University Chaplaincies
The Diocese is home to four University Chaplaincy Centres: Canadian Martyrs Student Centre in Hamilton, Newman Centre in Guelph, St. Jerome’s Campus University in Waterloo, and St. John Paul II Student Centre in Waterloo. Learn more about them through our digital brochure (PDF) or by reading and watching the virtual tours below.
McMaster University, Hamilton
Canadian Martyrs Student Centre
"It can be hard to stay grounded in Christ as a busy university student. But you don’t have to journey alone. Our chaplaincy exists to help students succeed as Catholics in university with the support and love of other students and our chaplaincy team. We run events throughout the school year, both social and spiritual, to grow as friends and members of the Church. We also seek to witness the love of Christ to fellow McMaster students and the wider community.
So, know you are welcome here, whether you are a new student searching for a spiritual home, or a new Catholic looking for fellow believers, or someone struggling with doubts, or just curious about Catholicism. No matter who you are, we would love to receive you into this loving community!"
University of Guelph, Guelph
Newman Centre, Guelph
"The Newman Centre Guelph is a spiritual home for Catholic students at the University of Guelph. When you walk into the Newman Centre, you are not just walking into any other building, you enter a community… a family. You are being invited to a seat at the table. Through the leadership of the University Catholic Community student club, this family is one where faith and fellowship flourish.
Events like small group faith studies, community dinners, social game nights, men’s and women’s nights, family mass, and on-campus outreach invite students to pray, serve, and evangelize. The friendships you build here are incomparable. The questions answered here inspire you to search deeper. The faith formed here truly equips you with the armour of God. All are welcome at the Newman Centre, where “heart speaks to heart” (St. John Henry Newman)."
St. Jerome's University, Waterloo
St. Jerome's Campus Ministry, Waterloo
"Ever WONDER . . . why we are here? What’s the point? How can I live a life of meaning . . . Are you looking for a place to belong, to connect with others and deepen your Spiritual sense while in University?
Check out Campus Ministry at St. Jerome’s, an inclusive and welcoming place. Come for Sunday night student masses or meditations on Mondays. Join us for a special first year student retreat, service outreach on Fridays, special events and celebrations throughout the year or Bible study for a few nights each term. Join us and help advance the evolution of Campus Ministry at St. Jerome’s and the greater Church.
University of Waterloo, Waterloo
St. John Paul II Student Centre, Waterloo
"Our purpose is to provide a Catholic “home away from home”. Students join us here for support, faith formation, prayer, worship and fellowship with other university and college students in Waterloo. Our Student Centre is in the old rectory of St. Michael's parish, so it looks like, feels like, and is a family home.
Our patron, St. John Paul II, recognized the importance of forming young Catholics in their relationship with our Lord. Carrying on his great tradition, we strive to support and nourish the faith of the emerging generation of Christian leaders. We heed the voice of the Holy Spirit that came through our patron's call to 'be not afraid!' (Lk 5:10) and to 'open wide the door for Christ', by living and proclaiming the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ! "
May we continue to pray for the good work of these centres, and pray that young adults in our Diocese continue to feel well supported and spiritually nourished in their post-secondary journeys.
Watch the video below for an inside “look” into the life and ministry of University Chaplaincy in the Diocese of Hamilton.