University Ministry: Many Traditions, One Call to Reflection and Justice

March 13, 2026

This season, many in our community are marking sacred times of reflection across traditions. The beginning of Lent this year coincides with Ramadan and the Bahá’í Nineteen-Day Fast — distinct traditions that each invite prayer, reflection, generosity, and renewed attention to our shared humanity. At University Ministry, we see these overlapping observances as a meaningful reminder of the many ways people seek spiritual renewal and justice in the world. In the weeks ahead, we invite you to join us for a variety of gatherings — from Lenten prayer and a Stations of the Cross in solidarity with migrants, to a reflective Ignatian retreat and visits to local Buddhist temples. Whether you come from a particular faith tradition or are simply curious to learn and reflect, all are welcome to participate in these moments of reflection and community. 

A message from University Chaplain Dónal Godfrey, S.J., and Muslim Chaplain Imam Sundiata Rashid

Ash Wednesday coincided this year with the first full day of fasting for Ramadan. For Catholics and many Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparation for the drama of Holy Week and the joy of Easter.

Across the Abrahamic faith traditions, Lent, Ramadan, and Yom Kippur offer distinct yet resonant ways of fasting, praying, and engaging in acts of almsgiving and justice. All are welcome to receive ashes, regardless of religious tradition. The ashes are a sign of our humble return to dust and our dependence on God. When asked why I wear ashes, I often say it is not because I believe myself better than anyone else, but because they proclaim that we are all the same — lifeless dust in need of the breath of God.

Opportunities for Reconciliation During Lent | Feb. 18 – April 2

Every Thursday during Lent (after Ash Wednesday), the Sacrament will be celebrated from 6:30–8 p.m. 

Jummah Prayer on Campus

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

We are so excited to announce an award opportunity for second-year students at USF! The Robert Holgate Pride Fellowship Award in Queering Religion’s goal 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.

Register by Monday, March 23

GO Team Orientation Leaders are the heart of the Orientation experience, helping new students and their families feel welcomed, informed, and excited about life at USF. As a GO Team member, you'll introduce them to campus resources, build connections, and create an engaging first impression of USF.

Applications opened on Monday, March 9, and will close on Monday, March 23. 

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.

Saturday, March 14 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

Take time this Lent to slow down, listen, and walk more deeply with God. Footsteps: A Lenten Walking Retreat invites you on a peaceful journey of prayer, reflection, and community. Through guided walking, sacred silence, and shared conversation, participants will explore Lenten themes while reconnecting with their faith and one another. All are welcome to step away from the busyness of daily life and into a space of renewal and grace. Registration is required!

Please arrive at the University Ministry office (Toler 122) by 9:30 a.m. to sign a waiver.

For more information and accommodations, contact Richard Alvia.

Thursday, March 26 | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Loyola House Jesuit Chapel, 2600 Turk Blvd

Join us for a Half-Day Lenten Retreat: Ignatian Ways of Praying in Lent at USF's Loyola House Jesuit Chapel.

This reflective morning will introduce Ignatian prayer practices to deepen your spiritual life during the Lenten season.

Lunch will be provided. Space is limited—please reserve your place by emailing University Chaplain Donal Godfrey, S.J.

Thursday, March 26 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

College life can be overwhelming — fear, anxiety, and doubt show up in ways we don’t always expect. This gathering creates a welcoming space to slow down, reflect, and explore what God says about fear and uncertainty. Whether you’re strong in your faith, questioning, or just curious, you’re invited to come as you are
(Philippians 4:6).

For more information, email Dede Adote.

Feb. 20 – March 27
St. Ignatius Church

We invite you to follow the traditional Stations of the Cross, accompanied by multicultural imagery, a rich diversity of cultures and artistic expressions. The program was developed by the St. Ignatius Parish Anti-Racism Committee.

The Stations of the Cross invite us to walk in the footsteps of Christ on his journey to Calvary. This sacred devotion allows us to meditate on Jesus’ profound love and sacrifice for humanity. Through fourteen stations, we reflect on moments of his passion and death, deepening our awareness of his suffering and our gratitude for his redeeming love.

Thursday, Mar. 19 | 6:45 p.m. (Reconciliation is offered 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on this day as well)

Fridays, through Mar. 27 | 8:45 a.m. (following the 8 a.m. Mass)

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 place 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.

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 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, March 19.