Growing in Faith

A UD education goes beyond academics, athletics and activities. Here, you can deepen your faith and spiritual development. Students of all religious backgrounds are invited to participate in programs, ministries and activities designed to nurture your faith and build community.


Programs for Incoming Students

Callings

Incoming first-year students are invited to explore their faith, meet new friends and discover their purpose prior to the start of the semester. More details and registration for the next Callings program will be shared in early 2026.

Marianist Leadership Scholars

Students from Marianist high schools can apply to be a Marianist Leadership Scholar. In this four-year program, you'll grow in faith, service and leadership.



Agape Latte

Agape Latte provides an opportunity for you to gather for live music, coffee, cookies, and to hear about the faith and vocational journey of a UD faculty or staff member. Presenters use story-sharing to help you explore how your passions, strengths, and gifts can be used to make the world a better place. Many stories will include personal experiences and reflections on friendship, hope, forgiveness, prayer, dating, vocation and discernment.

Come as individuals or with a group, to one session or to them all, just make sure to come with an open mind and heart to hearing God working in your life and the lives of others.

Center for Social Concern

The Center for Social Concern works to unite faith and action for justice. We accomplish this through opportunities for reflective volunteerism, community engagement, cross-cultural immersion, and education and advocacy. Rooted in Catholic Social Tradition and the Marianist charism, we incorporate interfaith leadership and engagement at the intersection of faith traditions and social justice.

Chaminade Scholars Program

Through the Chaminade Scholars Program, Honors students explore faith and vocation by engaging in coursework, retreats and events. Fifteen first-year students are selected to join the program each year.

Faith-Based Student Organizations

What would college be without opportunities to explore and deepen one's faith? A variety of student-led religious organizations are available on campus, including:

Athletes in Action

A group for sports-oriented Flyers to grow together in faith and work to model Christ through their lives.

Cru

An interdenominational Christian organization aimed at creating a caring community passionate about connecting people to Jesus Christ.

Catholic Life

A group who strives to live out the New Evangelization through dedication to relational ministry, faithfulness to Church doctrine, and sharing in the radical call of discipleship.

Chi Alpha

A group that is passionate about following Jesus together on campus.

Faith and Fitness

A group that aims to bring glory to God through faith, fitness and fellowship.

Hindu YUVA

A group dedicated to the celebration of Hindu spirituality through regular Pooja, holyday celebrations and community.

Muslim Student Association

A religious group that invites everyone, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to engage in cultural, religious and social activities.

PENSA Connect

A Christian organization in the Pentecostal tradition.

Phi Lambda Iota Catholic Women's Group

A faith and service based sisterhood for undergraduate women which strives to promote community with one another through prayer and service.

Young Life

A group focused on introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.

Read the policy on religious/faith-based student organizations at UD.

Hispanic/LatinX Ministry

Find a place to belong through Hispanic/LatinX ministry, where we celebrate culture, identity and spirituality through creating an inclusive, welcoming community .

Here, you you can live your faith, ask questions and make friends. We celebrate monthly Spanish Mass and Dia de Los Muertos, and we also have opportunities for food and faith sharing, including weekly 3 o'clock prayer and cafecito. 

For more information, contact Andrés Lopez.

LGBTQ+ and Allyship Ministry

Rooted in a Catholic and Marianist identity as articulated through Catholic Social Tradition, the LGBTQ+ and Allyship Ministry at the University of Dayton seeks to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for spiritual and personal growth.

We believe that all people are made in the image and likeness of God, and we are called, in faith, to stand in solidarity with those who are on the margins of society. Flowing from this fundamental truth, we seek to provide hospitable opportunities for pastoral care, faith formation, worship, service and reflection.

For more information or just to chat, contact Sabina Marroquin.

Marianist Student Lay Formation

Through the Marianist student lay formation program, you can explore your role as a member of the Marianist Family. It is designed to assist you in discerning a commitment as a Lay Marianist. This program takes place during the academic year with a combination of conversations, personal reflection and prayer, weekly meetings, readings, interviews and retreats.

At the conclusion of the formation program, you will have the opportunity to make a public commitment to live as Lay Marianists for a period of one year. During that year you will continue your formation as a member of the Marianist Family and be invited to participate fully in Marianist events.

Lay Marianists

Lay Marianists are committed to bring Christ into the world as Mary did, employing faith of the heart and assent of the mind. We strive to be agents of change by giving witness to Christ's message through building community in the Catholic church and society. As members of one Marianist Family, together with the members of the Society of Mary and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, we seek to be open to the Spirit, to stand against injustice, and to proclaim a message of liberation and hope. 

Timeline

The formation experience typically occurs during the academic semester (August-April).

Contact

For more information, contact LeeAnn Meyer at LMeyer1@udayton.edu or call the Office for Mission and Rector at 937-229-2899.

Retreats

Take time away from the noise of daily life to reflect and explore your relationship with God, yourself and others and God. Retreats typically held each year include:

New Beginnings

You are made in the image and likeness of God. Explore how this new beginning in college can open up new opportunities for faith and friendship as we unpack the scriptural story of creation and the process of becoming in light of our Creator.

Wilderness Retreat

This backpacking retreat through the beautiful Red River Gorge provides the space, quiet and conversations to rediscover yourself and reconnect with God.

Faithful Ally Retreat

The Faithful Ally retreat invites all students to explore how they are seen, known and loved by God. Open to both LGBTQ+ community members and allies, participants will spend the weekend exploring the intersection of faith and identity. Through prayer, sharing and hopefully a few laughs, our goal is to provide a comfortable space for all to encounter Christ.

Sacred Seasons: A Catholic Journey

The Sacred Seasons retreat invites students to explore the spiritual rhythms of each season, deepening their Catholic faith through reflection and prayer. Each season will be marked by thematic activities, prayer, and community building. Guided by Scripture and Catholic tradition, this retreat aims to enrich participants' spiritual journeys, helping them to encounter God's presence in the changing cycles of life.

Busy Person's Retreat: Exploring Lent

Undergraduate students are invited to explore the Lenten season within the context of their everyday lives. Participants will be provided with weekly content that invites them to engage in at least 30 minutes of personal prayer while also meeting with a spiritual companion weekly during Lent.