April 24, 2026

As we approach the final stretch of the semester, that familiar shift on campus starts again. Schedules begin to fill, priorities sharpen, and there’s an awareness all around that our time together this academic year is coming to a close. In the midst of that, we also find ourselves connected to a wider set of conversations. A papal visit continues to draw global attention, and closer to home, our university chaplain has been engaging across multiple platforms, reflecting on themes of peace and justice that resonate deeply with our own mission.

Within University Ministry, our work continues to center on creating spaces where students, staff, and faculty can gather with intention. Whether through new initiatives like the Sports and Social Justice Series or through longstanding weekly gatherings, we are seeing meaningful engagement across a range of programs. These moments of connection, reflection, and dialogue remain at the heart of what we do, especially during a time of year that can feel both full and transitional.

We are also actively looking ahead. Planning for next year’s Arrupe Immersions is underway, with opportunities that will invite students to engage more deeply with questions of justice, community, and global solidarity. These experiences continue to be an important part of how we support students in connecting their values with action.

As the semester concludes, we remain committed to holding space for both reflection and community. We encourage you to take part in what remains, to stay connected, and to carry these conversations forward beyond the close of the academic year.

Joyful crowds turned out to welcome the pope as he delivered his message of peace to areas ravaged by a separatist insurgency (Photo: Michel Mvondo / BBC).

Pope Leo is making his first visit to the continent of Africa as the pope. The Vatican describes it as a pilgrimage to four African nations, highlighting the strength of peoples long burdened by the yoke of colonialism, and calling us all to take part in building a more just and compassionate present and future. 

Our very own university chaplain, Dónal Godfrey, S.J., was recently featured on KQED's Forum, Fox News, and an Irish Jesuit podcast discussing Pope Leo and his message of peace and justice for the world. 

Sunday, April 26 | 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 and Social Justice program within University Ministry.

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 27 | 4 p.m.
St. Ignatius Church

With the collaboration of the Catholic Student Fellowship, our university chaplain, Donal Godfrey, S.J., will offer a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Ignatius Church.

Benediction is a short devotional ritual that includes the blessing of the congregation with the Eucharist. All are welcome. 

For more information, email Randon Ronquillo.

Sunday, May 3 | 9 a.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

Join University Ministry for a visit to the Ma-Tsu Temple of USA as we attend our final temple services near USF. This special service will commemorate the 1067th anniversary of the birth of Ma-Tsu.

We will meet at the University Ministry office and travel together to the temple via walking or public transit.

Food will be provided during or after the visit as we gather in reflection and community. Registration is required.

For more information, email Alice Garner.

Arrupe Immersions are local and global experiences designed to open participants' eyes to the realities of the world. Each immersion is constructed around specific social justice issues, where participants learn to recognize injustices in a different context, practice solidarity with marginalized communities, and allow those experiences to inform their vocational discernment. 

Immersion experiences will be held in Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Hawaii. 

Applications are now available for students to apply for the next academic year. 

PRIORITY DEADLINE: Friday, April 24

FALL 2026 DEADLINE: Friday, Sept. 11

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

Qmmunity is 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 the 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.

Tuesday, April 28 | 2 p.m.
McLaren Conference Center

See how USF students are turning bold ideas into ventures, social impact projects, and real-world solutions at the Innovation Showcase.

Student entrepreneurs will pitch their projects, share solutions to real-world challenges, and receive feedback from experienced judges. 

The afternoon will also feature a keynote address from venture investor, author, and CEO Joe Mandato, who will share insights on entrepreneurship and turning ideas into impact.

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 30.