At the University of Dayton, campus ministry is a significant part of the learning experience.

Campus ministry, inspired by the Marianist tradition, strives to form persons and communities through a lived faith, expressed worship, challenging and compassionate relationships, and commitment to justice and service.

Worship opportunities

Worship opportunities are regularly scheduled (Sunday Eucharists, daily Eucharists and the Sacrament of Reconciliation). Student involvement as lay ministers (lectors, communion ministers and music ministers) is important to these celebrations.

Monday through Friday, Mass is celebrated in Immaculate Conception Chapel at 12:05 p.m. To accommodate students, Sunday Masses are normally offered in the main chapel at 10 a.m., noon, 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. There is also a Sunday Mass at McGinnis Center at 9 p.m. On special weekends, times are subject to change. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available weekly, during seasonal reconciliation services and upon request of any priest on the campus ministry staff. The Immaculate Conception Chapel operates as a chapel of Holy Angels Parish on K Street, which borders campus. Masses at Holy Angels are held Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and noon.

Since UD is a Catholic university, significant emphasis is placed on worship for our Catholic population. However, worship opportunities are also provided for those who do not profess the Catholic faith. The University encourages arrangements with local faith communities of other traditions and has successfully connected students with communities in their traditions.

Campus ministry at the University of Dayton

Beyond liturgical celebrations, campus ministry provides opportunities for people to enhance their understanding of their faith through sacramental programs, retreats, guest speakers, faith-sharing groups and other educational activities. Students are encouraged to participate in planning and leading these activities.

Retreat programs

• Teams of five to 30 students and a campus minister lead our weekend retreats.
• The Lighthouse Retreat is a time to explore spirituality, self and relationships through the powerful symbol of the lighthouse, ritual and community reflection.
• At the More To Life Retreat you will experience an energizing weekend exploring your goals and values, awakening your prayer life and reflecting upon your faith journey.
• The Metanoia Retreat (Greek for “change of heart”) provides an opportunity to open your heart to Christ’s presence in your life.
• Wilderness Retreats (men’s, women’s and co-ed) are held within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky.
• During a Guided Retreat you will enjoy a quiet weekend to nurture your body and soul at beautiful Indian Lake, Ohio. Personal and shared prayer, and spiritual guidance is offered.
• At the Couples Retreat, couples in all stages of a relationship take time to celebrate, learn and share with their partner, as well as with other couples.

Theatrical-based faith development opportunities

• Option To... allows a team of students to write, direct and perform a play based on “options” to faith and spirituality that engage college students’ faith journeys.
• The Advent Event and Lent Event are student-performed plays which bring forth the spirit and stories of Advent and Lent.

Faith sharing groups

• Opportunities are provided for ongoing faith sharing groups within residence halls and throughout the student neighborhood.

A strong campus community

Creating welcoming communities is an element that makes the Residence Life Ministry program distinctive. Campus ministers help students enhance their faith throughout daily residence life. In addition to personal contact, programs are created to fit students' interests and needs, including faith sharing and bible study groups, retreats, prayer experiences and service opportunities. The diversity of the campus is recognized and celebrated through special programs for our diverse student populations.

Residence Life Ministry at the University of Dayton consists of full-time, professional campus ministers, graduate assistants and undergraduate student interns who form residential teams. Working together within a designated residential area, they accompany, encourage and support students in areas of personal growth and spiritual development. These campus ministers collaborate with the Residential Programs staff by participating in staff meetings and floor programs, to create welcoming communities where students can live the Marianist ideal of "Learn, Lead and Serve."

Campus ministry graduate assistants engage in supervised ministry and academic pursuits. Each graduate assistant collaborates with his/her supervisory team member to form a community by planning spiritual and social activities for students. Each campus ministry residential team builds values of shared leadership, accountability, responsibility and equality. They provide for a variety of liturgical experiences, including the Eucharist and other prayer experiences, interaction with residents on their respective floors, formation of student teams to plan and direct student retreats, and participation in weekly faith sharing and bible study groups.

The Center for Social Concern

The social dimension of the Church’s mission is twofold: direct service to the poor and marginalized, and advocacy to change unjust structures that oppress and marginalized people. The Center for Social Concern provides opportunities to participate in this important mission of the Church through its peace and justice activities, and service clubs. These activities provide students many opportunities to "Learn, Lead and Serve." Through justice education programs and service-learning, the center exposes students to today's complex problems, challenging them to connect their faith with action. Programs offered by the center include:

Immersion experiences

• Dayton Summer of Service is eight weeks of service-learning while living in community.
• The UD Summer Appalachia Program provides nine weeks of community living and working among the poor in Eastern Kentucky.
• The African Program immerses you in African culture for one month.
• In the Latin American Program, you experience opportunities of various lengths to serve in Colombia, Honduras, Costa Rica and other countries.
• The India Program is a month-long experience with the Marianists in India.

Service clubs

• Over 900 students are involved in more than 30 student-led organizations that range from one-on-one help with at-risk youth, to Habitat for Humanity, to advocacy for international prisoners.

Beyond UD

• Opportunities for post-graduate service are encouraged.

Service-learning programs

• Into the Streets gives 400 to 500 students a taste of community service in one weekend and encourages long-term commitments.
• BreakOuts are weeklong service trips during spring break and after final exams in May to sites including Chicago, Tijuana, Haiti and Appalachia.
• The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service allows you to turn the "day off" into a "day on" by working to bring Dr. King's dream to life.

Programs to raise awareness

• Hunger Awareness Week raises students' awareness of hunger in the U.S. and the world.
• Week in Solidarity with the Homeless (W.I.S.H.) creates a sense of compassion toward the homeless.
• Disabilities Awareness Week helps individuals see "people first, disabilities second."
• Consistent Ethic of Life Program teaches you to value life in all its forms and to challenge your ethical stance on life issues.
• At the Urban Plunge Retreat you spend a weekend experiencing the problems of people living in our urban areas.
• During the Rural Plunge Retreat you spend a weekend learning from farmers the joys and worries of farm life today.

Through the Chaminade Scholars Program, students can prepare for their post-graduate lives spiritually as well as academically.  Learn more >