Fr. Collins leading mass outdoors.

Office for Mission

Work Flowing from the Catholic Identity

Welcome to the Office for Mission at St. Thomas University, where our mission is to integrate and support the broad reach of the Catholic identity throughout our campus community. Our office comprises dedicated departments—Campus Ministry, and the Center for the Common Good,—along with numerous initiatives such as the Development of Faculty and Staff, the Chapel Arts Series, and the Next Chapter Program.

We collaborate with various university departments and partners to enrich all aspects of university life, celebrating diverse faith traditions and fostering spiritual growth. Join us in our commitment to social justice and transformational partnerships through a variety of prayer, community engagement, and educational opportunities.

Explore how you can be a part of advancing our mission and Catholic identity.

Contact Our Office

Email: mission@stthomas.edu
Phone: (651) 962-5200
Fax: (651) 962-6930

Aquinas Hall, Room 121
2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105

Students at a retreat

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry celebrates the diversity of faith traditions in our university community by serving the pastoral and spiritual growth needs of all, through a variety of prayer, service and educational opportunities.

Students read to children

Center for the Common Good

At the Center for the Common Good, we support students, staff, and faculty to be transformational partners who work tirelessly for social justice in our local, national, and global communities.

Group photo in Rome for Mission Seminar

Faculty and Staff Development

We offer a variety of events and programs for faculty and staff to promote the Mission of St. Thomas, our Catholic identity and the role that they play in advancing our Mission.

Leadership and Staff

Faith and the Arts

The Office for Mission has many homes for spiritual meditation through art. Explore some of our initiatives.

Installation by Artist Kelly Kruse

Hoedeman Gallery of Sacred Art

The Hoedeman Gallery presents exhibitions of sacred art that reflect a rich diversity and history.

The Hoedeman Gallery

Interfaith Council

The Interfaith Council is composed of students, faculty and staff. Rooted in the Catholic tradition that values faith understanding, and the dignity of all people, we strive to strengthen and unify our community by fostering meaningful interreligious dialogue, engagement and collaboration directed toward the common good.

Commitments and Partnerships

We partner with numerous local, national, and international organizations to advance the common good.

Mission Resources and Education

Learn more about our history, mission and Catholic identity on our OneStThomas intranet site.

The Next Chapter Program

Are you retiring soon or have you recently retired? Join a group of peers asking similar questions in this new stage of life and find greater joy and purpose for your next chapter.

  • About The Next Chapter Program
  • Information Session Registration
  • Application
  • Schedule
  • Cost Information
  • About The Next Chapter Program

    The University of St. Thomas is offering a program open to those already retired or thinking about retiring soon. “The Next Chapter” program typically has cohorts beginning each September and January. It is not a financial planning seminar, but rather a six-month, guided journey using principles of Ignatian spirituality to assist participants in discerning what God might be calling them to in this exciting “Next Chapter” of their lives. Participants meet once a month at St. Thomas on Saturday mornings with readings and reflection required between sessions. 

    For more information:

    Karin Trail-Johnson, Director of New Pathways and Vocation
    Email: USTNextChapter@stthomas.edu
    Phone: (651) 962-6558

    Information Session Registration

    There are no upcoming information sessions scheduled.

    Contact the program director for more information at 651-962-6558 or ustnextchapter@stthomas.edu 

    Application

    Priority date for submitting applications for Fall 2024 is June 10, 2024

    Apply for the Next Chapter Program

    After the priority date, applications will be accepted until the cohort is full. When we are no longer accepting applications, it will be noted here.

    Schedule

    Fall 2024 Cohort Dates

    Session 1 - September 7, 2024
    Session 2 - September 28, 2024
    Session 3 - October 19, 2024
    Session 4 - November 16, 2024
    Session 5 - December 7, 2024
    Retreat - January 10-11, 2025
    Session 6 - February 1, 2025

    Winter 2025 Cohort Dates

    Session 1 - January 18, 2025
    Session 2 - February 8, 2025
    Session 3 - March 1, 2025
    Session 4 - March 29, 2025
    Session 5 - April 26, 2025
    Retreat - May 16 -17, 2025
    Session 6 - May 31, 2025

    Cost Information

    The cost for the program is $950 which includes all program expenses, refreshments at each session and an overnight retreat with meals.

    About The Next Chapter Program

    About The Next Chapter Program

    The University of St. Thomas is offering a program open to those already retired or thinking about retiring soon. “The Next Chapter” program typically has cohorts beginning each September and January. It is not a financial planning seminar, but rather a six-month, guided journey using principles of Ignatian spirituality to assist participants in discerning what God might be calling them to in this exciting “Next Chapter” of their lives. Participants meet once a month at St. Thomas on Saturday mornings with readings and reflection required between sessions. 

    For more information:

    Karin Trail-Johnson, Director of New Pathways and Vocation
    Email: USTNextChapter@stthomas.edu
    Phone: (651) 962-6558

    Information Session Registration

    Information Session Registration

    There are no upcoming information sessions scheduled.

    Contact the program director for more information at 651-962-6558 or ustnextchapter@stthomas.edu 

    Application

    Application

    Priority date for submitting applications for Fall 2024 is June 10, 2024

    Apply for the Next Chapter Program

    After the priority date, applications will be accepted until the cohort is full. When we are no longer accepting applications, it will be noted here.

    Schedule

    Schedule

    Fall 2024 Cohort Dates

    Session 1 - September 7, 2024
    Session 2 - September 28, 2024
    Session 3 - October 19, 2024
    Session 4 - November 16, 2024
    Session 5 - December 7, 2024
    Retreat - January 10-11, 2025
    Session 6 - February 1, 2025

    Winter 2025 Cohort Dates

    Session 1 - January 18, 2025
    Session 2 - February 8, 2025
    Session 3 - March 1, 2025
    Session 4 - March 29, 2025
    Session 5 - April 26, 2025
    Retreat - May 16 -17, 2025
    Session 6 - May 31, 2025

    Cost Information

    Cost Information

    The cost for the program is $950 which includes all program expenses, refreshments at each session and an overnight retreat with meals.