University Ministry: A Time of Renewal

March 27, 2026

As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring settles over San Francisco, we find ourselves surrounded by a renewed sense of energy and possibility. The city feels alive in a different way this time of year, with sunlight stretching across the hills, laughter echoing through parks, and familiar streets inviting us to slow down and take it all in. It is a season that gently calls us back to one another, reminding us of the beauty of community and shared presence.

This time of year also brings with it a convergence of sacred celebrations. As we approach Easter, we are invited into a story of renewal, hope, and new life. At the same time, our Muslim brothers and sisters have just marked the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful celebration centered on gratitude, generosity, and community. Nearby on the calendar, the Jewish celebration of Passover recalls a journey from hardship to liberation, rooted in memory, resilience, and faith. Each of these traditions, in their own way, speaks to transformation and the enduring promise of renewal.

Here in San Francisco, a city shaped by its diversity, these overlapping seasons of faith are not distant observances but living realities woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods. From festive gatherings and shared meals to moments of prayer and reflection, we are reminded that this city holds space for many stories at once. It is in this coexistence that we find a deeper understanding of what it means to belong.

University Ministry continues to be a place where these stories can meet. Whether through quiet moments of reflection, communal worship, or simple conversations between friends, we strive to be a space where everyone is seen, heard, and supported. In a world that often moves too quickly, we hope to offer an invitation to pause, listen, learn, and accompany one another with care and compassion.

As we move further into this season, may we carry with us the warmth not only of the sun but of our shared humanity. May we be attentive to the needs of those around us, open to the richness of different traditions, and grounded in the hope that renewal is always possible. In this city by the bay, and within this community, may we continue to be an ear for one another and a source of light in one another’s lives.

Wednesday, April 1 | 12–1 p.m. | Meet on the steps of St. Ignatius Church

This is a time in the United States of America where migrants are being dehumanized. In the Christian tradition, this day of Holy Week is a day of reflection on the themes of betrayal and the price of faith.

Jesus tells us that whatever we do to the "least of these," we do to him. All are welcome to join us as we make an outdoor and indoor Stations of the Cross in solidarity with migrants.

For more information, email University Chaplain Donal Godfrey, S.J.

We are so excited to announce an award opportunity for second-year students at USF! The goal of the Robert Holgate Pride Fellowship Award in Queering Religion is to highlight student activism in queering religion on the USF campus. This award honors the ongoing generosity and commitment of Robert Holgate; his support enables the Queering Religion ministry to create more inclusive programs and build spiritual communities.

The Robert Holgate Pride Fellowship Award in Queering Religion will award at least one student $1,500 at the end of each spring semester going forward.

For more information, contact Rabbi Camille Angel.

Sunday, March 29 | 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
McClaren Conference Center

Join the Consulate General of Ireland, the University of San Francisco, and SF in SF (Science Fiction in San Francisco) as we welcome Mrs. Mary Robinson, President of Ireland (1990-1997), United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997-2002), and globally recognized Human Rights advocate. Joining her in conversation will be award-winning writer Kim Stanley Robinson, author of " The Ministry for the Future".
Space is limited! Register now.

For more information, email University Chaplain Donal Godfrey, S.J.

Register by Tuesday, March 31

Graduating this spring, summer, or fall? Celebrate your graduation through community-centered celebrations rooted in cultural traditions. Register today for one or more of the seven End of the Year Ceremonies hosted by the Cultural Centers! All graduating students are welcome.

For more information, contact the Cultural Centers.

Sunday, March 29 | 6:30–8 p.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

We’re excited to invite you to be part of a new campus-wide initiative—the Sports and Social Justice Series, a collaboration between the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Interfaith & Social Justice Program within University Ministry.

Our first gathering will set the tone for the semester—an opportunity to connect, share stories, and begin imagining how we can use our platforms for positive change.

We hope you’ll join us in co-creating this important space for reflection, dialogue, and action. Together, we’ll build a community that celebrates the power of student leadership and collective advocacy.

All USF students, staff, and faculty are welcome!

For more information, email Mauricio Diaz de Leon

Monday, April 6 | 12:30–1:15 p.m. PDT
Online via Zoom

Join us for a guided meditation via Zoom!

Guided meditation can help reduce stress, increase patience, improve focus, and more! Open to all students, faculty, and staff. Registration is required!

April 6 | Session 3: Deep Relaxation Meditation

For more information, email Poonam Kakodkar. 

Tuesday, April 7 | 6:30–8 p.m.
McLaren Complex

The 16th Annual Social Justice Passover Seder will focus on global climate change and environmental justice.

We will retell the Passover narrative while making connections to the ancient story of liberation from slavery.

This year, we will be collaborating with Dayenu, a Jewish nonprofit organization confronting the climate crisis.

Friday, April 10 | 2–3 p.m.
Gleeson Library Atrium

Join University Ministry for a hands-on cooking retreat in collaboration with the USF Food Pantry. Come cook, connect, and reflect on the sacred connection between food, gratitude, community, and more! 

Tastings will be offered while supplies last. 

For more information and accommodations, contact Richard Alvia.

Sunday, April 12 | 7 a.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

Join University Ministry as we attend four distinct temple services near USF. Meet at the University Ministry's office to walk/take public transit to each temple.

Food will be provided during or after each temple visit as we reflect and gather in community. You may register for any and all temple visits for this semester (you can also go back and add to your registration).

For more information, email Alice Garner.

Sunday, April 19 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Fromm Hall, Xavier Auditorium

Our 5th annual Alvin H. Baum Jr. Memorial lecture spotlights the GenderCool Project, a youth-led movement helping to replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences of meeting remarkable transgender and non-binary young people.

GenderCool was inspired by the powerful, positive experience of one family. Jen and John are the parents of four children, including daughter Chazzie (she/her), who proudly identifies as transgender. 

For more information, contact Rabbi Camille Angel.

Thursdays | 11:30 a.m.
University Ministry, Romero Room

Qmmunity will begin hosting Breaking Bread and the Binary this Thursday and every Thursday throughout the spring semester. This is a space to celebrate your true, fabulous self and gain nourishment for the body and soul. Questions? Email Rabbi Camille Angel.

Wednesday | 7:30–9:30 p.m
University Ministry, Romero Room

Join our USF Catholic Student Fellowship. We meet every Wednesday for community building, faith discussions, and a 15-minute rosary! For more information, please contact Randon Ronquillo.

We would love to see you there! 

Fridays | 12–12:30 p.m.
University Ministry, Romero Room

Join us for Jumma Prayer, led by USF's Muslim chaplain, Imam Sundiata Rashid. Jumma is a weekly Friday prayer service observed by Muslims in the afternoon.

For more information, please come by or email USF's Muslim Student Association's co-presidents, Areeshah Farooq and Poya Moussali.

Tuesdays | 12–12:35 p.m.
University Ministry, Romero Room

We’re back on Tuesdays! Orthodox Christian Fellowship is a student-led group dedicated to exploring the Orthodox Christian faith and fostering our spiritual growth in the ancient Apostolic way. We are a small but dynamic group of students from many different backgrounds who share a common desire to grow closer to our Lord Jesus Christ and learn more about the 2,000-year tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. All students, including non-Orthodox, are very welcome! Pizza will be provided for lunch. In addition to our weekly meetings, we regularly connect with OCF chapters at other Bay Area schools for events and worship. We also hope to host more informal events this semester, such as movie nights or book club meetings.

Please come by or email our student leader, Christianna Yano, or our spiritual adviser, Fr. Kirill Sokolov.

Student-Led Bible Discussions:

Mondays | 6:30–7 p.m.
University Center 503

Wednesdays | 7–8:30 p.m.
University Center 503

Grad Student, Faculty, and Staff Bible Discussion:

Thursdays | 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Kalmanovitz Hall 399

These groups are a space to ask real questions, learn helpful approaches to reading the Bible, and build deeper friendships on campus. This semester, our weekly conversations will focus on the Psalms. Contact Jackie Tisthammer for more information, or just stop in.

Submission deadline: March 30 | 11:59 p.m.

Our friends at the Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN) are inviting young adults to reflect creatively on the injustices of the death penalty in our country.

All contest winners are published on CMN’s website and social media. In addition, the following prizes are awarded each year by a panel of judges.

First Place: $500 cash prize and an invitation to recite your poem at CMN’s Justice Reimagined Awards & Celebration event at the Vatican Embassy in October 2026.
Second Place: $300 cash prize
Third Place: $200 cash prize

Thank you for reading our bi-weekly newsletter. If you would like to submit content for future newsletters, please make sure to fill out the UM Newsletter Intake Form. If you have any questions about submissions and deadlines, please email University Ministry.

Content deadline for upcoming newsletter: Thursday, April 2.