The Catholic Student Organization at The University of Memphis is holding a free masquerade ball this Saturday to get into the playful Halloween groove.
Members of the Catholic Student Center, located on Mynders across from Patterson Hall, hope the event will bring some new faces into its small group, with an estimated 30 members now involved.
"We're all about students finding a home here," said Brenda Kindelan, the CSO campus minister. "And we want to promote students getting involved on campus."
The sixth annual ball will be held at the center begins at 9 p.m. and lasts until midnight or later.
"It has been very successful every year," said Christopher Robbins, the party's organizer.
"We want everyone to come, dress up and have a good time."Although the event is a party, the night will include more than just dancing. A highlight will be the costume competition, where those dressed in their creative best will compete for a $25 prize.
For students not interested in dancing, are providing a real-life murder mystery game. Students will receive clues and be left to solve a make-believe murder. The mystery is similar to the board game "Clue," but with real people playing the characters.
A dance-off is also included in the night's events, as well as free food.
Lydia Gillis, the Catholic Student Organization's secretary and activities coordinator, hopes the ball will get the word out about the CSO.
"We want students to have some fun, but we also want to let more students know that we (the organization) are there," she said.The ball will also offer information for students interested in Catholicism, although attendance is open to everyone.
Constance Wesley, a 22-year-old senior and non-Catholic, said the ball is a good way for students like her who are interested in the faith, to break the ice.
"Usually, getting involved in religious activities can be a little intimidating, but the ball sounds like a good way for students to meet each other without feeling any pressure."
"We just want students to get together and have a chance to have a good time without alcohol," Gillis said.
The organization will also be hosting another event this weekend, a Hawaiian luau, although costumes will not be part of the night's agenda.
The luau is scheduled for Sunday at the center and will begin after the 5 p.m. Mass.
"Anyone and everyone is invited to come out and enjoy some real Hawaiian food," said Gillis.
For more information on the CSO, contact Barbra Kindelan at 323-3051, or come out on Wednesday nights for a communion service, dinner and an activity, which precedes the CSO's meetings.
