About University of Portland Chapel of Christ the Teacher · Portland, Oregon
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher is the spiritual heart of the University of Portland, a Catholic university on the bluffs of north Portland overlooking the Willamette River. Designed by renowned Northwest architect Pietro Belluschi and dedicated on October 5, 1986, it serves as the principal place of worship for the campus community and is open every day for quiet prayer. The chapel is served by priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.), the religious order that founded and continues to staff the university, and its daily and Sunday Masses draw students, faculty, staff, and visitors together as one worshiping community.
- Established
- 1986
- Patron
- Christ the Teacher
- Rector
- Rev. Timothy (Tim) Weed, C.S.C., Ed.D.
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Why belong here
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher is the worshiping heart of one of the West Coast's leading Catholic universities, served by 16 Holy Cross priests and brothers living in community on campus. Daily noon Mass, Sunday liturgies, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and a robust Reconciliation schedule are woven into the rhythm of university life, alongside residence-hall Masses that bring prayer into the daily experience of students. Whether you are a student discerning your vocation, a faculty or staff member, or an alum returning for a wedding or reunion, the chapel opens its doors to all who wish to pray with this community.
Mass times at University of Portland Chapel of Christ the Teacher
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. (during the academic year)
- Fridays, 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (during the academic year)
- By appointment (during academic breaks and summer)
Adoration times
- Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m. (academic year)
About the Chapel of Christ the Teacher
The Chapel of Christ the Teacher is the principal place of worship on the University of Portland campus and is open for prayer and meditation to all members of the University community every day of the year. It is the spiritual center of campus, where students, faculty, and staff from all corners of campus come to share in worship, prayer, and song. The chapel is served by the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious community that founded the University and continues to animate its Catholic mission.
- Dedicated October 5, 1986
- Designed by Pietro Belluschi
- Open daily for quiet prayer
- Marble tabernacle with reserved Eucharist
History of the Chapel
Before the Chapel of Christ the Teacher was built, the University had no single central chapel. Worship was scattered among the residence halls and, after 1965, in St. Mary's Student Center, which doubled as student union by day and university chapel on weekends. The dream of a dedicated chapel was ultimately made possible by a 1950s gift from Rev. James Fogarty, C.S.C., a professor of economics, and the careful stewardship of that fund by Rev. James G. Anderson, C.S.C. Together they produced a sum that convinced President Rev. Thomas Oddo, C.S.C., and the Board of Regents that the time had come. Belluschi's design was chosen, the chapel was constructed in 1985, and Bishop Paul E. Waldschmidt, C.S.C., presided at the solemn dedication on October 5, 1986.
- Chapels in residence halls served campus before 1965
- St. Mary's served dual use from 1965
- Rev. James Fogarty, C.S.C. — original 1950s gift
- Rev. James G. Anderson, C.S.C. — steward of the chapel fund
- Rev. Thomas Oddo, C.S.C. — president who authorized construction
- Bishop Paul E. Waldschmidt, C.S.C. — presided at dedication
Architecture and Sacred Art
Belluschi's design is described by the University as 'Northwestern' in character, blending modern restraint with natural materials. The chapel contains a baptismal font, beautiful stained-glass windows, and richly carved oak details. Most striking are the four oak columns of the front portico, each engraved with the symbol of one of the four Evangelists by Oregon artist LeRoy Setziol. At the heart of the worship space, a marble tabernacle holds the consecrated Eucharist, available for adoration and prayer throughout the day.
- Architect: Pietro Belluschi
- Artist (oak column carvings): LeRoy Setziol
- Marble tabernacle with reserved Eucharist
- Stained-glass windows and baptismal font
Evening Prayer with the Holy Cross Community
Members of the campus community are welcome to join the Holy Cross priests and brothers as they pray the Divine Office together during the week. Evening Prayer is prayed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:40 p.m., offering a brief but powerful way to close the workday in the Liturgy of the Hours.
- Evening Prayer — Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday at 5:40 p.m.
Sacraments Offered through Campus Ministry
Beyond the Mass schedule, Campus Ministry coordinates preparation for the other sacraments of the Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) welcomes those interested in entering the Catholic Church, and Confirmation preparation is offered for Catholics who have not yet been confirmed. Campus Ministry also accompanies couples preparing for marriage and can host Catholic weddings in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher for current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
- RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)
- Confirmation Preparation
- Marriage Preparation and weddings in the Chapel
- Sacrament of Reconciliation
- Eucharist (daily and Sunday Mass)
Faith Sharing Communities and Retreats
Campus Ministry offers a wide variety of faith-sharing communities and retreats that complement the academic journey. Students of all faith backgrounds — including those who do not identify with any particular faith — are welcome. Retreats include silent retreats, hall retreats, and the MLK & Moreau Mission Retreat, along with domestic and international pilgrimages.
- Voice for Life
- Catholic Conversations
- Bible Studies
- Fish
- Small Groups
- Silent Retreat
- Hall Retreats
- MLK & Moreau Mission Retreat
- Pilgrimages with Campus Ministry
Liturgical Ministries and Chapel Choir
Prayer and worship are the heartbeat of University life, and student musicians, singers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers are always needed to help Campus Ministry offer well-planned and prayerful liturgies. The Chapel Choir provides music leadership for liturgies in the chapel, and students can also serve as hospitality ministers and other volunteers.
- Chapel Choir
- Student lectors
- Eucharistic ministers
- Musicians and singers
- Ministry at Mass opportunities
Leadership Opportunities
Students are invited into leadership roles that shape the faith life of their peers. Through these roles, undergraduates develop organizational, pastoral, and spiritual skills while serving the broader University community.
- Small Group Leaders
- Fish Core Team
- Campus Spirituality Team
Service and Catholic Intellectual Life
Faith at UP is not limited to the chapel. Rooted in the mission of the Congregation of Holy Cross, the University educates the whole person — head, heart, and hands. The Moreau Center for Service and Justice empowers students to engage in local, national, and international service from their first year, with immersion programs, paid nonprofit work-study jobs, and volunteerism. The Garaventa Center fosters dialogue between Catholic intellectual life and contemporary culture through free lectures, performances, and publications.
- Moreau Center for Service and Justice — service immersions and volunteerism
- Garaventa Center — Catholic intellectual life and cultural dialogue
- Faith-based centers across the University
Multifaith Resources
In keeping with the University's commitment to support all students in the practice of their faith, Campus Ministry provides resources for students from faith traditions outside the Catholic faith. A Muslim Prayer Room accessible from the lower level of Christie Hall is available to all members of the University community, and a directory of off-campus churches helps students follow their own religious traditions.
- Ecumenical and Multifaith Resources
- Muslim Prayer Room (lower level of Christie Hall)
- Off-Campus Faith Communities directory
Holy Cross at the University of Portland
The Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) founded the University of Portland and continues to staff its campus ministry, faculty, and administration. Sixteen Holy Cross priests and brothers currently live in community at UP, serving as professors, administrators, pastoral residents in the residence halls, and chaplains. Several emeritus members remain active in parish and campus ministries. The local Holy Cross office is administered by Liz Cole ([email protected]).
- 16 Holy Cross priests and brothers on campus
- Pastoral Residents living in each residence hall
- Faculty, administration, and chaplaincy roles
- Religious Superior on campus
Contact and Visit
Campus Ministry's main offices are located in St. Mary's Student Center, with an additional office on the second floor of the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. The chapel is open all day for quiet prayer, and visitors are warmly welcomed at any Mass or service during the week.
- Phone: 503.943.7131
- Email: [email protected]
- Fr. Tim Weed (Director): [email protected], 503.943.8919
- Office: St. Mary's Student Center and 2nd floor of the Chapel
- Holy Cross office contact: Liz Cole, [email protected]