Faith

You’ll See Our Faith Reflected All Over Campus.

Our Catholic roots are seen in everything we do, from incorporating faith and reason in our curriculum to our steadfast commitment to service. As a student at the University of Saint Francis, you’ll explore the many ways your faith, education and career work in tandem, helping you become the person and professional you are created to be. 

The Spirit of Joy

Self-Discovery & Selfless Acts

Communal worship, individual prayer, and a deep desire to give back are a few of the many ways Saint Francis students, faculty, and staff live out our mission and express our faith.

Worship

Attend daily Mass during Sacred Time and participate in regular praise and worship services with music and testimony.

SERVE

Volunteer locally through service learning and student organizations, or join a missionary trip to places like Appalachia or Haiti.

LEAD

Become a student missionary and help plan worship events, run Bible study groups, and strengthen your faith and leadership skills in the process.

Our Catholic Identity

Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in 1890, the University of Saint Francis has been formed and guided by its Catholic mission and Franciscan values.

Mission

Rooted in the Catholic and Franciscan traditions of Faith and Reason, the University of Saint Francis engages a diverse community in learning, leadership, and service.

Franciscan Values

We are a community sustained by the values of St. Francis, values that remind us to:

Getting the care you need

Spiritual Counseling

We are here for you. Our spiritual lives provide a sense of purpose and alignment for us. We are here to explore with you and support you in finding spiritual formation, self-compassion, and community.

Campus Celebrations: Our Faith Traditions

As a student at the University of Saint Francis, you’ll be invited to participate in a variety of special annual events, celebrations likely to become some of your most cherished moments on campus.  

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Held on the first Wednesday of the academic year, this celebration commemorates the start of a new year together. A tradition among Catholic colleges and universities around the world, this event also includes a convocation address.  

Feast of St. Francis

Held each October, this event celebrates St. Francis’ life and birth into Heaven. Open to people of all faiths, the celebration includes Scripture readings, songs, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

Christmas at Saint Francis

Each December, we celebrate The Gift through several Christmas-related events on campus, including tours of the decorated Brookside Mansion, a breakfast with St. Nicholas, and a Christmas concert. This joyous season also brings alive two other traditions: 

Living Nativity & Lighting of the Lake

St. Francis of Assisi, our namesake, is credited with creating the first living nativity scene to reenact the birth of Christ. We honor that 800-year-old tradition each December with our Living Nativity, featuring members of our university community and a petting zoo. On this same evening, we place and bless luminaries around the perimeter of the lake. 


Space for reflection. Space for you.

One thing that stood out for Adam Hoffer ’19 during his time at Saint Francis was the religious symbols around campus, not just in the Chapel. “It’s a good reminder that Christ is always with us.” We agree, Adam.

Learn more about what makes life at Saint Francis so special.