University Ministry: Settling In

Sept. 12, 2025

Honing In

As we settle into the new semester here at the University of San Francisco, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, anticipation for what lies ahead, relief at finding routines, and perhaps some lingering uncertainty about the unknowns of the months to come. These early weeks can often feel like a balancing act, keeping up with classes, nurturing friendships, and caring for our own well-being. In the midst of this, it is important to remember that our faith reminds us we are not alone in these transitions. God is present with us not only in moments of clarity and joy, but also in times of challenge and restlessness.

One of the beautiful gifts of the spiritual life is the reminder to pause, to notice, and to give thanks. When life begins to move quickly, reflection allows us to slow down and recognize where we are being drawn closer to God. Taking time each day, even just a few minutes, to look back and ask Where did I feel peace today? Where did I feel restless? Where was I surprised? can open our hearts to see that God is active in all parts of our lives. This practice grounds us, helping us to carry both gratitude and hope into each new day.

Living and studying in San Francisco provides its own unique opportunities for these moments of encounter. Our city is alive with beauty and complexity, the morning fog lifting over Golden Gate Park, the sound of waves along Ocean Beach, the quiet neighborhoods tucked into the hills, and the vibrant murals and music of the Mission District. All of these are reminders that God’s presence is woven into the world around us, present in nature, in art, in community, and in the everyday rhythm of city life. Just as San Francisco is layered with diverse voices and traditions, so too are we invited to see God in the diversity of experiences and stories that surround us on campus.

Another source of strength and encouragement is the community we share here at USF. We are surrounded by people who walk with us and support us, professors who inspire us to think deeply, faculty and advisers who guide us with care, counselors who listen and accompany us through life’s challenges, coaches who encourage us to persevere, ministers who nurture our spiritual growth, and friends who remind us of the joy of belonging. This network of care reflects God’s love in tangible ways, reminding us that we do not journey through this semester alone, but in communion with others.

Settling into the semester doesn’t mean that everything falls neatly into place right away. Instead, it is an unfolding process, one that calls for patience, openness, and trust. We are invited to ground ourselves deeply, so that as we grow in our studies, relationships, and personal lives, we remain open to the Spirit’s quiet nudges and surprising invitations. It is in the little moments like sharing a meal with friends, lending a hand to a neighbor, pausing to take in the city skyline, that we come to realize how God is shaping our journey and drawing us closer to one another.

University Ministry is here to accompany you as you navigate this new season. Whether through prayer and worship, retreats, service opportunities, or simply finding a place of rest and belonging, our hope is that you discover the deep peace that comes from being rooted in God’s love. As we continue forward this semester, may we be encouraged to embrace both the challenges and the joys, remembering that settling in does not mean standing still. It means planting ourselves firmly enough to grow, to serve, and to flourish in all the places God calls us to be.

Step outside your comfort zone and journey into a new community, culture, and perspective. We invite you to learn through encounter, reflect in the Ignatian tradition, and discover how faith and justice meet in the real world. Applications are now open.

Deadline to Apply: Sept. 30

University Ministry invites you to throw on your HOKAs and fill up your Stanley to join us for our first-ever walking group. A new way to connect, get outside, and embrace movement together! Open to everyone, this group is all about building community while staying active. Our first walk will take us on a scenic lap around campus, starting at the University Ministry office and including a climb up to Lone Mountain, where we can take in the view and reflect on future walks to spots like the Panhandle, Laurel Village, or Golden Gate Park.

Whether you’re looking for a break from studying, some fresh air, or just good company, we’d love for you to walk with us. See you on the path! For questions, email Caton Daval-Santos.

Sunday, Sept. 28 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
McLaren Conference Center

Join us after Sunday Mass as we welcome back Fr. Greg from his travels and jump into an exciting fall season at the parish with friends old and new.

To make sure that our table is plentiful, please register in advance to let us know you are coming. We'd also love your help with one of our volunteer tasks, such as setting up, greeting, monitoring food and desserts, and cleaning up. You can sign up below.

We look forward to seeing you!

Suggested donation:
Adults $10 | Students $5 | Families $25

Thursday, Oct. 2 | 5–6 p.m.
Lone Mountain 100

Cecilia González-Andrieu, president of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States and professor of theology at Loyola Marymount University, explores the relevance of Christian faith in a time of chaos and repression. For decades, and from the margins, Latiné theologians have accompanied and lifted up the community’s struggle for survival and dignity, developing insights born of endurance and rooted in lived experience. Today, these ways of seeing and acting hold lessons our whole society can no longer ignore and urgently needs.

Co-sponsored by the Joan and Ralph Lane Center for Catholic Social Thought and the Ignatian Tradition, Casa Madríz, University Ministry, and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Sunday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.
Saint Ignatius Church

Join Patrick Kennedy, director of advancement here at St. Ignatius Parish, after our 10 a.m. Sunday Mass for a tour of our historic church building. If you're a new parishioner, this is a great way to get to know our worship space and our community.

All newly-registered parishioners are invited to get a feel for our worship, community, and ministries during a 30-minute tour of the church. We also welcome anyone curious about joining our parish and those who would like a refresher on our building!

Friday, Oct. 31 – Sunday, Nov. 2
Jesuit Center Los Altos 

Be part of the Jesuit experience, make more authentic connections, build community, and more! Email Poonam Kakodkar for more information.

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Fromm Hall, Maraschi Room

Please join us for a timely conversation with Sister Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN. Sister Patricia has worked for decades in nonviolence and anti-racism work. After years as a community organizer, Sister Patricia entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1977. She currently serves as the moderator of the leadership team for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur U.S. East-West Province.

Co-sponsored by the Joan and Ralph Lane Center for Catholic Social Thought and the Ignatian Tradition, Casa Madríz, University Ministry, and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 12–1 p.m.
Loyola House Jesuit House

Join University Chaplain Donal Godfrey, S.J., for this lunch book club on the following Wednesdays: Sept. 24, Oct. 15, and Oct. 29

We will be reading and discussing Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries. This book club is intended for faculty and staff who are new to the Jesuit mission and want to learn more.

If you would like to join the book club, please email Fr. Godfrey. 

Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16
Vina, California

This silent weekend retreat is open to faculty, staff, and students from all traditions. The retreat is with the brothers of the Abbey of New Clairvaux, a community of Trappist monks living a life of contemplative prayer and work. This abbey belongs to the worldwide Catholic order of monks called the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance.

On this retreat, participants will be invited to experience both Cistercian and Ignatian Jesuit spirituality. Please note that the monastery is a four-hour drive from San Francisco, and one needs to be able to get there by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. Please do not register unless you are able to drive there on Friday afternoon. The retreat ends with lunch on Sunday, Nov. 16.

Although this retreat is substantially subsidized by University Ministry, full scholarships are available on a need basis.

Students $50 | Faculty/Staff $100

Sundays | 7 p.m.
St. Ignatius Church

Join us every Sunday for our weekly student liturgies! Visit our website or email Laura Díaz-Flaviani to learn more about our student liturgies. Sign up to be in the choir, or participate as an altar server, lector, or Eucharistic minister.

Can't join us in person? Join by watching our livestream on the St. Ignatius Parish site.

Monday, Sept. 15 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. PDT
McLaren 251 or Zoom

Join us for a guided meditation in person or online. Guided meditation can help reduce stress, increase patience, improve focus, and more! Open to all students, faculty, and staff! Registration is required.

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 fall semester. This is a place to celebrate your true fabulous self and gain nourishment for the body and soul. Questions? Email Rabbi Camille Angel.

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! 

Sunday, Sept. 14
Saint Ignatius Church

We invite you to join us for one of our two short, no-commitment information sessions on the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Whether you’re just exploring or considering taking the next step in your faith journey, these sessions are a space to ask questions and learn more.

Thursday, Sept. 25 | 11:40 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
University Center 503

What are your career plans after college? And does God have anything to say about them? Most of us are here at USF to prepare for a career that will take up most of our waking hours. God cares about our plans, our aspirations, and our journey to get there. Come join us for this short four-week series to explore what the Bible has to say about our work, our lives of faith, and how the two might be connected. 

Tuesdays | 7 p.m. | University Center 415

Wednesdays | 7 p.m. | University Center 503

Thursdays | 11:30 a.m. | University Center 503

These groups are a space to ask real questions, learn helpful approaches to reading the Bible, and build deeper friendships on campus. This semester, we're looking at Jesus' life and teaching in the book of John. Contact troy.tisthammer@intervarsity.org for more information, or just stop in.

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: Sept. 18