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.
“It’s freeing to be able to live my faith openly. Growing up in public schools, my faith wasn’t a priority because it wasn’t prominent with my friends. Here, I have deeper friendships. It’s wonderful to go through this faith journey openly and together.”
Grant Giacomin ’23 Graphic Design
“My faith has definitely grown since I’ve been at Saint Francis. I’m more grounded and I appreciate things more deeply. It’s freeing to be in a place where my faith is accepted and where my friends feel the same way.”
Lizzie Gomez ’23 Nursing
“I’m surprised by how much my faith has grown at Saint Francis. It’s because they don’t push religion on you, but instead, teach values that are broad enough to apply to everyone. It’s made me want to go deeper in my faith, so I attend Bible Study and other events. If I have a question or am struggling, I can ask a professor or one of the Sisters, and we can talk.”
Quin’Shawn Gordon ’25 Educational Studies
“When I was searching colleges, I wasn’t necessarily looking for a Catholic one, but looking back now, I see how important it is. Everything about the University reflects my beliefs. I really like being in a community with people who want to grow in their faith while getting a great education.”
Colin White ’23 Political Science
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
The University of Saint Francis offers formation of the whole person by providing an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ so that God, who is Love, may be loved. Through our Catholic identity, Franciscan charism, and liberal arts tradition, we prepare students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy.
Franciscan Values
We are a community sustained by the values of St. Francis, values that remind us to:
- Reverence the unique dignity of each person
- Encourage a trustful, prayerful community of learners
- Serve one another, society, and the Church
- Foster peace and justice
- Respect creation
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.
