Chaplains’ Office Offers 'Closing the Distance' Video Series

St. Joseph Chapel on a sunny day. Photo by Avanell Brock

As the international coronavirus pandemic changes our way of life, the College chaplains turn to technology to maintain connection

As many across the country seek to find creative ways to stay connected in a time of social distancing, the College chaplains at Holy Cross are introducing a new video series, "Closing the Distance," to offer the wider Holy Cross community an opportunity to find comfort and to strengthen a sense of togetherness during this challenging time.

The video series will be offered every Sunday and during the Holy Days before Easter, and each video, featuring a chaplain or Jesuit, will aim to share a saving word where solace and wisdom might be found.

In the inaugural reflection on the fourth Sunday of Lent, Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president, introduces the series, noting, "The College chaplains wondered how they might continue to unite our dispersed community in this troubled time. One of the experiences that students and alumni tell us is so meaningful to them is the opportunity to hear homilies and reflections from Jesuits and chaplains who can speak to their experience."

"The strength and support that our community provides to one another in times of need continues to inspire all of us,” notes Marybeth Kearns-Barrett, director of College chaplains. "It is clear that we are learning how to be what St. Ignatius called a communitas ad dispersionem - a community dispersed, yet one."

All are welcome to view the series by subscribing to the "Closing the Distance" playlist on YouTube, or watch the &list=PL0HSvH5nR-SupahAkP1DbBaEKKl8Xw3a-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first video on the Holy Cross YouTube channel. The College also continues its Lenten Reflection series, Return to Me, a daily digital series filled with the voices of faculty, staff, students, Jesuits and alumni.