Many Catholics have been to Mass at several different churches, maybe including some shrines, basilicas, and cathedrals – but what about in a canyon? Last weekend, Fr. John Eustice, CSV – as chaplain of Saint Viator High School – led a group of students on a hike through Starved Rock State Park and celebrated Mass with them in LaSalle Canyon.
Students take turns lecturing during their outdoor Mass with Fr. John.
They drove down to Starved Rock, embarked on a hike together, and set up right on the stone with Fr. John’s Mass kit. “The format was so basic yet so impactful. It’s so simple just to be there, moving, in God’s Creation. It’s a profound experience,” Fr. John said.
Fr. John is originally from LaSalle, Illinois and has always loved Starved Rock. He frequently hikes in state parks, national parks, and nature preserves and seeks out ways to incorporate these eco-spirituality experiences into accompaniment of youth. He has worked with campus ministry on a Chicago River kayaking and river cleanup outing, and he led a hike and reflection as part of a young men’s service and reflection weekend last year.
Now as a priest, Fr. John can also celebrate Mass, including in outdoor settings on these outings. The opportunity definitely impacted the students. “One of them told me he was actually able to pay better attention out there in nature than he normally might be able to at Mass,” Fr. John shared.
Fr. John proclaims the Gospel at outdoor Mass.
In addition to the beautiful environs, Fr. John engaged the students as his lectors and, in the Liturgy of the Eucharist, elected to use Eucharistic Prayer IV. It’s a prayer used less frequently at typical Masses that differently emphasizes the beauty of Creation. “As the sun is beating down on the canyon, you’re feeling the cool breeze, and the water is crashing down over the wall. We’re living out Creation,” Fr. John said. “The words in the Roman Missal spoke to where we were.”
Ms. Maggie Miskowicz, Coordinator of Instructional Technology, joined Fr. John and the students for the day. She has helped with countless Saint Viator High School service trips and retreats, but Ms. Miskowicz loved the unique appeal of this outing. “Being surrounded by nature – with the waterfall flowing down into the canyon, away from everyday distractions – allowed us to slow down and listen to one another when Fr. John asked us to reflect during his homily,” Ms. Miskowicz said. “I definitely recommend more spiritual offerings like this in the future because it makes our faith more tangible. Being in nature really allows for a sense of peace and the ability to connect with God and what he has created.”
Fr. John agrees. With the easy logistics, minimal costs, and availability of school vans during the day, Fr. John wants to keep offering this trip regularly as school chaplain. Next year, when students compose their spiritual plans with campus ministry, he will offer this hike and outdoor Mass as an option they can choose for their spiritual experience.
Thank you to Ms. Miskowicz for sharing her amazing photos!