The history of student chaplaincy ' Strych'

Music perceived as an eternal daughter of God brings happiness to people and unites them with heaven. In 2000, it was the music that beautified the Eucharist, attracted young people and encouraged them to pray together in Kościół Kolejowy. At the very beginning, the Sunday evening Masses in this church gathered only a small group of students. This situation was gradually changing because more and more students attended these Masses. Yet, until the end of the academic year 2000/01 there was no student chaplaincy in Nowy Sącz. The decision about the establishment of student chaplaincy was taken in June in 2001. Jacek Siepsiak SJ was appointed as the student chaplain. It was he who made an attempt to organise a structure of it and create a singing group.

He has been replaced by Robert Więcek SJ who has taken the helm of chaplaincy and is still managing this task successfully. Considering the beginnings of chaplaincy, we should mention that the name 'Strych' was suggested and accepted during preparations for the first official academic year 2001/02. 'Strych' is one of several Christian active organizations in the parish of Najświetsze Serce Jezusa, therefore, it has been located on the highest floor of presbytery by the priest Kazimierz Ptaszkowski SJ.

The God is the creator of all music and thus we can worship Him in each type of it. This belief lead to celebration of thematic Masses in the year in which the chaplaincy was established. The 1st Mass was in the country style and inaugurated the new academic year. Later, the reggae music accompanied the Eucharist. It was then when a song "No woman, no cry" by Bob Marley was an inspiration for a new song "On zbawieniem jest" performed by the singing group of "Strych". The 3rd Mass was celebrated with the accompaniament of unusual Cuban and Hawaiian rhythms.

Despite the fact that it was in February and the weather was cold, there was a warm and friendly atmosphere in the church. The Mass "Hava Nagilla" was the last of this kind. Then, the rabbi was our special guest and he preached a sermon.

The search of the God in music lead students to jazz which frequently accompanied the Masses during retreat in the year 2004 and 2005. At that time, men were wearing black suits and hats what created the atmosphere of solemnity. There was also the unusual climate of prayer strengthened by the songs in Old and Orleans jazz style.

As for present groups acting within 'Strych', we should mention that there are several of them. Apart from the singing group, there is also a theatrical group " Larte". It has already put on a play 'Ożenek' by Nicolai Gogol, 'Wiele hałasu o nic' by William Shakespeare and the performance of 'Hiob' based on the drama by Karol Wojtyła.

Furthermore, students meet every Friday in order to thank and worship the God. In addition to this, they organise vigils and concerts in the church so as to adore the God. It is also worth noticing that there is a meditation group lead by Robert Więcek SJ. Its members are going deeper into unusual ways of prayer that demand the involvement of the whole person. It is done on the basis of the teaching of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

The chaplaincy also organises meetings callled 'The young and the ideal love' that are very popular with young people. These meetings help us to recognise the true love and discover it on different life planes.

Furthermore, the conference series entitled 'Conversations with the priest Robak"' give answers to many questions and dispel doubts concerning such subjects as women being the priests or the online confession. The other series of lectures is delivered by Robert Wiecek SJ. He raises such subjects as forgiveness, forgetting about harms done to us and making amends. In addition to this, young people have also the opportunity to attend the first aid courses.

'Happiness is always there' as Sławomir P, the member of this chaplaincy, says. It can be found in the sense of togetherness, shared work and pleasure. Various types of activities not only make the spiritual life develop but also contribute to the growth of artistic and musical talents.

There are also evening film fans meetings called 'AWFs' that are very popular with students. Apart from dance, 'AWFs', and carol meetings we have also St Andrew's parties, Christmas Eve suppers, New Year's Eve parties and Easter breakfasts.

These events and people who spend their time together create the unforgettable atmosphere and contribute to the development of student chaplaincy's tradition. It is the students' and Jesuits' involvement what makes 'Strych' the place where you can meet people, share troubles and worship the Almighty God .