About University of Detroit Mercy · Detroit, Michigan
University Ministry is the Catholic chaplaincy and faith-formation office at the University of Detroit Mercy, a Jesuit and Mercy institution formed by the 1990 consolidation of the University of Detroit (founded 1877) and Mercy College of Detroit (founded 1941). The office accompanies students, faculty and staff through worship, faith formation, retreats, service-immersion trips and interfaith dialogue, rooted in the Catholic, Ignatian and Mercy traditions. Daily and Sunday Masses are celebrated in St. Ignatius Chapel on the McNichols Campus, with the larger parish community of nearby Gesu Church and Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church (Riverfront/Law School) also serving the University community.
- Established
- 1877
- Patron
- St. Ignatius of Loyola (Chapel patron)
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
Why belong here
University Ministry welcomes students, faculty and staff of any religion, belief or identity to reflect on God's presence in their lives and to connect with a caring community. The office offers daily and Sunday Mass, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual direction, OCIA for those discerning Catholicism, retreats (New Beginnings, Women's, Men's, Busy Persons), service-immersion trips and interfaith dialogue — all grounded in the Catholic, Ignatian and Mercy heritage of the University. With chaplains and trained spiritual companions available for one-on-one conversations, drop-ins and appointments alike, it is a true home for prayer, service and discernment during the college years.
Mass times at University of Detroit Mercy
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday 7:15–7:45 p.m. in St. Ignatius Chapel before the 8 p.m. Mass (during the academic year)
- By appointment with Fr. Jeff Dorr ([email protected]), Fr. Charles Oduke ([email protected] / 313-993-1651), or Fr. Lorn Snow via Gesu Parish Office (313-862-4400 ext.016, [email protected])
Adoration times
- Tuesday 7:00–8:00 p.m. — Eucharistic Adoration / Holy Hour (St. Ignatius Chapel)
About University Ministry
Inspired by God's unconditional love and rooted in the University's Catholic, Ignatian and Mercy traditions, University Ministry accompanies the Detroit Mercy community as it learns to know, love and serve God and one another. The office forms students through experiences of community, prayer, action and reflection. Whatever a person's religion, belief or identity, they are welcome here — the ministry is a place to reflect on God's presence in the world and to notice how God is active in one's life.
Meet the Staff
University Ministry staff are available for individual conversations — serious, light or anything in between. Appointments can be arranged by contacting a university minister; drop-ins are also always welcome. Ministers can assist with transitions, evolving relationships and other life issues, and they foster prayer, faith development and discernment about life direction, career or vocation.
- Anita Klueg — Director of University Ministry, 313-993-1667, [email protected]
- Anna Bryson — University Minister for Faith Formation, 313-993-1560 / 313-993-1925, [email protected]
- Jeff Dorr, S.J. — Sacramental Minister / Jesuit (Part-time), 313-993-1560, [email protected]
- Samantha Eckrich — University Minister for Service & Social Justice, 313-993-1670, [email protected]
- Daniel Greig — University Minister, Music Ministry (Part-Time), 313-993-1560, [email protected]
- Gray La Fond — Associate University Minister / Jesuit Volunteer, 313-993-1560, [email protected]
- Fr. Charles Oduke — priest for Reconciliation appointments, 313-993-1651, [email protected]
History of the University
The legacy of University of Detroit Mercy began more than 149 years ago with two parallel Catholic foundations in Detroit. The Jesuits and the Religious Sisters of Mercy each established colleges to foster the intellectual, social, spiritual and moral development of individuals — and to do so in Detroit, so that students could learn in a dynamic urban community while the city benefited from their talents.
- 1877 — The Society of Jesus (Jesuits), at the invitation of Bishop Caspar Henry Borgess, establishes Detroit College on Jefferson Avenue.
- 1911 — Detroit College becomes the University of Detroit.
- 1927 — Under Fr. John P. McNichols, S.J., the University moves many of its programs to the sprawling campus at Livernois and Six Mile Road (McNichols Road) — today's McNichols Campus.
- 1940 — The Religious Sisters of Mercy, headed by Mother Mary Carmelita Manning, RSM, form their Detroit Province at Southfield and West Outer Drive.
- 1941 — Mercy College of Detroit opens, using the 1934 Charter of Mercy College Nursing, to prepare women for careers in nursing and teaching.
- 1990 — The University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit consolidate to form the University of Detroit Mercy, Michigan's largest Catholic university.
Liturgy and Prayer
Faith formation is an integral part of the college experience, and University Ministry invites all students, faculty and staff to participate in prayer and worship for their own spiritual growth. While classes are in session, students have the opportunity to attend Mass, receive the sacraments and take part in spiritual direction and formation for personal growth.
Worship Schedule (McNichols Campus — St. Ignatius Chapel, Commerce & Finance Building)
Catholic Mass is offered Sunday to Friday in St. Ignatius Chapel. People of all faiths are welcome at the chapel and at its services.
- Sunday — 8:00 p.m. Mass (fall and winter semesters)
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday — 12:00 p.m. (noon) Mass
- Tuesday, Thursday — 12:45 p.m. Mass
- Holy days of obligation — schedule varies
- Confessions — Sunday 7:15–7:45 p.m. before the 8 p.m. Mass, or by appointment
- Eucharistic Adoration / Holy Hour — Tuesday 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Partner Parishes
Two nearby Jesuit parishes extend the University's liturgical life and sacramental offerings for students.
- Gesu Catholic Church — across the street from McNichols Campus; hosts daily and weekly liturgies and larger University events such as the annual Honors Convocation for the College of Liberal Arts and Education.
- Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church — adjacent to the Law School on the Riverfront Campus; daily 5:30 p.m. Mass (Wednesdays a Communion Service), Thursday Rosary Group after Mass, Friday Eucharistic Adoration 4:30–5:30 p.m., Saturday Vigil at 4 p.m. (Reconciliation 3–3:45 p.m.), Sunday Masses at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Interfaith Worship and Sacred Spaces on Campus
Detroit Mercy is a Catholic university that respects and celebrates people of all religious backgrounds. Several on-campus sacred spaces support prayer and reflection across faith traditions.
- St. Ignatius Chapel — 1st floor, Commerce and Finance Building (Catholic)
- Islamic Prayer Room — 1st floor, Student Union
- Multi-faith reflection space — basement of the Library
- Reflection Garden — north of the clock tower
- Mercy Place — 1st floor, Shiple Hall
- Jummah Prayer — Fridays during the school year; contact Muslim Chaplain Oussama Ajerd or the Muslim Student Association for current times
Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
University Ministry accompanies students through the sacraments of initiation, healing and service. Reconciliation is offered weekly before the Sunday student Mass and by appointment. Infant Baptisms, Marriage Preparation, the Anointing of the Sick, and funeral arrangements are coordinated through the partner parish of Gesu Catholic Church.
- Eucharist — daily and Sunday Masses on campus
- Reconciliation — Sunday 7:15 p.m. and by appointment with Fr. Jeff Dorr, Fr. Charles Oduke, or Fr. Lorn Snow (via Gesu)
- Anointing of the Sick — available on request
- Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals — register with Gesu Catholic Church; contact Monica Moore, Director of Parish Life, 313-862-4400 ext.032, [email protected]
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (for children) — coordinated through Gesu Church
Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) is a journey of faith, prayer and learning for adults discerning a deeper relationship with God and full communion with the Catholic Church. Through weekly gatherings, Scripture reflection and community support, participants explore Catholic beliefs, sacraments and way of life. OCIA prepares individuals for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter, or for reception into the Church if already baptized. The 2025–2026 cycle began in fall 2025 and runs through spring 2026.
- Contact: University Ministry, 313-993-1560 or [email protected]
- Director contact: Anita Klueg, [email protected], 313-993-1667
- Registration also available through Gesu Catholic Church
Liturgical and Music Ministry (Student Liturgy)
University Ministry is always looking for students who would like to be involved in the 8 p.m. Sunday student liturgy. Liturgical ministers receive training that prepares them for ministry beyond the University.
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Lectors
- Sacristans
- Music Ministers (musicians and singers)
Retreats
A hallmark of Ignatian spirituality at Detroit Mercy, retreats offer time away from the everyday to encounter God more deeply.
- New Beginnings — retreat for first-year students
- Women's Retreat
- Men's Retreat (Wilderness)
- Busy Persons Retreat — for those with limited time
- Other retreat opportunities offered throughout the year
Service and Social Justice
Service is central to the Jesuit and Mercy mission of the University. University Ministry coordinates justice-oriented programs that take students into Detroit and beyond, connecting faith with action on issues such as climate change, immigration and human rights.
- Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice (Washington, D.C.)
- Service in the City (Detroit)
- Immersion Trips — including to the U.S./Mexico border and other sites around the country
- Advocacy events on climate change, immigration, human rights and more
- University Minister for Service & Social Justice: Samantha Eckrich, [email protected], 313-993-1670
Spiritual Direction and the Spiritual Exercises
Trained spiritual companions offer confidential one-on-one sessions — an opportunity to slow down, reflect on lived experience, and notice God's action and grace in daily routines. Students of all faiths are welcome to participate in spiritual direction or to try a 6–12 week or 9-month version of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
- Spiritual Directors / Companions Available — contact University Ministry to be matched
- General contact: [email protected] or 313-993-1560
- Discernment of vocation (ordained or religious life) supported by the ministry staff
Interfaith Programs
In keeping with the University's respect for all religious traditions, University Ministry runs interfaith programming alongside its Catholic offerings.
- Interfaith dialogue programs
- Interfaith Dinner (winter semester)
- Islamic Prayer Room and Jummah Prayer coordination
- Multi-faith reflection space and Reflection Garden
Programs and Events
Recurring programs shape the rhythm of the academic year and accompany students in faith, community and leadership.
- Ministry Internship — formation of students as leaders and bearers of the good news
- Soup and Substance — weekly Lenten series with presenters over soup
- Spiritual Life Communities — weekly faith-sharing groups steeped in Ignatian Spirituality
- Common Prayer — weekly mid-day prayer open to all faiths
- Celebrate Spirit (Mass of the Holy Spirit) — opening liturgy of the academic year, typically drawing over 1,000 attendees
- Service in the City and Immersion Trips
Visit Us / Contact
The University Ministry Office is on the ground floor of the Student Union on the McNichols Campus. Staff can be reached by phone, email or social media; messages are returned promptly.
- Phone: 313-993-1560 (leave a message)
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @udmercyministry
- Facebook: University of Detroit Mercy