University Ministry

University Ministry sustains and enlivens the spiritual development of all members of the USD community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The catalyst of spiritual life on campus, University Ministry invites people of all religious traditions and those still searching for religious identity to participate in its activities, which include worship, social justice and service opportunities, retreats, pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, liturgical ministries, the Founders Chapel choir, Residential Learning Communities and various reflection groups.

USD is a Roman Catholic institution proud of the religious diversity on campus. The annual All-Faith Service celebrating the many faith traditions on campus is a USD tradition. The Jewish Student Union and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship for Protestant Christians are active campus organizations and collaborate closely with University Ministry. Information about on- and off-campus opportunities to practice any faith is available to all students in the University Ministry Center.

To mark the beginning of the academic year, University Ministry coordinates the New Student and Parent Mass, and the Mass of the Holy Spirit each September. Each May, the Baccalaureate Mass celebrates and gives thanks for the commencement of our graduates.

Programs for those interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation) are presented from mid-September through early April. Likewise, University Ministry staff members are available to assist members of the USD community in preparation for marriage in Catholic churches.

Sunday Mass is celebrated in Founders Chapel at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. throughout the school year; Mass also is celebrated daily at 12:15 p.m. Mass is celebrated at The Immaculata Parish on Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and daily at 8 a.m.