When walking by one of the dorm lounges at Marymount University in Arlington, it’s typical to see students studying together, watching movies, eating a quick snack or just hanging out. But once a week, one of the lounges is transformed into a chapel for Mass.

The "Mass on Wheels" program at Marymount celebrates Mass on a different dorm floor each week and brings Mass to the students where they are.

Thursday evening begins with a holy hour in the Marymount chapel. Raffy Urgino, assistant director of campus ministry, leads the students in quiet praise songs before the Eucharist. At the end of the holy hour, students walk to the week’s location for "Mass on Wheels."

Upon arriving, the group transforms the lounge into a chapel. They rearrange the couches, chairs and tables. J.P. Goshco, a sophomore, sets up the altar with supplies carried in a Mass kit. The small box contains an altar cloth, crucifix, candles, corporal, ciborium, chalice, hosts and wine — everything needed to celebrate Mass.

As students trickle in music begins. Lauren Knutowicz, associate director of campus ministry, and other campus ministers walk through the hall knocking on doors, inviting students to come.

"It’s an effort to do outreach and be present to the students," said Father Jack Peterson, chaplain. There are a group of students who come regularly, but this Mass reaches out to the others.

Mary Seidel, a freshman, admitted that she doesn’t usually enjoy going to church, but she likes Mass on wheels. The informal setting is a change from the pews in the chapel, said Knutowicz.

"It’s more relaxed. I like the music," said Seidel.

During the homily, Father Peterson preaches through engaging stories, facts and words of support for the youths. On the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, he recounted each of the seven sorrows of Mary.

"Mary’s suffering was unique," he said. "Her pain at the foot of the cross is unfathomable."

Father Peterson also encouraged the youths to be an example to the campus in their faithfulness to God.

"Let no one have contempt for your youth," he said.

Megan Murphy, a senior, enjoys the fellowship and meeting people who she wouldn’t normally see during the day.

"It helps with my faith," said Goshco, of the special Mass. "It’s easy to fall behind."

Several freshmen attended their first Mass on wheels on Sept. 15 and voiced an interest in returning in the following weeks.

Mass is followed by pizza and dorm room blessings. The lacrosee team also had their sticks blessed by Father Peterson. Other students welcomed the priest into their rooms for a blessing.

"If we bring to them the faith, they’ll respond," he said.