University Ministry: In the Spirit of Spring

April 10, 2026

As spring unfolds around us, we are invited into a season of renewal; one that mirrors both the changing world around us and the quiet transformations within. The longer days, warmer air, and blooming landscapes remind us that new life is always possible, even after seasons of stillness or uncertainty. In the midst of our busy lives here in San Francisco, spring offers a gentle pause to reflect, reset, and begin again.

This spirit of renewal is deeply woven into the celebration of Easter, a time that centers on hope, resurrection, and the promise of new beginnings. It is a reminder that light can emerge from darkness, and that growth often comes in ways we do not expect. Whether through faith, community, or personal reflection, this season calls us to embrace the possibility of transformation.

At University Ministry, we see this time as an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with what grounds us. Through gatherings, liturgies, and shared moments of reflection, we continue to build a space where renewal is not just a concept, but a lived experience. Each conversation, each prayer, and each act of kindness becomes part of that unfolding new life.

Spring also encourages us to look outward. As the city comes alive, so too does our call to engage with the world around us; with compassion, curiosity, and care. Renewal is not only personal, but communal. It invites us to show up for others, to nurture relationships, and to contribute to the growth of a more connected and hopeful community.

As we move through this season together, may you find moments of rest, inspiration, and joy. May this spring bring you a renewed sense of purpose and peace, and may the spirit of Easter remind you that new life is always within reach.

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 meeting transgender and nonbinary young people who are living their best lives.

GenderCool was inspired by the powerful, positive story of one family. Known as an inspiring disrupter, this storytelling campaign is breaking through to millions of people who say they've never met a transgender or nonbinary young person.

During this event, we will also meet the recipient(s) of this year’s Robert Holgate Pride Fellowship Award in Queering Religion.

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 & 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.

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 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 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 16.