You Make It Possible: Office of the College Chaplains

Changing Needs, Constant Support

The Office of the College Chaplains works to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment where members of the Holy Cross community feel empowered to awaken, explore and strengthen their spiritual lives. In providing opportunities for worship, service, contemplation, conversation, examination and fellowship, the chaplains ensure that the spiritual lifeblood of the College continues to blossom, and that our commitment to Jesuit values are held at the forefront of our thoughts and actions.

Your financial and spiritual generosity has allowed our chaplains to continue to serve the needs of our students, those constant and changing, with depth, grace and competence. In recognizing the increased hunger for community and the interconnectivity of mental and spiritual health, our office has become more proactive in our outreach, and comprehensive in our service. In doing so, our community has responded to the myriads of ways that faith and service in God's name can enrich, center, unite and heal. Your investment has been critically impactful in adding layers of depth to each program and initiative, and ensuring that transformative opportunities for retreat, reflection, immersion and service are not impeded by financial limitations. Through you, God's presence is known. Thank you for all that you are making possible.

A Thank You from the Office of the College Chaplains

We are profoundly grateful to those alumni, parents and friends who have supported the the Office of the College Chaplains, including significant support from:

  • John B. Fisher '79 and Diane Medeiros Fisher '80
  • James R. Menza P01 
  • Sandra Logan-Mullman and John P. Mullman '82 P07
  • Kathleen A. Paul P01
  • Cara Corbett Rinaldi '98 and Matthew Rinaldi '01
  • Michael and Susan Stuart P10, 09, 06
  • Carol and Joseph V. Vicidomino '75 P08, 03
  • Patricia and John K. Figge '59 P93, 91, 88, 83 † 
  • Mary Catherine and Robert H. McCooey '52 P92, 91, 89, 87 †
  • Ellen B. and John V. Burke Foundation
  • Elizabeth A. '83 and Kevin D. Cox '81 P13, 08
  • Jacqueline H. and George A. Paletta '84 P15
  • Barbara and Don Taggart P03

While standing in our Catholic and Jesuit identity, we offer opportunities to serve, to expand our understanding of humanity, to explore and deepen our relationships with God, and to discern who we are called to be. It is through these endeavors that our students can find the purpose and hope through which they will truly thrive. You have given our chaplains the resources to reach out, serve and inspire our students to be beacons of faith and light, and to ensure that our Ignatian mission – the cornerstone of Holy Cross – continues to flourish.

Marybeth Kearns-Barrett Marybeth Kearns-Barrett

Expanding the Embrace of Chaplaincy

This year, the College welcomed three new chaplains to enhance its ministerial services. These chaplains allowed the Chaplains' Office to expand offerings and campus partnerships and increase invitations to faith-based communities and engagement.

Faith Formation

  • 16 Holy Cross students were baptized or confirmed by by Bishop McManus on April 27, 2025.
  • 5 Anna Maria College students were confirmed on the same day.
  • 6 Assumption University students were also confirmed.

Student Programs for Urban Development

Comprised of more than 30 diverse community partnerships, SPUD is the largest student-led service and justice organization on campus. In the 2024-2025 academic year, over 400 students were welcomed to build relationships and engage in dialogue with community organizations through on-going volunteer service.
Profound appreciation to the Joyce Family and the many, many others who have generously supported the Joyce Contemplative Center.

Thomas P. Joyce Contemplative Center

The Thomas P. Joyce '59 Contemplative Center (JCC) provides a peaceful refuge for members of the Holy Cross community to experience calm, reflection and spiritual renewal. Each year, the transformative experiences that take place at the JCC heal, calm and inspire members of the Holy Cross community. This gift of peace and hope is made possible with your generosity – thank you!

Our Programs

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  • Prayer and Worship
  • Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD)
  • Retreats
  • Immersion Programs
  • Liturgical Ministry
  • Small Faith Communities
  • Pastoral Care
  • Interfaith Opportunities
  • Pax Christi
  • Bible Study
  • Students for Life
  • Hospitality