Campus Ministry

Faith formation and reflective religious dialogue play important roles in the education and development of the whole person at the University of Dayton. As a primary agent in faith formation at UD, Campus Ministry, inspired by the University's Marianist tradition, forms persons and communities in a lived faith, expressed in worship, in challenging and compassionate relationships, and in commitment to justice and service. 

With thirty staff persons and a wide variety of programs, UD has one of the largest and most active campus ministry programs anywhere. 

Informed by the Roman Catholic Tradition, the vast majority of our programs appeal to students from different Christian backgrounds and those of other faiths. A full-time protestant campus minister serves as a part of the campus ministry team. Campus Ministry also connects students from other faith traditions to their respective faith communities off campus. A number of independent religiously based student organizations exist on campus. Together, these provide a range of options and opportunities for students to be a part of a faith community during their time at UD.

Christian Leadership, Vocation, and Retreat Opportunities

Over twenty retreats are offered each year for UD students. The retreats vary in size, style, theme and focus to provide opportunities for faith development in many ways. There are quiet relaxing guided retreats, wilderness retreats, retreats specific for academic years, large community focused retreats, interdenominational retreats and more that foster faith development through activities, discussion and prayer. Most retreats are led by student teams who prepare through weekly formational meetings.

Students also join small faith communities called Madeleine Groups. These student led groups meet regularly and focus in unique ways including faith sharing, scripture study and theological reflection.  Another option for small faith communities engagement includes Journey Groups which are led by Campus Ministers or students.  These groups are topically focused in nature and last for about 5-7 weeks.  Examples include our Lenten Journey Groups, Couples Journey Group, Sophomore Journey Groups, and the LGBTQ+ Journey Group.

We also offer the Callings program, a pre-orientation experience for incoming first-year students focused on fostering faith, vocation and leadership for new UD students as well as Madeleine Groups communities, retreat and leadership experiences.  In addition to Callings, we engage in many other opportunities to encourage vocational exploration amongst our students, faculty and staff - including the Faith, Vocation, and Leadership Houses, Agape Latte, and Chaminade Scholar spiritual support.

Our Campus Minister for Christian Diversity and Ecumenical Ministry focuses on outreach to those students on our campus who are Christian, offering specific retreat, small faith sharing, and worship opportunities on a regular basis throughout the academic year.

To learn more about these opportunities please find us online at retreats.

Center for Social Concern

Campus Ministry's Center for Social Concern is committed to faith-based social justice education, including direct service to the poor and marginalized, work on behalf of social justice, and changing unjust structures in society that oppress and marginalize human beings. The Center for Social Concern's regular BreakOut Trips, Summer Immersion Trips and the Summer Appalachia Program offer opportunities for service and justice education in domestic and international settings. Guest speakers and a number of other activities also contribute to these goals. At the heart of it all is a wide array of opportunities to reflect on the service and justice work in the context of faith.

Liturgies and Prayer

Students, faculty and staff are active in the liturgical life of the University as lectors, servers, Eucharistic ministers, music ministers, Mass coordinators and hospitality ministers at both daily and Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharistic adoration are scheduled regularly, and several opportunities for Vespers and communal reconciliation services are provided each year. An interdenominational Christian worship service is held every Sunday during the academic year. Other opportunities for worship are available in the local community.

Residence Life Ministry

Each residential area has campus ministers who actively engage students in faith based activities. Student leaders guide participation in activities such as faith sharing groups, bible studies, retreats, Mass, service and social opportunities, and other prayer experiences. In these and other ways, campus ministry is able to accompany, encourage and support students in areas of leadership, personal growth and spiritual development.