The Syracuse University Catholic Center celebrates a weekly “Community Night” every Thursday, beginning with Mass at 7 p.m., followed by a delicious catered dinner attended by about 100 students. The students select the menu. On the final Thursday of the month, students are asked to “pay it forward.”

After dinner they make bologna and cheese sandwiches to bring to the Assumption Food Pantry on the north side of Syracuse. The pantry is run and operated by our friars. On Jan. 30,2025, more than 600 sandwiches were made in less than 20 minutes. “As they say, many hands make light work,” said Syracuse University Catholic Chaplain Friar Gerry Waterman, OFM Conv. “On Friday morning, I invite those students who have an hour free to join me in the delivery. The sandwiches are served for lunch that day.”

Members of local faithful fraternities Pi Kappa Alpha and Psi Upsilon also attended. Theta Chi usually attends as well but members were engaged with their annual philanthropy event.