About Saginaw Valley State University · Saginaw, Michigan
Catholic campus ministry at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in University Center, Michigan, operating under the official name Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Ministries (often shortened to St. John Paul II Ministry at SVSU). The ministry welcomes students, faculty, and friends of SVSU and neighboring Delta College, and is part of the Diocese of Saginaw. It gathers on campus for Sunday and weekday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, Bible study, and fellowship nights, and identifies itself with the patron of Pope Saint John Paul II.
- Patron
- St. John Paul II (Pope Saint John Paul II)
- Rector
- Fr. Adam Maher (campus chaplain, also chaplain at Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Assistant Vocations Director for the Diocese of Saginaw)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Saginaw
Why belong here
The ministry is built around a simple rhythm — Sunday Mass, weekday Mass and Adoration, weekly Bible study, and fellowship nights — that makes it easy for any SVSU or Delta College student to plug into Catholic life on campus. It is inclusive by design, openly welcoming all students and faculty interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church, and it pairs regular worship with a peer community (Fellowship Nights, the @svcatholics Instagram, and the Facebook group). With a chaplain supported directly by the Diocese of Saginaw, students get access to the sacraments — Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic Adoration — right on the SVSU campus.
Mass times at Saginaw Valley State University
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 30 minutes prior to every Mass
- Sunday — 5:30 PM
- Wednesday — 8:00 PM
Adoration times
- Tuesday after 8:30 PM Mass in Alumni Lounge
- 3rd Wednesday of the month — 9:00 PM (Delta College schedule)
About the Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Ministries at SVSU
Officially called Pope Saint John Paul II Catholic Ministries, this is the Catholic campus ministry serving students, faculty, and friends of Saginaw Valley State University and Delta College. It is administered by the Diocese of Saginaw and staffed by a campus chaplain. The ministry greets newcomers with: 'We welcome all students and faculty of Saginaw Valley State and Delta College interested in learning more about Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, and his Holy Catholic Church.' Events are publicized through the @svcatholics Instagram, the official Facebook group, and the ministry website at svcatholics.org.
Clergy and Leadership
Per the Diocese of Saginaw's clerical and parish assignments, Fr. Adam Maher was named chaplain in campus ministry at SVSU (and Nouvel Catholic Central High School), while also serving as Assistant Vocations Director for the diocese. The Newman Connection directory for SVSU lists Fr. Stephen Blaxton as chaplain; per subsequent diocese assignments he was moved to Parochial Administrator of Holy Family Parish (Sandusky/Marlette/Peck).
- Fr. Adam Maher — current chaplain (ordained June 1, 2018)
- Fr. Stephen Blaxton — listed as former chaplain on Newman Connection
Bible Study and Fellowship
Beyond the sacraments, the ministry runs a regular Bible study in the Cardinal Cafe and alternating Monday/Thursday fellowship nights in Science East, giving students several low-commitment ways to stay connected each week. The Diocese of Saginaw directory also shows these meetings for Delta College students, since the ministry is shared between campuses.
- Bible Study — Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, Cardinal Cafe
- Fellowship — Mondays, 7:30 PM, Science East 121
- Fellowship — Thursdays, 7:00 PM, Science East 123
Connecting With the Ministry
Students and families can reach the ministry through its website, Instagram, Facebook group, email, or by contacting one of the student leaders listed on the Diocese of Saginaw's young adult directory. Because Mass and Adoration locations occasionally change on the SVSU campus, the ministry directs everyone to check svcatholics.org each week for the current schedule.
- Website: https://svcatholics.org/
- Instagram: @svcatholics
- Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/251685671530154/
- Student contact: Katelyn Kramer, [email protected]
- Diocese directory contact: Lorenzo Alfred, [email protected], 586-909-7003
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Stephen Blaxton
Listed as chaplain on Newman Connection's SVSU page; reassigned from SVSU chaplaincy to Parochial Administrator of Holy Family Parish, Sandusky/Marlette/Peck per Diocese of Saginaw clerical assignments.
- Fr. Adam Maher
Ordained June 1, 2018; previously Parochial Vicar of Holy Apostles Parish (Ruth/Forestville) and St. Isidore Parish (Parisville/Palms); assigned as Chaplain in Campus Ministry at SVSU and Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Assistant Vocations Director per Diocese of Saginaw assignments.