Chapel of Christ the Teacher
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher is the spiritual center of campus and is open all day for quiet prayer. Most of the offices are elsewhere to maintain the atmosphere needed for solitude. The director of campus ministry, the program assistant, and the assistant director for faith formation are located in the St. Mary's Student Center which is located behind the chapel. An assistant director is also located in the Pilot House. The associate director for music is located on the upper level of the chapel.
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher is the principle place for worship on campus and is open for prayer and meditation to all members of the University community every day of the year. Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., as well as 9 p.m. when classes are in session. Mass is also celebrated every weekday at 12:05 p.m. Prayer and worship are the heartbeat of University life and students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate. Musicians, singers, readers, and Eucharistic ministers are always needed in order for campus ministry to offer well-planned and prayerful liturgies, prayer services, and other worship activities. Throughout the Church year, and especially in the privileged seasons of Advent, Lent, and Easter, appropriate liturgical services are planned to enhance the spiritual life of the University community.
Each year campus ministry offers to the University community a variety of retreat experiences. The Encounter Retreat is almost entirely planned and given by students themselves. Other retreats are organized with special groups in mind (e.g., people seeking silence & meditation, or students in sacramental preparation for full communion with the Catholic Church). Faculty and staff from the University are invited to participate in retreats.
Campus ministry provides sacramental preparation for students preparing for marriage. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation are also offered.
The campus ministry staff assists with the organization and guidance of inter-denominational Bible study groups on campus. They also provide resources to the University community for prayer, meditation, and study groups.
Campus ministry collaborates closely with the Moreau Center for Service and Leadership because of the intimate connection between faith and service to those who are most in need. It also supports other University efforts to sensitize the community to the plight of the poor.
Campus ministry collaborates with the Office of Residence Life through its Pastoral Residents Program, which places committed Christian adults (usually Holy Cross priests and brothers) in residence in student residence halls. Pastoral residents are available to students for spiritual direction and pastoral counseling; they also are a resource for hall staffs. Campus ministry assists in the celebration of hall Masses on week nights.
Complete details are available by contacting the Director of Campus Ministry, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203-5798. Telephone (503) 943-7131. Toll free (800) 227-4568, ext. 7131.