About Goddard Chapel /Tufts University Catholic Chaplaincy · Medford, Massachusetts
The Catholic Chaplaincy at Tufts University, located in Goddard Chapel, serves the spiritual and sacramental needs of Catholic students through liturgy, community gatherings, retreats, and interfaith engagement. Grounded in an interfaith ethic, it offers a welcoming space for students to explore faith, build community, and live out their values. Led by Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper, the chaplaincy supports students’ personal journeys with programs like music ministry, service opportunities, and spiritual formation. The community, known as the Catholic Community at Tufts (CCT), is student-led and fosters a sense of belonging through shared meals, prayer, and social events.
- Rector
- Lynn Cooper
Why belong here
Students find community, spiritual support, and opportunities to grow in faith through weekly gatherings, retreats, service projects, and interfaith dialogue. The chaplaincy emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming students 'as they are' and offering a space to explore faith without pressure. The Catholic Community at Tufts (CCT) provides peer-led social and spiritual events, helping students feel at home on campus.
Mission
The Catholic Chaplaincy supports sacramental and spiritual life on campus—providing innovative opportunities to deepen relationship to tradition, holding space for difficult questions, and challenging students to expand their worldview so as to live more intentionally and wholeheartedly in community. Through the offering of spiritual care and enriching spiritual formation opportunities, the chaplaincy supports students on their journey at Tufts and beyond, to make meaningful connections—with others, themselves and God.
Music Ministry
Each Sunday, the chaplaincy embodies the joy and celebration of the Little Easter through its music ministry, led by University Chaplaincy Music Director Suzie Cartreine. The choir includes current students, alumni, and community members. Practice takes place at 4 PM, immediately preceding the 5 PM mass. All instruments are welcome and no singing experience required.
Catholic Community at Tufts (CCT)
CCT is the undergraduate student organization of Catholic students. This RPSO (Religious and Philosophical Student Organization) coordinates social and spiritual gatherings for the community. CCT leadership team (The Executive Board) work closely with the Catholic Chaplain to provide meaningful and fun ways of growing in faith and staying socially connected. Throughout the academic year, they arrange for simple supper cook-a-longs, service projects, game nights, and retreats.