Is College of the Holy Cross a Catholic college?

Yes. College of the Holy Cross is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Worcester. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

What is College of the Holy Cross’s Compass Score?

81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is Mass celebrated at College of the Holy Cross?

Mass is listed at McCooey Chapel (lower level, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel), St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, Mary Chapel (lower level, and St. Joseph Memorial Chapel). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

Catholic college

College of the Holy Cross

LocationWorcester, MA
Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 3,035 students
SponsorSociety of Jesus (Jesuits)
TraditionJesuit

Official website

The College of the Holy Cross is a Jesuit liberal arts college in Worcester, Massachusetts. The Office of the College Chaplains, based in Campion House, publishes a Fall 2026 schedule with Mass every weekday (twice Monday through Thursday), two Sunday Masses, confession five times a week, and a weekly holy hour. The common requirements include one course in Studies in Religion and one in Philosophical Studies.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

Monday–Friday12:05 PMMcCooey Chapel (lower level, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel) · Fall 2026 semester schedule (weekday Masses Aug. 24–Dec. 11).
Monday–Thursday9:00 PMMcCooey Chapel (lower level, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel) · Fall 2026 semester schedule (weekday Masses Aug. 24–Dec. 11).
Sunday11:30 AMSt. Joseph Memorial Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule; some Sundays vary (see schedule).
Sunday7:00 PMMary Chapel (lower level, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel) · Fall 2026 schedule; some Sundays vary (see schedule).

Confession 3

Monday–Wednesday8:00 PM–8:50 PMLower Chapel, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
Thursday7:30 PM–8:15 PMSt. Joseph Memorial Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.
Friday11:30 AM–12:00 PMLower Chapel, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel · Fall 2026 schedule.

Adoration 1

Thursday7:30 PM–8:30 PMSt. Joseph Memorial Chapel · Holy Hour. Fall 2026 schedule.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 8, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Monday–Thursday | 12:05 PM & 9 PM”
Weekday Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 12:05 PM and 9 PM.
“Monday–Thursday | 12:05 PM & 9 PM”
Weekday Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 12:05 PM and 9 PM.
“Mass | 11:30 AM | St. Joseph Memorial Chapel”
Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11:30 AM in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
“Mass | 7:00 PM | Mary Chapel”
Sunday Mass is celebrated at 7:00 PM in Mary Chapel.
“Monday–Wednesday | 8–8:50 PM | Lower Chapel”
Confession is scheduled Monday through Wednesday, 8 to 8:50 PM, in the Lower Chapel.
“Thursday | 7:30–8:15 PM | St. Joseph”
Confession is scheduled Thursday, 7:30 to 8:15 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.
“Friday | 11:30 AM–12 PM | Lower Chapel”
Confession is scheduled Friday, 11:30 AM to noon, in the Lower Chapel.
“Thursday | 7:30–8:30 PM | St. Joseph”
The Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration is held Thursday, 7:30 to 8:30 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.

Plan a campus visit Mass times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Our Lady of Vilna Rectory — 0.5 mi · 153 Sterling Street
Our Lady of Czestochowa Church (Polish) — 1.1 mi · 34 Ward Street, Worcester
Saint Peters Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 931 Main Street
Saint Johns Catholic Church — 1.7 mi · 44 Temple Street
Cathedral of Saint Paul — 1.7 mi · 38 High Street, Worcester
St. Stephen Church — 1.7 mi · 357 Grafton Street, Worcester

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

Sacramental life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Fall 2026: Mass Monday–Thursday at 12:05 PM and 9 PM, Friday at 12:05 PM, in McCooey Chapel.)
Sources (2)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sunday Mass Schedule Weekday Mass Schedule McCooey Chapel”
  The Fall 2026 chapel worship schedule lists a Sunday Mass schedule and a weekday Mass schedule in McCooey Chapel.
  “Monday–Thursday | 12:05 PM & 9 PM”
  Weekday Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 12:05 PM and 9 PM.
  “Friday | 12:05 PM only”
  Weekday Mass is celebrated on Friday at 12:05 PM only.
2. About Holy Cross | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/about · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “features a small chapel for daily Masses (McCooey Chapel), a mid-sized chapel seating up to 270 people that is home to the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass”
  The lower level of the chapel includes McCooey Chapel for daily Masses and Mary Chapel for the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass.
Yes:
Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 11:30 AM (St. Joseph Memorial Chapel) and 7:00 PM (Mary Chapel).)
Sources (2)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Mass | 11:30 AM | St. Joseph Memorial Chapel”
  Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11:30 AM in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
  “Mass | 7:00 PM | Mary Chapel”
  Sunday Mass is celebrated at 7:00 PM in Mary Chapel.
2. About Holy Cross | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/about · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The upper chapel (St. Joseph Memorial Chapel) is home to the Sunday 11:30 a.m. Mass”
  The catalog places the Sunday 11:30 a.m. Mass in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
  “features a small chapel for daily Masses (McCooey Chapel), a mid-sized chapel seating up to 270 people that is home to the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass”
  The lower level of the chapel includes McCooey Chapel for daily Masses and Mary Chapel for the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass.
Yes:
Scheduled confession on campusThree or more scheduled times per week (Five scheduled times a week: Monday–Wednesday 8–8:50 PM, Thursday 7:30–8:15 PM, Friday 11:30 AM–12 PM.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sacrament of Reconciliation Holy Hour | Eucharistic Adoration”
  The schedule lists times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration.
  “Monday–Wednesday | 8–8:50 PM | Lower Chapel”
  Confession is scheduled Monday through Wednesday, 8 to 8:50 PM, in the Lower Chapel.
  “Thursday | 7:30–8:15 PM | St. Joseph”
  Confession is scheduled Thursday, 7:30 to 8:15 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.
  “Friday | 11:30 AM–12 PM | Lower Chapel”
  Confession is scheduled Friday, 11:30 AM to noon, in the Lower Chapel.
Partly:
Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration, Thursdays 7:30–8:30 PM.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Sacrament of Reconciliation Holy Hour | Eucharistic Adoration”
  The schedule lists times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration.
  “Thursday | 7:30–8:30 PM | St. Joseph”
  The Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration is held Thursday, 7:30 to 8:30 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.
Yes:
Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ, is listed as Associate Chaplain; the 13-member Jesuit community serves partly in campus ministry.)
Sources (2)
1. Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Meet the Chaplains Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ’84, M.Div. Director, Office of College Chaplains Megan Fox-Kelly ’99, LICSW M. Div., M.S.W. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Marty Kelly, M.T.S. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Emily Rauer Davis ’99, M.Div. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ Associate Chaplain”
  The chaplains' staff is led by Director Marybeth Kearns-Barrett and includes three associate directors and a Jesuit priest, Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ, as associate chaplain.
2. Jesuit Community | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/jesuit-community · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The 13 members of the Jesuit Community at Holy Cross are mostly engaged in ministry at the College either as teachers, administrators, staff or in campus ministry.”
  A community of 13 Jesuits serves at the College, including in campus ministry.
Yes:
Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
Sources (2)
1. Facilities & Spaces | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/facilities-spaces · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “welcoming visitors from every faith and background to reflect, pray, or simply sit in peaceful silence”
  St. Joseph Memorial Chapel is described as open to visitors for prayer and reflection.
2. About Holy Cross | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/about · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “features a small chapel for daily Masses (McCooey Chapel), a mid-sized chapel seating up to 270 people that is home to the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass”
  The lower level of the chapel includes McCooey Chapel for daily Masses and Mary Chapel for the Sunday 7:00 p.m. Mass.
  “a chapel for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a chapel for the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament”
  The chapel's lower level includes a reconciliation chapel and a Blessed Sacrament chapel.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (17 weekly times documented: 11 Mass, 5 confession, 1 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Theology and core curriculum

40 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (One course in Studies in Religion (Classes of 2029–2031 under the current catalog; the Class of 2032 curriculum also lists one Religion breadth area).)
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Students are required to complete one course in Studies in Religion and one course in Philosophical Studies.”
  The common requirements include one course in Studies in Religion and one in Philosophical Studies.
Partly:
Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (The requirement may be met with courses on world religions, ethics, sacred texts, or Catholic theology.)
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Courses in this area include the study of indigenous religions as well as major religious traditions of the world — i.e., Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Daoism; religious ethics; the analysis and interpretation of sacred texts; and the study of Catholic theology and spirituality.”
  Courses that satisfy Studies in Religion range across world religions, ethics and sacred texts; Catholic theology is one of the options.
Partly:
Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Students are required to complete one course in Studies in Religion and one course in Philosophical Studies.”
  The common requirements include one course in Studies in Religion and one in Philosophical Studies.
No:
Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNo (The catalog's common-requirements description names the Jesuit tradition and the mission statement; not the Catholic intellectual tradition as an aim of the core.)
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “As indicated in the College’s Mission Statement, “critical examination of fundamental religious and philosophical questions” is essential to a liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition.”
  The catalog frames the religion and philosophy requirements in terms of the Jesuit tradition; the common-requirements description does not name the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Yes:
Theology or religious studies major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. Religious Studies Major | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/academic-plans/religious-studies/religious-studies-major · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “A major is required to take a minimum of 10 and normally a maximum of 14 courses in the Department.”
  The Department of Religious Studies offers a major.
Not enough information:
Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Campus culture and residence life

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (8 Catholic ministry staff counted (director, three associate directors, a Jesuit associate chaplain, two assistant chaplains, the director of liturgy and music); the multifaith assistant chaplain, hospitality director and office coordinator are not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Meet the Chaplains Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ’84, M.Div. Director, Office of College Chaplains Megan Fox-Kelly ’99, LICSW M. Div., M.S.W. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Marty Kelly, M.T.S. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Emily Rauer Davis ’99, M.Div. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ Associate Chaplain”
  The chaplains' staff is led by Director Marybeth Kearns-Barrett and includes three associate directors and a Jesuit priest, Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ, as associate chaplain.
  “Mary E. LaVigne LCSW, M.A., M.S.W. Assistant Chaplain Julia Murphy, M.Div. Assistant Chaplain Laurence Rosania, M.A. Assistant Chaplain, Director of Liturgy and Music”
  The staff also includes two assistant chaplains and an assistant chaplain who directs liturgy and music.
Yes:
Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (Ignite (first-year), Spiritual Exercises, Manresa, Big Chill, and an 'Eat, Pray, Study' finals retreat, among others.)
Sources (1)
1. Joyce Contemplative Center | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/facilities-spaces/joyce-contemplative-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Ignite Retreat for First Year Students Spiritual Exercises Manresa, a student-led weekend retreat”
  Retreats at the Joyce Contemplative Center include the Ignite retreat for first-year students, the Spiritual Exercises and the Manresa weekend retreat.
  “Big Chill Montserrat class evenings of contemplation “Eat, Pray, Study” retreat during finals study period”
  Other offerings include the Big Chill, Montserrat evenings of contemplation and an 'Eat, Pray, Study' retreat during finals.
Yes:
Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Society of Saints Peter and Paul, Pax Christi, and the chaplain-led Cura Communities small groups.)
Sources (2)
1. Student Clubs & Organizations | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/get-involved/student-clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Society of Saints Peter and Paul - Provide a community for students who seek to grow in their love of Jesus Christ and to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith.”
  The Society of Saints Peter and Paul is a Catholic student organization.
  “Pax Christi - Strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating and bearing witness to the call of Christian nonviolence.”
  Pax Christi is a registered religious student organization focused on Christian nonviolence.
2. Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Cura Communities gives students an opportunity to gather weekly in small groups to discuss everything from family to faith and friendships.”
  The chaplains run Cura Communities, weekly small faith-sharing groups.
Not enough information:
Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Overnight guest policy in residence hallsOvernight guests of the opposite sex not permitted (2026-2027 Community Standards guest policy.)
Sources (1)
1. Community Standards Process and Procedures 2026-2027 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/20262027-community-standards-process-and-procedures · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Students may not host guests of the opposite gender in their room overnight.”
  The 2026-2027 guest policy does not permit overnight guests of the opposite gender in student rooms.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes
Sources (1)
1. Mission Priority Examen | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/mission-priority-examen · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J. Vice President for Mission & Chief Mission Officer”
  The college has a Vice President for Mission and Chief Mission Officer.

Service and Catholic social teaching

75 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Service or volunteer centerYes (SPUD is a staffed service program within the Office of the College Chaplains.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spud · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Comprised of more than 30 diverse community partnerships, SPUD is the largest student-led service and justice organization on campus.”
  SPUD, run within the chaplains' office, is the college's largest service and justice program, with more than 30 community partners.
  “For more information on volunteering for any of the following programs, please contact Assistant Chaplain, Mary LaVigne-Greeley, LCSW at mlavigne@holycross.edu”
  Assistant Chaplain Mary LaVigne-Greeley coordinates SPUD volunteering (mlavigne@holycross.edu).
Partly:
Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs)
Sources (1)
1. Community-Based Learning | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/academics/experiential-learning/community-based-learning · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Community-based learning (CBL) is a teaching approach that connects classroom learning objectives with civic engagement.”
  Community-based learning courses are offered.
Partly:
Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center)
Sources (1)
1. Religious Studies (RELS) | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/courses/rels · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “RELS 141 — Contemporary Christian Morality Course count: 1 This course addresses the implications of Christian belief and identity for personal and social morality. Readings examine fundamental ethics of moral agency, human freedom, conscience, sin, suffering and virtue, as well as the method and themes of Catholic social teaching.”
  RELS 141 covers the method and themes of Catholic social teaching.
Partly:
Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (Students for Life.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Clubs & Organizations | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/get-involved/student-clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Students For Life - Students for Life (SFL) promotes a culture of life on campus and beyond by affirming the inherent dignity of every human being at every stage of life, from conception to natural death.”
  Students for Life is a registered pro-life student organization.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Spring Break Immersion Program, Pax Christi, and SPUD service with immigrants and refugees.)
Sources (3)
1. Spring Break Immersion Program | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spring-break-immersion · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Spring Break Immersion Program offers Holy Cross students the opportunity to build relationships across economic, regional, and cultural differences with people throughout the U.S. Solidarity, spirituality, and mutuality are core values of the program.”
  The chaplains' office runs a Spring Break Immersion Program built on solidarity, spirituality and mutuality.
2. Student Clubs & Organizations | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/get-involved/student-clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Pax Christi - Strives to create a world that reflects the Peace of Christ by exploring, articulating and bearing witness to the call of Christian nonviolence.”
  Pax Christi is a registered religious student organization focused on Christian nonviolence.
3. Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spud · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “supporting recently arrived immigrants and refugees”
  SPUD service includes support for recently arrived immigrants and refugees.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes
Sources (2)
1. Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spud · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Comprised of more than 30 diverse community partnerships, SPUD is the largest student-led service and justice organization on campus.”
  SPUD, run within the chaplains' office, is the college's largest service and justice program, with more than 30 community partners.
  “as well as offer opportunities for prayer and reflection to help students deepen spiritual and personal growth”
  SPUD pairs weekly service with prayer and reflection.
2. Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “whether through the on-campus chapter of PAX Christi, the Spring Break Immersion Program or Student Programs for Urban Development, the largest student-led service and justice organization on campus”
  The chaplains' office lists Pax Christi, the Spring Break Immersion Program and SPUD as its justice programs.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

Mass is scheduled every weekday (twice Monday through Thursday) and twice on Sundays during the fall semester.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Monday–Thursday | 12:05 PM & 9 PM”
  Weekday Mass is celebrated Monday through Thursday at 12:05 PM and 9 PM.
  “Friday | 12:05 PM only”
  Weekday Mass is celebrated on Friday at 12:05 PM only.
  “Mass | 11:30 AM | St. Joseph Memorial Chapel”
  Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11:30 AM in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
  “Mass | 7:00 PM | Mary Chapel”
  Sunday Mass is celebrated at 7:00 PM in Mary Chapel.
Confession is scheduled five times a week, and a Eucharistic holy hour is held every Thursday.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel Worship Schedule Fall 2026 | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/document/chapelworshipschedulefall2026pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Monday–Wednesday | 8–8:50 PM | Lower Chapel”
  Confession is scheduled Monday through Wednesday, 8 to 8:50 PM, in the Lower Chapel.
  “Thursday | 7:30–8:15 PM | St. Joseph”
  Confession is scheduled Thursday, 7:30 to 8:15 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.
  “Friday | 11:30 AM–12 PM | Lower Chapel”
  Confession is scheduled Friday, 11:30 AM to noon, in the Lower Chapel.
  “Thursday | 7:30–8:30 PM | St. Joseph”
  The Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration is held Thursday, 7:30 to 8:30 PM, in St. Joseph Chapel.
The chaplains' office lists eight Catholic ministry staff, including a Jesuit associate chaplain, and the college has a Vice President for Mission.
Sources (2)
1. Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Meet the Chaplains Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ’84, M.Div. Director, Office of College Chaplains Megan Fox-Kelly ’99, LICSW M. Div., M.S.W. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Marty Kelly, M.T.S. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Emily Rauer Davis ’99, M.Div. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ Associate Chaplain”
  The chaplains' staff is led by Director Marybeth Kearns-Barrett and includes three associate directors and a Jesuit priest, Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ, as associate chaplain.
  “Mary E. LaVigne LCSW, M.A., M.S.W. Assistant Chaplain Julia Murphy, M.Div. Assistant Chaplain Laurence Rosania, M.A. Assistant Chaplain, Director of Liturgy and Music”
  The staff also includes two assistant chaplains and an assistant chaplain who directs liturgy and music.
2. Mission Priority Examen | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/mission-priority-examen · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Keith Maczkiewicz, S.J. Vice President for Mission & Chief Mission Officer”
  The college has a Vice President for Mission and Chief Mission Officer.
The chaplains run a retreat program at the Joyce Contemplative Center, a weekly service program (SPUD), and spring break immersion trips.
Sources (3)
1. Joyce Contemplative Center | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/facilities-spaces/joyce-contemplative-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Ignite Retreat for First Year Students Spiritual Exercises Manresa, a student-led weekend retreat”
  Retreats at the Joyce Contemplative Center include the Ignite retreat for first-year students, the Spiritual Exercises and the Manresa weekend retreat.
2. Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spud · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Comprised of more than 30 diverse community partnerships, SPUD is the largest student-led service and justice organization on campus.”
  SPUD, run within the chaplains' office, is the college's largest service and justice program, with more than 30 community partners.
3. Spring Break Immersion Program | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office/spring-break-immersion · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “The Spring Break Immersion Program offers Holy Cross students the opportunity to build relationships across economic, regional, and cultural differences with people throughout the U.S. Solidarity, spirituality, and mutuality are core values of the program.”
  The chaplains' office runs a Spring Break Immersion Program built on solidarity, spirituality and mutuality.

Concerns

The common requirements include one course in Studies in Religion and one in Philosophical Studies; many Catholic colleges require two or more of each.
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Students are required to complete one course in Studies in Religion and one course in Philosophical Studies.”
  The common requirements include one course in Studies in Religion and one in Philosophical Studies.
The religion requirement can be met with courses on world religions, ethics or sacred texts. Catholic theology is one option among several.
Sources (1)
1. Degree Requirements | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/requirements-policies/degree-requirements · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “Courses in this area include the study of indigenous religions as well as major religious traditions of the world — i.e., Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and Daoism; religious ethics; the analysis and interpretation of sacred texts; and the study of Catholic theology and spirituality.”
  Courses that satisfy Studies in Religion range across world religions, ethics and sacred texts; Catholic theology is one of the options.
The housing page describes all 13 residence halls as coed.
Sources (1)
1. Housing | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/housing · verified Oct. 8, 2026
  “13 Coed residence halls feature comfortable, fully networked spaces for living, learning and socializing”
  The housing page describes the college's 13 residence halls as coed.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campion House (Office of the College Chaplains)

Address: 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Location: On campus
Facilities: chaplains' offices, living room, dining room, kitchen, study space

View on map ↗

Source: holycross.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, catalog.holycross.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, holycross.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 7 on campus, 3 off campus

Retreats 1

Retreats at the Joyce Contemplative CenterOff campus
Retreat center in West Boylston, about 20 minutes from campus; offerings include the Ignite first-year retreat, the Spiritual Exercises, the student-led Manresa weekend, the Big Chill and an 'Eat, Pray, Study' finals retreat.
holycross.edu, holycross.edu, holycross.edu

Service 2

Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD)Off campus
Weekly
Weekly volunteer service with more than 30 Worcester partners, with group reflection; run within the chaplains' office.
holycross.edu, holycross.edu, holycross.edu
Spring Break Immersion ProgramOff campus
Spring break
Immersion trips to about 20 U.S. sites, organized by the chaplains' office.
holycross.edu

Faith formation 2

Cura CommunitiesOn campus
Weekly
Chaplain-led small groups that meet weekly to talk about faith, family and friendships.
holycross.edu
Class chaplainsOn campus
Each class has chaplains who accompany students individually and as a group.
holycross.edu

Clubs and groups 3

Society of Saints Peter and PaulOn campus
Student organization for students who want to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith.
holycross.edu
Pax ChristiOn campus
Student chapter focused on Christian nonviolence, listed by the chaplains' office among its justice programs.
holycross.edu, holycross.edu
Students for LifeOn campus
Pro-life student organization addressing abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment through education and advocacy.
holycross.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

Liturgical and music ministriesOn campus
About 200 students serve as singers, instrumentalists, lectors and in other liturgical roles.
holycross.edu

Social life 1

Campion House bagels and dinnersOn campus
Wednesdays (bagels)
Wednesday bagels and home-cooked dinners at the chaplains' house.
holycross.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)

Office of the College Chaplains | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/chaplains-office · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Meet the Chaplains Marybeth Kearns-Barrett ’84, M.Div. Director, Office of College Chaplains Megan Fox-Kelly ’99, LICSW M. Div., M.S.W. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Marty Kelly, M.T.S. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Emily Rauer Davis ’99, M.Div. Associate Director, Associate Chaplain Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ Associate Chaplain”
The chaplains' staff is led by Director Marybeth Kearns-Barrett and includes three associate directors and a Jesuit priest, Rev. Andrew J. Garavel, SJ, as associate chaplain.
“Office of the College Chaplains Location Campion House Phone 508-793-2448”
The Office of the College Chaplains is located in Campion House; its phone is 508-793-2448.
“Office of the College Chaplains Location Campion House Phone 508-793-2448”
The Office of the College Chaplains is located in Campion House; its phone is 508-793-2448.
“1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610”
The college's street address is 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610.
Jesuit Community | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/mission-service/jesuit-community · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“The 13 members of the Jesuit Community at Holy Cross are mostly engaged in ministry at the College either as teachers, administrators, staff or in campus ministry.”
A community of 13 Jesuits serves at the College, including in campus ministry.
Student Clubs & Organizations | College of the Holy Crossholycross.edu/community/get-involved/student-clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Society of Saints Peter and Paul - Provide a community for students who seek to grow in their love of Jesus Christ and to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith.”
The Society of Saints Peter and Paul is a Catholic student organization.
About Holy Cross | 2026-2027 Catalogcatalog.holycross.edu/about · verified Oct. 8, 2026
“Campion House, in addition to housing the offices of the College chaplains, provides a unique homelike environment on campus. With its warm, comfortable living room and large dining room and kitchen tables Campion House is a wonderful place to study, dine, meet other students, or just hang out.”
Campion House, on campus, houses the chaplains' offices and has a living room, dining room and kitchen used for study and meals.

Reach out

Contact details for Marybeth Kearns-Barrett (Director, Office of College Chaplains) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

96 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score87%
First-year retention 20% of score95%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,353 · ACT 29.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score9 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$24,933

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Campus facts

Sports	NCAA Division I · Patriot League
Setting	City
ROTC	Navy
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	9 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS). None of this changes the faith grades.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	3,035
Total students	3,035
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$38,782
Cost of attendance (per year)	$80,334
Median federal debt at graduation	$27,000
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	87%
First-year retention	95%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$90,543
Admission rate	18%
Students receiving Pell grants	15%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1240–1410ACT 27–32

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1353
SAT reading & writing	630–710
SAT math	610–700
ACT composite	27–32
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 56 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Worcester

The Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 166124
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
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Questions families ask

Is College of the Holy Cross a Catholic college?: Yes. College of the Holy Cross is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Worcester. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
What is College of the Holy Cross’s Compass Score?: 81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at College of the Holy Cross?: Mass is listed at McCooey Chapel (lower level, St. Joseph Memorial Chapel), St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, Mary Chapel (lower level, and St. Joseph Memorial Chapel). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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