Panther Catholic Week is being sponsored by the student organizations St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center, UNI Right to Life, UNI Knights of Columbus and funded in part by the Northern Iowa Student Government. This is an opportunity for all UNI students, whether Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant, non-religious or any other faith, to engage in the Christian Faith.

Panther Catholic Week will be held Feb. 2-6.

“The different events provide an educational and spiritual growth opportunity to challenge us to be engaged in our own faith lives. This week also presents opportunities to give back to the community, to spread social justice awareness and enjoy community events with other fellow Panthers,” said Ben Huber, senior elementary education and middle level education double major.

All events are free and open to the public. 

The first event during Panther Catholic Week is “The Revolution of Holiness” on Monday, Feb. 2. Dan DeMatte’s speech will be in Lang Hall Auditorium at 8 p.m.

“Overall, this week will equip us in being knowledgeable of other religious foundations and will encourage all of us to reflect on our actions and our acceptance of others within the UNI community,” Huber said. 

A concert with Daniel Oberreuter, lead singer of The Thirsting Band will perform Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Lang Hall Auditorium. The performance aims to proclaim the truth of Catholicism.

On Wednesday at 9 p.m. there will be a “Primetime Mass and Social” with Chad’s Pizza at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center. There will also be a chance to win prizes if attendees wear UNI apparel. 

There will be an opportunity to donate to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 5-7 p.m. for a free meal in the St. Stephen Catholic Student Center Social Hall. 

At 7 p.m. “The 40 Film”  will play in the St. Stephen Catholic Student Center Classroom.

The event “Romans & Christians Tournament” will take place in the St. Stephen Catholic Student Center Social Hall Friday from 7-10 p.m. 

“The theme of the week is based off of Matthew’s Gospel passage, Matthew Chapter 5 verses 14-16, helping us to recognize that we are not meant to hide the gift we’ve received in freedom with Jesus, but to share and be that Light to the world,” Huber said. “Hopefully this week presents a way where we can all share our Light with others in a positive and accepting way for our neighbor Panthers.”