Feb. 27, 2026

As the first buds begin to open and the earliest blooms stretch toward the light, we are reminded that spring does not arrive all at once. It unfolds gently, inviting patience and reflection. In this same spirit of quiet renewal, we pause to recognize our Bahá'í community as they observe the 19-day fast from March 1st to the 20th. A sacred time of prayer, discipline, and spiritual preparation that mirrors the season’s steady transformation. Across campus, small signs of new life appear: brighter mornings, softer air, and the quiet return of color to familiar spaces. These first blossoms are more than a seasonal change; they are a promise. They remind us that growth often begins beneath the surface, long before it becomes visible to the world.

Spring invites us into a season of renewal, both outwardly and inwardly. Just as the earth awakens after winter, we too are called to reflect on the places in our lives that are ready for new growth. This religious season encourages us to pause, to look honestly at our hearts, and to tend to what is taking root within us. Growth can be beautiful, but it can also be uncomfortable. It asks us to let go of what no longer serves us and to trust in what is becoming.

In the midst of busy schedules, deadlines, and responsibilities, spring gently teaches us the discipline of calm. New life does not rush; it unfolds in its own time. As a faith community, we are invited to cultivate stillness, to create space for prayer, reflection, and quiet gratitude. When we allow ourselves to slow down, we become more attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary: in conversation, in sunlight through a window, in shared laughter after Mass.

This season also reminds us that growth is never solitary. Flowers bloom in fields, not in isolation. We are called to share our gifts with one another — to offer encouragement, service, creativity, and compassion. Each of us carries something unique that strengthens our community. Whether through acts of service, music, hospitality, leadership, or simply showing up for one another, our shared gifts become the garden where faith flourishes.

As we journey through this spring semester together, may we embrace both the beauty and the challenge of becoming. May we trust the slow work of growth, remain grounded in calm, and open our hands to give and receive generously. Like the first blooms of the season, may we rise with quiet confidence, rooted in faith, sustained by community, and renewed in hope.

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 the amount of $1,500 at the end of each spring semester going forward.

For more information, contact Rabbi Camille Angel.

Feb. 20 – March 27
St. Ignatius Church

We invite you to follow in the traditional Stations of the Cross, accompanied by multi-cultural 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.

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

Sunday, March 8 | 11:30 a.m.
(following the 10 a.m. Mass)

Thursday, March 12 & 19 | 6:45 p.m. (Reconciliation is offered 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on these days as well)

Monday, March 2 | 12:30–1:15 p.m. PST
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!

March 2 | Session 2: Self-Compassion Meditation

April 6 | Session 3: Deep Relaxation Meditation

For more information, email Poonam Kakodkar. 

Saturday, March 7 | 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.    Las Gallinas Birding Loop

Join us for a mindful birding retreat that blends gentle walking, quiet observation, and guided reflection. Slow down, tune into birdsong, and cultivate presence, curiosity, and connection with the natural world — no prior birding experience required.

Lunch, binoculars, and a birding basics guide will be provided. All USF students, staff, and faculty are welcome! We hope to see you there! 

Register by Feb. 28. For more information, email Poonam Kakodkar.

Thursday, March 12 | 9:45 a.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

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

Food will be provided during or after each temple visit together, 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.

Thursday, March 26 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

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. 

Sunday, March 29 | 2:30–4 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

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 between the ancient story of liberation from slavery.

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

Sunday, April 19 | 6:30–8:00 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.

Look out for updates regarding weekly Quran study events in our upcoming newsletter!

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.

Monday, March 2 | 2:30–4 p.m.
University Ministry, Toler Hall 122

Considering a year of service after college? Live in community. Serve for Justice. Grow with purpose.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps is a post-graduate volunteer program that places young adults to live and work in solidarity with marginalized populations across the U.S., guided by 70 years of history and four core values: spirituality, simple living, community, and social justice.

Meet former volunteer Julia at University Ministry on Monday, March 2, to learn more!

For more information, email Julia Nelson.

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 5.