University Ministry
University Ministry
Monsignor Dan Dillabough, Vice President Mission and Ministry
Founders 191
(619) 260-2247
Michael Lovette-Colyer, Director, University Ministry
University Center 238
(619) 260-4251
Hours:
Monday-Friday |
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
The University Ministry Center strives to nourish, support, and challenge the faith development of all members of the USD community. Through diverse partnerships across campus, University Ministry works to foster an intellectual environment in which USD students’ academic and social development is amplified through complementary spiritual growth.
Persons of all religious traditions and those still searching for their religious identity are invited to take part in University Ministry’s liturgies, programs, activities, and services. In addition to a vibrant Roman Catholic sacramental life, University Ministry offers immersion trips, local service opportunities, retreats, small faith-sharing communities, pastoral counseling and companionship, scripture study, and ecumenical prayer services.
All of the Center’s programs are designed to empower students, staff, faculty, and alumni to:
- build a faith community
- develop a mature faith
- educate and work for justice
- nurture personal development
- cultivate leadership for Church and society
- form a Christian conscience
The USD community gathers in prayer each Sunday evening for Eucharistic liturgies in Founders Chapel at 7:00 and 9:00 PM. During these vibrant celebrations the campus community is renewed and refreshed for the on-going work of finding God in the midst of study, work, and play.
During the Academic year, Mass is celebrated daily at 12:15 p.m. in Founders Chapel. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered immediately preceding each daily Mass in the vestibule of Founders Chapel; Reconciliation is also available by appointment.
Those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church or preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) may take part in programs presented from mid-September through May. Likewise, University Ministry staff members are available to assist in preparation for marriage in Founders Chapel, the Immaculata, or in another Catholic church.
Service and Social Justice
The University Ministry Center provides weekly service opportunities with St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Special Delivery of San Diego; monthly trips to Tijuana, Mexico; and a variety of week-long immersion experiences during spring break and the January intersession. Once each semester, University Ministry also takes responsibility for staffing the Interfaith Shelter Network, a rotational shelter program serving the homeless population of San Diego County. In addition, the Center facilitates a variety of on-campus educational programs focused on social justice themes. All of the Center’s activities emerge out of the Catholic identity of the University as well as its commitment to Catholic Social Teaching.
Retreats
Pre-Orientation Retreat |
August 26 - 28 |
Fall Senior Seminar |
October 9 - 10 |
Fall Busy Person's |
October 11 - 15 |
Fall Search Retreat |
November 13 - 15 |
Spring Senior Seminar |
January 29 - 31 |
Men's Retreat |
February 26 - 28 |
Spring Search Retreat |
April 23 - 25 |
Liturgical Ministry
Students interested in serving the Founders Chapel community are encouraged to volunteer for one of the following roles:
Eucharistic Ministers: distribute the Eucharist to the community during the liturgy
Ministers of the Word: proclaim the Scriptures and Prayers of the Faithful during Mass
Altar Servers: Prepare the altar and assist the priest during Mass
Ministers of Hospitality: create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere by greeting the community and attending to their needs
All who are interested and welcome to serve in these roles. No previous experience is necessary.
Founders Chapel Choir
The Founders Chapel Choir offers students the opportunity to grow in faith while exercising and expanding their musical talents. The Choir joyfully and gracefully leads the community in prayer and song each Sunday evening during the student liturgies in Founders Chapel. All those interested are invited, including both vocalists and instrumentalists. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings. For more information, contact the Founders Chapel Choir Director, Annette Welsh at x6717.
In addition to the large Founders Chapel Choir, those students desiring greater musical challenges may audition to be a cantor or a part of the men’s or women’s ensemble. Very motivated students can apply for the position of student director.
Eucharistic Liturgies and Reconciliation
Founders Chapel:
Sunday Evening Mass (academic year) |
7:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m. |
Weekday Mass (M-F) |
12:15 p.m. |
Reconciliation is offered each weekday just prior to the start of the daily, noon-time mass, from 11:45 a.m.-12:00p.m. |
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The Immaculata:
Saturday Vigil |
4:30 p.m. |
Sunday Mass |
9:00 & 11:00 a.m. |
Weekday Mass (M-F) |
8:00 a.m. |
Reconciliation is offered each weekday just prior to the start of the daily, noon-time mass, from 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM. |
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University Ministry Staff
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Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Dillabough, Vice President for Mission & Ministry |
260-2263 |
Sr. Virginia Rodee, RSCJ, Assistant Vice President for Mission |
260-7431 |
Mr. Michael Lovette-Colyer, Director of University Ministry |
260-4735 |
Fr. Owen Mullen, University Chaplain |
260-7685 |
Fr. Mike White, C.S.Sp., University Chaplain |
260-2296 |
Mr. Mark Peters, Associate Director of University Ministry |
260-2265 |
Ms. Erin Bishop, Associate University Minister |
260-4897 |
Ms. Kelly Czajka , Associate University Minister |
260-7770 |
Ms. Mary Ronan, Associate University Minister |
260-4735 |
Mr. Robert Gilmore, Associate University Minister |
260-6818 |
Ms. Mary Kruer, Associate University Minister |
260-5903 |
Ms. Annette Welsh, Associate University Minister; Choir Director |
260-6717 |
Ms. Maria Torretto, Associate University Minister |
260-7407 |
Ms. Amy Gualtieri, Sacristan & Chapel Coordinator |
260-2229 |
Ms. Darlene Polak, Wedding Coordinator |
260-2229 |
Ms. Cathy Johnson, Special Assistant to the Vice President |
260-2263 |
Ms. Rosibel Lopez, Executive Assistant, University Ministry |
260-4735 |
Ms. Roxanne Burns, Executive Assistant |
260-4656 |

