October 21, 2011

Oct. 21, 2011

Brookland Children Invited to Halloween on Campus

9/11 service day

Students hand out candy for Halloween on Campus.

Tiny princesses and Power Rangers will troll for Halloween candy at Catholic University Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Each year, the Office of Campus Ministry hosts an evening of Halloween games and trick-or-treating on campus for youngsters who live next door to the University, in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C.

More than 300 children participated last year, including little ones whose parents study or work at the University.

"It's a way to give back to a neighborhood that gives so much to us," says David Pennington, associate campus minister for liturgy and worship.

This year the festivities take place on Marist Lawn, where there will be food, games, and face-painting. Costumes are not required but welcomed.

Candy Donations Needed

The Office of Campus Ministry asks Catholic University faculty and staff to donate wrapped and sealed candy or other traditional Halloween goodies for CUA's celebration on Oct. 26. Given the hundreds of children expected to attend, the need is "great," says David Pennington, associate campus minister for liturgy and worship. Donations may be dropped off at Campus Ministry through the day of Oct. 26. And students wishing to volunteer at the event may sign-up online .

As he did last year, University President John Garvey will attend the event.

Throughout the evening, groups of children will be escorted door-to-door through Curley Court. They'll stop at the upperclassmen's residences to sing out "Trick or treat!" and receive treats.

Aside from being a day of costumes and candy, Halloween is a vigil celebration of the Nov. 1 feast of All Saints, which honors all the saints in heaven. Indeed, the word "Halloween" means "all hallows eve" or "all saints eve."

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