Faith and Service

Who is God for you? Where do you find the holy in your life?

Join other USJ students in a comfortable and compassionate setting with time to share, question, discover the sacred, or pray.

There are a variety of ways to participate in Faith and Service. Here are a few:

Participate in Mass

• Liturgical Coordinators: This is a leadership opportunity where students learn through planning the liturgy and participating in our campus faith community as assistants during the liturgies.
• Music Ministers: The USJ Music Director welcomes the ministry of all community members who possess a love and/or a talent for vocal and instrumental music.
• Word Ministers (Lectors): The Ministry of the Word requires individuals who love the Scriptures and who are comfortable proclaiming them in public. The Office of Faith and Service provides training.
• Hospitality Ministers: These ministers set up the gathering space before liturgies and make all who enter the worship space feel welcome.
• Altar Servers: In this role, you will learn how to provide the priest with support by preparing the altar before, during, and after the liturgy.

Participate in Compassionate Service

The Office of Faith & Service supports with connecting our USJ Community to service experiences that enhances the Mercy Core Value of Compassionate Service. Our goal is to create an understanding of the impact GIVING has for those we engage around us. Visit Community Service for more information.

Participate in Programming

No matter your faith background, you are welcomed to participate in all our various programs ranging from retreats to Food for the Soul gatherings.

Participate as a Student Worker

As a Student Worker, you will assist the Office of Faith and Service in organizing, planning, promoting, and supporting events. For more information on the hiring process feel free to contact us.

Participate as a Peer Campus Minister

As a Peer Campus Minister, you will have the opportunity to enhance your ministry and spirituality through organizing, planning, and supporting events.

Participate With Your Ideas

All are welcome to bring their ideas and suggestions. It was inspiration from USJ students, faculty, and staff that brought us the Holi Festival, Diwali, World Hijab Day, Interfaith Seder Meal, and the Stations of the Cross Fair.

We provide opportunities for all students to develop their faith.

In keeping with the integrity and values of a Catholic institution, USJ’s Office of Faith and Service promotes the spiritual growth of students, faculty, and staff of all faiths and traditions. With that in mind, we have made efforts to provide experiences that encompass diverse beliefs and spiritual/ religious backgrounds.

Examples of the Interfaith programming that has taken place are:

• National World Hijab Day
• Interfaith Fair
• Food for the Soul gatherings
• Chapel Series in collaboration with the Hoffman Auditorium where we featured artists such as:
  • Soweto Gospel Choir
  • Women of the World
  • Afro-Semitic Experience
  • Art of Duo
• Interfaith Socials
• Holi Festival
• Diwali
• Ramadan Potluck
• Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Lantern Procession

Contact us for more information about these opportunities.

FIND MORE INTERFAITH HOLIDAYS CELEBRATED IN THE U.S.

Explore your relationship with God and others. Contact us for more information about these opportunities.

Retreats

A chance for you to reflect on your relationship with God and enjoy the fellowship of other people who are struggling and/or growing on their journey of faith. Two retreats are held each academic year. Retreats are based on students’ expressed Spiritual needs. This may be reflected through a Christian- Catholic lens and/or an Interfaith-based lens.

Spiritual Direction

One-on-one meetings with the Director of Campus Ministry or the Campus Ministry Chaplain are available to discuss faith questions and spiritual growth. We are open to connecting you with the spiritual and/or religious resources and supports that you are feeling called to explore.

Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation

If you are Catholic or considering embracing Catholicism as your faith foundation, have not received one or all of these sacraments and want to know more about receiving them, the Office of Faith and Service will provide guidance and connect you with programs in the local area.

Prayer

Meet with the Director of Campus Ministry and/or Chaplain to learn about different forms of prayer. The Multi-faith Prayer Room is also available for everyone to find peace and have sacred time with one’s own Divine power.

“May All Who Enter This Chapel Be Saved.”

Built-in 1966, The Connor Chapel of Our Lady is the heart of the University’s Roman Catholic tradition. It is here where the community gathers to celebrate and share in our faith.

The Connor Chapel of Our Lady History

Prior to The Chapel’s existence, the University celebrated Mass in the gymnasium located in the basement of McDonough Hall, or in the small chapel on the second floor of Mercy Hall.

In 1964, college administrators recognized the need to build a permanent place of worship and launched a fundraising campaign. Joseph and Jane Cullen Connor, neighbors and friends of University of Saint Joseph, expressed immediate interest in planning and funding a campus chapel.

The project moved forward and the cost escalated to $900,000; the Connors agreed to contribute the entire amount. As Jane described it at The Chapel’s dedication, the Connors saw their gift as the opportunity to give “beauty back to God.”

Throughout the planning phase, Joseph struggled with his health. Only two weeks before the ceremonial groundbreaking, he passed away. On July 16, 1965, Jane broke ground on the long-awaited Chapel. As she dug the shovel into the earth, Jane murmured a prayer: “May all who enter this Chapel be saved.”

To this day the words exist, inscribed on the narthex floor inside the main doors. Since its completion more than 50 years ago, The Chapel has continuously served the liturgical, academic and spiritual needs of all who enter.

Weekly Mass Schedule

The Campus Community is most welcome to join in the celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays in The Connor Chapel of Our Lady. Mass is held only during the Academic Year (no Mass during Winter and Summer breaks).

Sundays at 7 p.m. – Chapel

• Our Sunday Mass time is 7 p.m.
• So COME! Enjoy beautiful music from the Chapel Choir!
• Take a breather! Say a prayer! Make new friends!