Catholic Life at Santa Clara University
We are a community that is well-rooted in our Roman Catholic Faith, and Jesuit tradition which is about educating the whole person - mind, body, and soul - and preparing students to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
While at SCU, students are asked to make the connection between their heads and their hearts. For students who identify as Catholic, a key place that may happen is at mass, in a small faith sharing group, or on an immersion trip. The conversation that happens in college between what you experience, what you learn, and what you believe is key. As a Catholic on campus, we're confident that you'll find many ways to explore your faith. What's here are offerings geared toward Catholics. You will find that most of our other programs are also appropriate for you.
Involvement Opportunities
As a Catholic on campus, we're confident that you'll find many ways to explore your faith. What's here are offerings geared toward Catholics. You will find that most of our other programs are also appropriate for you.
Gathering in prayer as a community is important to us. It reminds us of where we come from and who we have to support us. Many students share that the time they spend in prayer at the Mission Church and around campus is a touchstone of their SCU experience. We hope that you'll come to find that you have an important place at the table. Find your spiritual home with us.
Open yourself to God’s mercy with this sacramental tradition. If you're interested in receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, you are welcome to speak with a campus minister about it, especially if this is your first time. If it's been a while since you've received the sacrament, don't be afraid of simply saying that to the priest. You don't need to have the right words in order to open yourself to God's mercy--it is always available to you through this special practice. Throughout the academic year, regularly scheduled confessions are available at 7pm on Sunday evenings and at 11:30am on Monday mornings. Please see the Mission Church website for details. Also, appointments may be made with Jesuits for confessions on campus by emailing Campus Ministry who can help you schedule a time.
So you're wondering if becoming Catholic might be right for you? Or you're already Catholic and would like to be received fully into the Church through confirmation? In his letter announcing the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis began by saying, "Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy." This is a starting point for understanding how you are being invited to discern God's will in your life. Sacramental Formation at SCU provides you with tools to experience your Catholic identity more fully, or to establish that identity for the first time.
For information on 2022-23 Sacramental Formation classes (RCIA and Confirmation) or to sign up, please email Campus Ministry.