Spirituality and Faith Formation
The University Chapel is located in Mercy Hall on the first floor. The chapel is open for private prayer during the day. Liturgy is held every Sunday evening at 5:00 pm, and there is an 11:00 am liturgy on Sundays at Mercy Center. Daily liturgy is at Mercy Center every day except Thursday at 11:15 am. There are no summer liturgies on campus in Mercy Hall.
Faith Sharing: Students meet once a week or different times during the liturgical year in the Office for Mission, Ministry and Service to read and reflect on the Sunday readings and share how the word of God speaks to their lives.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults): This is the process of initiation for adults seeking to learn about the Catholic faith or receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. This process is a commitment of two semesters for those entering the RCIA process.
Theology on Tap; Is a once-a-month program where students gather off campus in the evening for a meal and listen to a speaker on a faith-based topic.
Retreats: "Retreat in the flow of life" is a one-on-one directed retreat on campus that is held every Lent in the Spring Semester. Students can meet in small groups or have a spiritual companion to journey with through lent.
The SEARCH weekend in March/April is a student-led retreat that is held off campus. Students get to explore personal relationships, their relationship with God and engage in community.
Prayer Services: Throughout the year there are opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to come together for various prayer and faith sharing experiences during Mercy Week, Earth week and special occasions. Some of these prayer experiences are done at Mercy Center and shared with the local community of the Sisters of Mercy.
Special Programs: Special programs and experiences are held during Lent and Advent for the community to celebrate the different liturgical seasons.
Spiritual Direction or Pastoral Counseling is available to the campus community by appointments with the Mission, Ministry & Service staff. Spiritual Direction is for students interested in talking more about their faith life on a regular basis to discern where God is working in their life. Pastoral counseling is available to students who are struggling with 'life issues" and wish to drop in and speak with a staff member.
What if I am not Catholic? All students are welcome to participate in our spiritual/religious/social justice and service programs.
If students want to learn of other churches in the area they can stop in and speak with one of our staff or students can also click this link to view a local listing of churches in the area and their worship times. Transportation is not provided.