 2-4 p.m., students convene in the Campus Ministry lounge to play various games and make crafts.

Students should also watch for a future announcement about the spring Carpe Diem Retreat.

In the past, Campus Ministry has host hosted several Dog Days, where they convene in front of the Student Union with many dogs to bring smiles to students and faculty faces. To keep up to date with all events Campus Ministry is host-ing, you can follow them on Instagram @hurstcampusmin. Anyone who has any questions or wishes to get involved with Campus Ministry can reach out to Jenell Patton at jpatton@mercy-hurst.edu.