Campus Ministry

Welcome to St. Mary’s University Campus Ministry

Where we are committed to nurturing the whole person by developing the mind, body, and spirit of our students. Our mission is to provide a welcoming space that meets students where they are at in their unique faith journeys. Through access to the sacraments, pondering our rich Catholic faith, vibrant fellowship, and a desire to facilitate a deeper understanding of life’s purpose, our Campus Ministry seeks to enrich your university experience.

At St. Mary’s University, we understand that the pursuit of knowledge goes beyond the classroom. We believe that the university experience is a time for exploration and self-discovery, and our Campus Ministry is here to accompany you on this transformative journey. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your relationship with God, build connections with your peers, or simply ponder life’s greater questions, our Campus Ministry is a valuable resource to lean on.

We invite you to explore the many opportunities we offer, from religious services to community outreach programs, all aimed at helping you grow in fellowship with other students and find a sense of purpose while studying on our campus. St. Mary’s University Campus Ministry is more than a place; it’s a community that believes in your potential and your purpose.

By having you take time away from your busy lives to go to an off campus retreat, you will get an opportunity to grow closer with your fellow peers, be uplifted in the faith through mass, prayer and speakers and build wonderful memories together. Retreats are critical events which allow you to realign your heart and soul toward God and give you a sense of greater direction and purpose. StMU subsidizes the cost of the retreat to make it affordable for you. Various topics could include discerning your vocation and living as a Catholic in the modern world.

Every Wednesday at 11:30 in McGivney Hall, students, staff, faculty and community members join together as people of God in praise and thanksgiving, listening to the scriptures, breaking the Eucharistic bread and opening more fully to God’s love. Following mass, we will also share a meal or snacks together as a community. We welcome everyone who wishes to participate in the celebration.

In the Classroom building you’ll find a small chapel for individual prayer and meditation. The Oratory is dedicated as a space for students and staff to spend time throughout the day in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Located in C112 everyone is welcome to spend a moment in the quiet space during the Classroom Building’s open hours.

Campus Ministry offers spiritual direction to assist students, faculty and staff wrestling with questions such as how to find peace, discover your meaning or purpose, discerning God’s will for your life or searching for tools and guidance for prayer.

Conversations can be on a drop-in basis or by appointment at the Campus Ministry Office (M109).

You can contact Keelin Kennedy, our Campus Ministry Coordinator; or Fr. Troy our Campus Chaplin.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is always available during Adoration and prior to mass but can also be set up via appointment by contacting Fr. Troy directly at campus.ministry@stmu.ca

Social justice is a principle of the universal human community that guarantees equity and the human rights of every individual. It further emphasizes the responsibility of every person for the welfare of every other person and the planet. The tradition of Catholic social teaching calls for a commitment to social justice that stems from a network of principles including the dignity of the human person, stewardship of creation and protection and advocacy of human rights.

Each year, students, faculty and staff choose a theme for social justice initiatives on campus. Projects creating awareness and opportunities for involvement are held during the year to support and promote the theme.

Campus Ministry supports the faith journey of all students, faculty and staff regardless of faith tradition. We welcome ideas of how to improve our interfaith collaboration on campus.

Working with South of Fish Creek Interfaith, we provide opportunities for you to connect on campus and within the city at large to connect with like-minded individuals.

Caring for your basic needs is a critical way that StMU supports your academic journey. In collaboration with St. Vincent DePaul, Campus Ministry opened Vinny’s Market which is available to all students. For additional information or to contribute to the Food Pantry please contact us at campus.ministry@stmu.ca.

St. Mary’s University is home to a full-sized fine art reproduction of The Saint John’s Bible, the first handwritten and illuminated Bible in more than 500 years. Thanks to several generous donors who contributed a total of $350,000, we have acquired all seven volumes of the Heritage Edition. We welcome you to the StMU campus to experience this masterpiece. Commissioned in 1998 by the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Minnesota, it was created by a team of scribes, artists and craftspeople in a scriptorium in Wales under the artistic direction of Donald Jackson, one of the world’s foremost calligraphers and the Scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Reflecting the construction of its medieval predecessors, The Saint John’s Bible was written on vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand-ground pigments and gold leaf while incorporating modern themes, images and technology of the 21st century.

The Saint John’s Bible is available for viewing in the Library Monday to Friday 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. or by appointment. To book an appointment call 403-254-3761 or email cindy.wiebe@stmu.ca.

For any questions or to schedule a meeting, reach out to Campus Ministry.

Keelin Kennedy, Campus Ministry Coordinator: 
Email: campus.ministry@stmu.ca
Phone: 403-254-7930

Fr. Troy Nguyen, Campus Chaplin:
Email: campus.ministry@stmu.ca