It is that time of the year again: the temperatures are dropping, the sweaters and hoodies are being unpacked, pumpkin lattes are carried to class and students are beginning to feel the stress from the homework that is starting to be unleashed.

Luckily, this past weekend on Sept. 10, Campus Ministry offered the perfect solution: the annual Fall Getaway.

Advertised as a chance to get off campus, many students see it as an opportunity to take a breather from the already busy semester and meet some new friends.

The night’s events included a few icebreaker games, glow in the dark capture the flag, a game of kickball, a bonfire and a cookout.

It also gave students already involved in campus ministry a chance to lead small group discussions, including senior Amari Galloway. “I would say my favorite part of the fall getaway was leading the small groups. It was an amazing opportunity and I got the opportunity to meet new people. I really liked everything honestly.”

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions leader, and another small group leader, senior Morgan Dinsmore said, “I think the fall getaway was exactly what everyone needed last week. It was a good time away from all our stress and responsibilities. My personal favorite part was the kickball game and getting to know everyone!”

If you missed out on this past Friday’s fun, don’t worry, Campus Ministry offers many other fun activities.

The Carpe Diem Retreat is set to happen on the weekend of Oct. 1 at the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Sign up for the retreat on the Mercyhurst HUB page before Sept. 17.

Some of Campus Ministry’s other events and programs are: MYRACLE (Mercyhurst Youth Retreats and Catholic Leadership Education), which is a group of students that host retreats for the youth in the Erie diocese.

Sip & Stitch Crafting meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Campus Ministry lounge.

Tuesday Night Catholic Devotions also happens every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Chapel in the Student Union. Every second week of the month, the Catholic Devotions group meets in Christ the King Chapel for Eucharistic Adoration.

Wednesday Night Fellowship takes place every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. in the Prince of Peace Chapel.

Thursday Night Bible Study meets on every Thursday in the Prince of Peace chapel to discuss different Bible passages and apply them to daily life.

The Women’s Book Club meets each week to read and discuss a Christian book.

There are many ways to get involved in Mercyhurst Campus Ministry if you are interested in doing so.

If you would like to give Campus Ministry a try, but don’t know where to start, you can always contact Michelle Scully at mscully@mercyhurst.edu with questions and concerns.

You can also reach out to Fr. Jim Piszker or Sister Natalie Rossi, or Jenell Patton who are happy to chat with you. Campus Ministry is a welcoming community to everyone.

For more information, please check out Campus Ministry on the HUB and follow @hurstcampusmin on Instagram to stay up to date.