NU presents Lenten Mass, social justice mission talk

To celebrate Lent, Niagara University will host "Preaching the Gospel of Justice Locally and Globally" with the Rev. Sy Peterka, C.M., Class of 1972.

Events include an 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, March 18, in Alumni Chapel. At the 10 p.m. Mass, the St. Martin de Porres Church Gospel Choir will perform.

On Monday, March 19, a mission talk on "Social Justice As A Way of Life" will be presented at 7 p.m. in Alumni Chapel.

A native of Royersford, Pa., Peterka graduated magna cum laude from Niagara in 1972. He was Ordained in 1976, and later earned master's degrees in divinity and theology. Peterka went on to teach at St. Joseph's High School Seminary, and has also served as a vocation director and campus minister.

Peterka currently serves as pastor at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore. He has been involved with many clergy groups and is a founding member of Mission Baltimore, a group concerned with the welfare of "unchurched" youth in the city.

Peterka is the chair of Build Fellowship, an organization that operates three transitional houses aimed at helping people in recovery.  He is also a consultant to the church in Ethiopia and an adviser on formation to the Vincentian Province in Nigeria.