Axes and fur fly for Welcome Week

Special to the Catholic Herald

University of Mary Washington Catholic Campus Ministry students (from left) Abigail Checco, Ellie Moore and Angela Payne pose for a photo while armed with their axes at last month’s CCm event in Fredericksburg.

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Freshman Eloise McCall (center) and many other students enjoy the Back-to-School bash at UMW CCM. Nosca Dietrich | Courtesy

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• NOSCA DIETRICH | COURTESY UMW CCM
CCM student Marcus Flanagan dons a pink pig costume to highlight the petting zoo and meet some small admirers during the university’s Back-to-School Bash. • NOSCA DIETRICH | COURTESY UMW CCM

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Catholic Campus Ministry student leaders Ben Arp and Janie Whatley walk through the University of Mary Washington campus in Fredericksburg on Freshman Movie-in Day to hand out welcome packages to new students. More than 750 packages distributed included homemade chocolate chip cookies, a magnet with a Mass and event schedule, a sticker, a welcome note, and an invitation to CCM events. MARIELLE CUSSON | COURTESY UMW CCM

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in Fredericksburg

During the week, CCM student leaders had a chance to meet the new students and welcome them to the ministry. On Freshman Move-in Day, some roamed the campus handing out more than 750 welcome packages that included chocolate chip cookies, a magnet with Mass and liturgy times, and an invitation to other upcoming events.

After Mass, Father Richard A. Miserendino, chaplain and director, joined students and ministry leaders at the axe-throwing cage where he said there were no axes to grind but plenty to throw. The stress-relieving event brought students together for pizza, camaraderie and a chance for friendships to blossom.

And while some might say campus ministry is a bit of a zoo all year round, it most certainly was at the Back-to-School Bash later that week. It featured a petting zoo with live animals along with an ice cream truck. Both the animals and the free ice cream were a big hit on campus and key to welcoming newcomers to the CCM.

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