Free Event to Feature Music of Father John Klein, Lucas Nocera

Saint Leo University Ministry to Host ‘Kirkchella’ Coffeehouse on September 9

Saint Leo University Ministry will host its annual coffeehouse event, Kirkchella, 7-9 p.m., Thursday, September 9.

“Kirkchella,” a play on the popular Coachella arts and music festival in California, will take place outside of the clock tower at Saint Jude Chapel/Student Activities Building and on the Kirk Green (lawn) by Kirk Hall. Snacks and coffee will be served at this free event.

This year’s event will feature a special guest singer and musician, Father John Klein. Like Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain, Klein was ordained as a priest in the Legionaries of Christ order. Klein now serves the Catholic Center at Georgia Tech University.

He aspired to be a singer and songwriter, but then followed a calling to the priesthood, Meissen said. Now, Klein also shares the Good News through contemporary Catholic Christian music, which can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. One sample is “Eyes of Mercy” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-cLDhDzeV0.

Klein leads students in “street missions” in Georgia, singing and joining in praise with those who gather. Klein now uses his God-given gift to evangelize through his music.

Kirkchella also will feature Lucas Nocera, music minister for Saint Leo, who also has recorded contemporary Christian music.

“Joy is very much a part of who we are as Catholics,” said Meissen, Saint Leo’s university chaplain. “Our goal is to bring together students for a time of fellowship. And St. Augustine said, ‘the one who sings, prays twice.’”

This event is open to youth groups from neighboring parishes, Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Registration must be made in advance at https://eventactions.com/eareg.aspx?ea=Rsvp&invite=gz5pu7x8u9867v403em20byzf82fwd93e9ub5bu6uucnh7pdtgt0

Parking is free and may be found on campus in all open lots and the parking garage after 5:30 p.m. Saint Leo University is at 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574.

For more information, contact ministry@saintleo.edu.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 57 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 18,200 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 98,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.