University Ministry

University Ministry affirms the rich diversity of faiths represented at USF and provides opportunities for spiritual growth in the areas of social justice, retreats, worship, and faith formation. All members of the University community are invited to participate in these activities.

Social justice programming focuses on issues such as fair trade coffee, sweatshops, global human rights, the death penalty, homelessness, environmental justice, and public policy. Programs include the Justice Lecture Series where Nobel Laureates are invited to campus to speak on contemporary justice themes. The Arrupe Immersion Experience, which takes place during Intersession and Spring break, offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to work together and experience the cultures of Guatemala, Tijuana, Belize, and the Tenderloin and Bay Point areas of San Francisco.

Our Community Action program offers volunteer opportunities such as Project Open Hand, St. Anthony's Women's Shelter, and the Sacred Heart, St. Charles, and St. Anthony's Tutoring Programs. Seasonal activities include the Christmas Giving Tree, October Outreach, and April Action programs that provide volunteers to San Francisco service organizations in the Bay Area.

Retreat weekends provide an opportunity to reflect on selected themes in prayer, conversation and silence. Some of these include the New Student, Kairos, Interfaith, and Ignatian Retreats.

The celebration of the Eucharist, the Mass, is central to the Catholic expression of faith. All are invited to participate as Eucharistic ministers, lectors, greeters, ushers, liturgy planners, sacristans, choir members, or musicians. Join us for the Mass of the Holy Spirit when the University community gathers to celebrate the beginning of the academic year, as well as at our student masses held on Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The seventeen Resident Ministry Interns who live in the residence halls are staff members who provide a pastoral presence and opportunity to connect with a number of campus activities. Working closely with Residence Life, Resident Ministry Interns sponsor hall programs such as community dinners, residence hall retreats, Christian Life Communities, and specialized activities with living learning communities. They provide weekly community service opportunities and reflection.

For further information on University Ministry, view our website at www.usfca.edu/universityministry/ or e-mail us at um@usfca.edu. We are located in Lower Phelan Hall, where you may telephone us at (415) 422-4463.