As an integral part of our Catholic Franciscan University, University Ministry and its staff are here to serve and welcome each member of the USF community no matter your faith or religious background. Following the example of our patrons saints Francis and Clare, we challenge students to recognize God’s presence in all things. University Ministry at St. Francis is centered on our four cornerstones of prayer, discipleship, community, and service. All are invited to join in the faith life of this vibrant community.
The University Ministry staff strives to serve and welcome each member of the USF community, no matter their faith or religious background. University Ministry is centered on four cornerstones of prayer, discipleship, community, and service. All are invited to join in the vibrant faith life of the University of St. Francis… learn more by watching our video!
ADVENT 2024
Reflections by Dr. Michael Poradek, Vice President for Mission Integration
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Week 4 Reflection: Love
(December 22, 2025)
This shortened, final week of the Advent season celebrates “love,” as we turn to Christmas and the greatest gift of love: the Incarnation, God’s coming to earth and dwelling among us in the person of Jesus Christ. St. Francis is especially known for his fascination with the Incarnation and is attributed with popularizing its visual representation: the Nativity Scene (Creche).
In homes, churches, here at USF, and beyond where we set up a Nativity Scene each year, there are those who prefer placing the Christ Child in the manger right away early, and those who wait until Christmas Eve – which is what occurs each year at USF. This has also been a debate in my own family every year since I was a kid (when, yes, I often would unsuccessfully try to hide the Baby Jesus until Christmas Eve… which I may or may not still attempt today when home for the holidays…).
The good news is, however, that no matter when the image of Christ appears to us as a reminder in a Creche, or even if we do not have a Nativity Scene nearby: we believe and we trust that the love and presence of Christ is with us, right now and always. Each December we pause to remember and celebrate together this story of love, Christ’s birth, in a special way. Yet no matter the day or season or time of the year, whether in times of joy or in times of grief, nothing changes the fact and reality that Christ has already come in the world. He dwells among us today; he invites us to know him, and to accept his love – a love which knows no limits. That love is what we will celebrate this Christmas, and hopefully all year long as well.
Personal Reflection
How am I uniquely being called to reflect God’s love in these final days of Advent and during this Christmas season? What acts can I do in love for those who need me to be the hands and feet of Christ to them today?
For those who would like to bless your own Christmas Tree and/or Creche with family and friends this season, please see the following links for free prayer resources from the Church’s “Book of Blessings”:
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Week 3 Reflection: Joy
(December 15, 2025)
We focus this week on “joy,” represented by the color rose (pink) on the Advent Wreath, as we near the celebration of Christmas and the birth of Christ, who invites us to share in a joy which knows no end. It is a reminder to each of us that we are called to find “joy in the journey,” even when—especially when—the road becomes challenging. This is not just for our Advent journey, but a reminder and opportunity to find joy in life’s many journeys each day: your USF journey, journeys of friendships and family relationships, a career journey, and more. As we find joy in the blessings we have recieved, we are then called to share that joy, not keep it to ourselves; whether with a smile, laughter, the simplist acts of kindness, or in great acts of love. In doing so, we become a blessing to others on their own unique journeys – what a gift!
Personal Reflection
The past few days have been a joyful time for many members of our USF family as we celebrated the end of another successful semester, the conclusion of final exams, and our 2024 December Commencement with our joy-filled graduates. Take some time to recognize the gift of joy that is present to you personally, and to find an opportunity to share that gift with another.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
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As we recognize and welcome Christ’s peace among us each day of Advent, we are further able to respond with gratitude. Through the lens of peace, we become more aware of the goodness which surrounds us and the unity which comes from our relationships, even when faced with the division and conflicts which exist in our world today. “Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
Personal Reflection
How am I being called to role model peacemaking this week? Are there relationships with family, friends, classmates, colleagues, or neighbors in which I am being called to either offer or accept forgiveness to bring about peace and unity? During this busy Finals Week, continue to take some time for reflection and recognize simple opportunities to embrace peace.
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WEEKLY MASS & PRAYER SCHEDULE
Note: Masses on feast days and holy days of obligation will be announced. This schedule will change during school breaks, holidays, and over the summer. Reconciliation is offered by appointment with our chaplain.
Sundays
Mass at 6 p.m. in the St. Joseph Chapel (Motherhouse)
Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays
Mass at 12:15 p.m. in the St. Joseph Chapel (Motherhouse)
Wednesdays
Interfaith Prayer Service at 12:15 p.m. in the Interfaith Prayer Space (Tower Hall 305)
Thursdays
Mass at 12:15 p.m. in the St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Chapel at the St. Clare Campus
PRAYER SPACES
St. Joseph Chapel (Main Campus)
Located on the third floor of the Motherhouse, the St. Joseph Chapel was dedicated in 1893 and originally served as the spiritual home of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, the university’s sponsoring congregation. Today, the chapel is used for university liturgies, prayer, and peaceful reflection. The chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when school is in session.
Interfaith Reflection Space (Main Campus)
This space, directly across the hall from St. Joseph Chapel, is a place for quiet reflection and prayer for people of all faiths.
Tower Hall Chapel (Main Campus)
This small chapel is located on the third floor of Tower Hall.
Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Chapel (St. Clare Campus)
This cozy chapel is located on the second floor of Guardian Angel Hall.
University Ministry is comprised of professional full-time staff and a group of student leaders called Peer Ministers. Peer Ministers’ responsibilities can include organizing programming in residence halls, leading small faith communities, helping to lead retreats, serving as lectors, musicians and Eucharistic Ministers at Mass, planning service projects and much more.
For information on how to become a Peer Minister, contact University Ministry.
University Ministry offers two retreats each year. Each semester, students have the opportunity to participate in an overnight retreat offered by University Ministry. Students of all faiths and of no faith at all are welcome to participate in our retreats. Please contact University Ministry.
During breaks and over the summer, University Ministry offers students the opportunity to serve, learn, and grow through mission experiences. If you would like more information about participating in any of these opportunities, please contact University Ministry.
The University of St. Francis students have the opportunity to join other universities to travel to Bacolod, Philippines. The primary goal of the mission is to build a house with the Gawad Kalinga organization. Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK) is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end poverty for 5 million families. Students who attend also dialogue with local university students and spend time with families in the village.
INTERESTED? Contact University Ministry
In collaboration with the Rec Club, students have the opportunity to travel to Utah for a service trip assisting physically challenged students and veterans enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
INTERESTED? Contact University Ministry
Alumni and select other friends of St. Francis are eligible to use the St. Joseph Chapel for the celebration of their wedding ceremony. The wedding couple must include at least one alumnus/a and it must be a Catholic wedding ceremony approved by the Diocese of Joliet. If you are interested in getting married in the St. Joseph Chapel, please contact University Ministry.
Dr. Michael Poradek
Vice President of Mission Integration
mporadek@stfrancis.edu
815-740-2622
Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM
Chaplain
mjennrich@stfrancis.edu
815-740-3385
Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF
University Minister
grusbasan@stfrancis.edu
815-740-5074
Como parte integral de nuestra Universidad Católica Franciscana, la Pastoral universitaria y su personal están aquí para servir y dar la bienvenida a cada miembro de la comunidad de la USF sin importar su fe u origen religioso. Siguiendo el ejemplo de nuestros santos patronos Francisco y Clara, retamos a los alumnos a reconocer la presencia de Dios en todas las cosas. La Pastoral universitaria de St. Francis se centra en nuestras cuatro piedras angulares de la oración, el discipulado, la comunidad y el servicio. Todos están invitados a unirse a la vida
de fe de esta vibrante comunidad.
HORARIO SEMANAL DE MISAS
Se ofrece Confesión con cita previa con nuestro capellán
ESPACIOS DE ORACIÓN
St. Joseph Chapel (Campus principal)
Situada en la tercera planta de la Casa Madre, la St. Joseph Chapel se inauguró en 1893 y fue el hogar espiritual de las Hermanas de St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, congregación patrocinadora de la universidad. Hoy en día, la capilla se utiliza para liturgias universitarias, oración y reflexión pacífica. La capilla está abierta 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, cuando hay clases.
Espacio de reflexión interconfesional (Campus principal)
Este espacio, situado justo enfrente de St. Joseph Chapel, es un lugar de reflexión y oración para personas de todas las creencias.
Tower Hall Chapel (Campus principal)
Esta pequeña capilla se encuentra en la tercera planta de Tower Hall.
Hermanas de St. Francis of Mary Immaculate Chapel (St. Clare Campus)
Esta acogedora capilla se encuentra en la segunda planta de Guardian Angel Hall.
La Pastoral universitaria está compuesta por personal profesional a tiempo completo y un grupo de líderes estudiantiles llamados Secretarios entre iguales. Las responsabilidades de los Secretarios pueden incluir la organización de programas en las residencias estudiantiles, dirigir pequeñas comunidades de fe, ayudar a dirigir retiros, servir como lectores, músicos y ministros de la Eucaristía en la misa, planificar proyectos de servicio y mucho más.
Para obtener información sobre cómo convertirse en un Secretario entre iguales, póngase en contacto con la Pastoral universitaria.
La Pastoral universitaria ofrece dos retiros al año. Cada semestre, los alumnos tienen la oportunidad de participar en un retiro nocturno ofrecido por la Pastoral universitaria. En nuestros retiros pueden participar alumnos de todas las religiones y de ninguna. Por favor, póngase en contacto con la Pastoral universitaria.
Durante las vacaciones y el verano, la Pastoral universitaria ofrece a los alumnos la oportunidad de servir, aprender y crecer a través de experiencias misioneras. Si desea obtener más información sobre la participación en cualquiera de estas oportunidades, póngase en contacto con la Pastoral universitaria.
La Universidad de St. Los alumnos de Francis tienen la oportunidad de unirse a otras universidades para viajar a Bacolod, Filipinas. El objetivo principal de la misión es construir una casa con la organización Gawad Kalinga. Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK) es un movimiento con sede en Filipinas que aspira a acabar con la pobreza de 5 millones de familias. Los alumnos que asisten también dialogan con universitarios locales y pasan tiempo con familias del pueblo.
¿LE INTERESA? Comunicarse con la Pastoral universitaria
En colaboración con el Rec Club, los alumnos tienen la oportunidad de viajar a Utah para realizar un viaje de servicio ayudando a alumnos y veteranos con discapacidades físicas a disfrutar del esquí y el snowboard.
¿LE INTERESA? Comunicarse con la Pastoral universitaria
Los exalumnos y otros amigos selectos de St. Francis se pueden acoger al programa St. Joseph Chapel para la celebración de su ceremonia nupcial. La pareja de novios debe incluir al menos un exalumno/a y debe ser una ceremonia de boda católica aprobada por la Diócesis de Joliet. Si está interesado en casarse en St. Joseph Chapel, póngase en contacto con la Pastoral universitaria.
Dr. Michael Poradek
Vicepresidente de Misión
Integración y Secretaría
mporadek@stfrancis.edu
815-740-2622
Fr. Michael Jennrich, OFM
Capellán
mjennrich@stfrancis.edu
815-740-3385
Sr. Gayle Rusbasan, OSF
Secretario de Universidad
grusbasan@stfrancis.edu
815-740-5074
