Student Life

Campus Ministry & Spiritual Life

As a Catholic University, DeSales fosters a vibrant spiritual life on campus based on Salesian virtues.

rosary beads on a statue

Catholic Identity & Heritage

DeSales is guided by the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal. This “Salesian” spirituality is grounded in the virtues of humility and gentleness, encouraging each person to “be who you are and be that well in order to give honor to the Master Craftsman whose work of art you are." Retreats, the liturgical choir, Mass (held every weekday and Sunday evenings), faith sharing groups, RCIA, pastoral counseling and more are all offered through the campus ministry, a proud member of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA).  

In day-to-day campus life, DeSales University incorporates the Association for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities' document called Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities into our student life best practices.

What if I'm Not Catholic?

DeSales University is firmly and publicly committed to the principles of Roman Catholic doctrine and morality. Yet, we also recognize that the search for truth requires an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and that love demands an openness to all that is good. 

DeSales carefully distinguishes between the free pursuit of truth—which it guarantees every member of the campus community—and its own commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Campus Ministry Schedule

We want to empower our students to mature into the joyful, passionate and optimistic Christians God has created them to be.  

Whether it be at daily Mass or informal prayer, at faith-sharing groups, retreats or social justice programs, the gentle spirit and practical teachings of St. Francis DeSales pervade every activity of Campus Ministry, helping students to "Live Jesus" in their daily lives.  

  • Daily Mass at Connelly Chapel: Monday — Friday at noon 
  • Sunday Mass in Connelly Chapel: 10:30am and 6pm  
  • Weekly Confession Times: Tuesdays at 10am & Wednesdays at 3pm in the Sacristy behind Connelly Chapel 
  • Monthly Eucharistic Adoration: First Tuesday of each month 7:30pm in Connelly Chapel  
  • Holy Days of Obligation in Connelly Hall Chapel: Holy Days of Obligation schedule to be determined 
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation: Wednesdays at 3pm in Connelly Chapel  
  • Pro-Life Club: Mondays at 6pm
  • LIFT – Ladies in Faith Together: Wednesdays at 6pm
  • Men’s Group: Wednesdays at 7pm
  • Stations of the Cross (Fridays of Lent): 3pm in Connelly Chapel 

Note: there are no activities during the winter break.