Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Sacred Heart University
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic college

Sacred Heart University

  • LocationFairfield, CT
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 11,179 students
Official website

Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, was founded in 1963 by the bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport to be governed and administered by laity. Its Campus Ministry, directed by a priest who serves as Catholic chaplain, offers confession every Wednesday evening and weekly Eucharistic adoration; the catalog states that Mass is celebrated on Sundays and weekdays. All undergraduates take one theology/religious studies course, one philosophy course, and two Human Journey seminars on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Confession 1

  • Wednesday8:00 PMChapel of the Nativity · Until 9 PM; also by appointment.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Confessions are available every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. in the Chapel of the Nativity. Also offered by appointment.”
    Confession is scheduled weekly on Wednesday evenings and by appointment.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Sacred Heart University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSaint Andrew Parish: 1.1 mi1Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap): 2.1 mi2Assumption Church: 2.1 mi3Saint Margaret's Shrine: 2.4 mi4Office of Campus Ministry: 0.5 miSacred Heart University (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Andrew Parish — 1.1 mi
  2. Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap) — 2.1 mi
  3. Assumption Church — 2.1 mi
  4. Saint Margaret's Shrine — 2.4 mi

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.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusOne or two scheduled times per week (Wednesdays 8-9 PM in the Chapel of the Nativity; also by appointment.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Confessions are available every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. in the Chapel of the Nativity. Also offered by appointment.”
      Confession is scheduled weekly on Wednesday evenings and by appointment.
    2. Campus Ministry | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In keeping with its Catholic identity, Campus Ministry, together with student leaders, organizes the celebration of Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the year. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration is offered during the academic year as well.”
      Campus Ministry organizes Sunday and weekday Masses and offers weekly Eucharistic adoration during the academic year.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adorationWeekly scheduled adoration (The catalog states weekly Eucharistic Adoration during the academic year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In keeping with its Catholic identity, Campus Ministry, together with student leaders, organizes the celebration of Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the year. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration is offered during the academic year as well.”
      Campus Ministry organizes Sunday and weekday Masses and offers weekly Eucharistic adoration during the academic year.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Fr. Emiel Abalahin is Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Fr. Emiel Abalahin Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain”
      A priest is Director of Campus Ministry and Catholic Chaplain.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The Chapel of the Nativity is used for daily Mass and houses the Blessed Sacrament; the Chapel of the Holy Spirit includes spaces for private prayer.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Chapel of the Holy Spirit | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/sacred-heart-life/faith--service/chapel-of-the-holy-spirit · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Complementing the main sanctuary are little oases – inviting spaces that are ideal for meditation and private prayer”
      The Chapel of the Holy Spirit includes spaces for private prayer.
    2. Chapel of the Nativity | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/sacred-heart-life/faith--service/chapel-of-the-holy-spirit/chapel-features--design/chapel-of-the-nativity · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Chapel of the Nativity, which seats about 50 for daily Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, also houses the Blessed Sacrament”
      The Chapel of the Nativity is used for daily Mass and houses the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adorationNot enough information: no verified Mass times are recorded.
CTheology and core curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

57 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (One Theology/Religious Studies course (3 credits) in the Foundational Core. The required Human Journey seminars (CIT 201-202) are interdisciplinary Catholic Intellectual Tradition seminars and are not counted as theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/degrees-and-curricula/the-university-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Philosophy (3 credits) Social or Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) Theology/Religious Studies (3 credits)”
      The Foundational Core requires one philosophy course and one theology/religious studies course.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (TRS 120 Intro to Catholic Theology is one of many Theology & Religious Studies courses; the department describes its program as exploring the world's religious traditions.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Course Descriptions | Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies/course-descriptions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “TRS 120 INTRO TO CATHOLIC THEOLOGY 3.0 Credit(s) Introduces fundamentals of Catholic life and thought.”
      An Introduction to Catholic Theology course is offered among the theology and religious studies courses.
    2. Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The theology & religious studies program at Sacred Heart University explores the richness of the world’s religious traditions.”
      The department's program covers the world's religious traditions, not Catholic theology alone.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (One Philosophy course (3 credits) in the Foundational Core.)
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/degrees-and-curricula/the-university-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Philosophy (3 credits) Social or Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) Theology/Religious Studies (3 credits)”
      The Foundational Core requires one philosophy course and one theology/religious studies course.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/degrees-and-curricula/the-university-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Consistent with its mission, Sacred Heart University provides its students with a core curriculum that is rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and liberal arts.”
      The core curriculum is described as rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
      “These seminars provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the roots and development of the Catholic Intellectual tradition as an ongoing 2,000-year conversation”
      All students take two Human Journey seminars on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Religious Studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Bachelor of Arts in Theology & Religious Studies”
      A theology and religious studies major is offered.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
ACampus culture and residence life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Five or more (6 Catholic ministry staff: 5 on the Campus Ministry contact page (priest director/chaplain, two campus ministers, two religious sisters as spiritual leaders) plus the Director of Liturgical Choir; the six chaplains of other faiths are excluded.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Ruth Williamson Campus Minister”
      Campus Ministry lists lay campus ministers.
      “Sr. Mary Ann Rossi Spiritual Leader”
      Religious sisters serve on the Campus Ministry staff.
      “Fr. Emiel Abalahin Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain”
      A priest is Director of Campus Ministry and Catholic Chaplain.
    2. Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Matthew Cimino, MM Director of Liturgical Choir”
      A Director of Liturgical Choir serves Campus Ministry.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Encounter with Christ weekend retreat and day retreats on the retreats page; the catalog confirms retreats are offered. The page's freshman-retreat entry refers to 2024 and was not used.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Retreats | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Encounter with Christ is an opportunity for all students to experience a weekend away from campus to grow in their relationship with God, make new friends and reflect.”
      Campus Ministry offers an Encounter with Christ weekend retreat.
      “In addition to weekend-long retreats, Campus Ministry is also happy to offer day-long retreats on a variety of topics.”
      Campus Ministry offers day retreats in addition to weekend retreats.
    2. Campus Ministry | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In keeping with its Catholic identity, Campus Ministry, together with student leaders, organizes the celebration of Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the year. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration is offered during the academic year as well.”
      Campus Ministry organizes Sunday and weekday Masses and offers weekly Eucharistic adoration during the academic year.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Weekly Bible study, Hearts Ablaze small group, Peer Ministry Team (including RCIA faith formation).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Small Groups & Programs | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/small-groups--programs · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Currently, we have a bible study focusing on the upcoming Sunday’s readings. Hearts Ablaze is another small group, similar to a youth group from high school.”
      Campus Ministry runs a Bible study and the Hearts Ablaze small group.
    2. Peer Ministry | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Peer Ministry Team (PMT) is a group of students who commit themselves to living out the three values of Campus Ministry in an intentional way throughout campus life.”
      A student Peer Ministry Team plans prayer, liturgy, faith formation and service.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Single-sex residence optionsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsOvernight guests of the opposite sex not permitted (Overnight guests of the opposite gender may not stay in the host's room; another resident of the guest's gender must host them.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Frequently Asked Questions | Residential Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/residential-life/frequently-asked-questions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Overnight guests of the same gender are allowed to stay in the room of the host resident. If the overnight guest is of the opposite gender, it is the resident’s responsibility to find another resident of that gender to host the guest for the evenings.”
      Overnight guests of the opposite gender may not stay in the host's room.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (Faith in Action Living & Learning Community for first-year students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Faith in Action LLC | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/sacred-heart-life/life-on-campus/living--learning-communities/faith-in-action-llc · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Faith in Action is designed for students who want to explore faith as an active, lived experience rooted in values, purpose and service.”
      A faith-based living and learning community is offered in the residence halls.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Mission & Culture, led by a Senior Vice President for Mission & Culture, runs faculty development in the Catholic intellectual tradition.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mission & Culture at Sacred Heart University has as its primary purpose the articulation, promotion and transmission of Catholic Intellectual and Spiritual Traditions.”
      The Mission & Culture office's purpose is the promotion of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions.
    2. Meet the Staff | Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture/meet-the-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Francis X.R. Origanti, Ph.D. Senior Vice President for Mission & Culture”
      A Senior Vice President leads Mission & Culture.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

79 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Office of Community Engagement (volunteer programs, service-learning, service immersion).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “SHU offers Volunteer Programs, Service-Learning opportunities and Service Immersion Programs to suit everyone”
      The Office of Community Engagement runs volunteer, service-learning and immersion programs.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Course-based service-learning; not required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Service-Learning | Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement/service-learning · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Service-learning is a credit-bearing, faculty-directed, teaching-learning experience that is course specific.”
      Service-learning is offered in specific courses.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (TRS 142 Catholic Social Justice Tradition elective. Laudato Si' Office of Sustainability & Social Justice.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Course Descriptions | Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies/course-descriptions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “TRS 142 CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE TRADITION 3.0 Credit(s) The social-ethical teachings of the Catholic tradition, especially since Pope Leo XIII's letter On the Condition of Labor in 1891.”
      A course on Catholic social teaching is offered.
    2. Laudato Si' Office of Sustainability & Social Justice | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/laudato-si-office-of-sustainability-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In recognition of this growing work and its significance for our university mission, the Laudato Si’ Initiative officially became the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice in 2025.”
      The university has a Laudato Si' office for sustainability and social justice.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Service immersion programs in Bridgeport, Colombia and Costa Rica. Campus Ministry Jamaica mission trip. Laudato Si' Office of Sustainability & Social Justice.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Service Immersion Programs | Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement/service-immersion-programs · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “During spring break, delegations travel to Colombia and Costa Rica where SHU has served for almost a decade.”
      Service immersion trips go to Colombia and Costa Rica, as well as Bridgeport.
    2. Campus Ministry: Jamaica Mission Trip | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/study-abroad/destinations/jamaica/campus-ministry-jamaica-mission-trip · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The SHU Delegation will be living in a small community in Kingston, Jamaica, ran by the organization Mustard Seed Communities (MSC).”
      Campus Ministry runs a mission trip to Jamaica (dates listed as TBD).
    3. Laudato Si' Office of Sustainability & Social Justice | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/laudato-si-office-of-sustainability-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In recognition of this growing work and its significance for our university mission, the Laudato Si’ Initiative officially became the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice in 2025.”
      The university has a Laudato Si' office for sustainability and social justice.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Community Engagement sits within Mission & Culture under an Executive Director for Mission Integration, Ministry & Community Engagement. Campus Ministry runs a mission trip.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Meet the Staff | Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture/meet-the-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Matthew Shields Executive Director for Mission Integration, Ministry & Community Engagement”
      Community engagement is overseen within the Mission & Culture division together with mission integration and ministry.
    2. Campus Ministry: Jamaica Mission Trip | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/study-abroad/destinations/jamaica/campus-ministry-jamaica-mission-trip · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The SHU Delegation will be living in a small community in Kingston, Jamaica, ran by the organization Mustard Seed Communities (MSC).”
      Campus Ministry runs a mission trip to Jamaica (dates listed as TBD).

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

Strengths

  • A priest directs Campus Ministry as Catholic chaplain, with two lay campus ministers, two religious sisters and a liturgical choir director.
    Sources (2)
    1. Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Fr. Emiel Abalahin Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain”
      A priest is Director of Campus Ministry and Catholic Chaplain.
      “Ruth Williamson Campus Minister”
      Campus Ministry lists lay campus ministers.
      “Sr. Mary Ann Rossi Spiritual Leader”
      Religious sisters serve on the Campus Ministry staff.
    2. Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Matthew Cimino, MM Director of Liturgical Choir”
      A Director of Liturgical Choir serves Campus Ministry.
  • All undergraduates take two Human Journey seminars on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition in addition to theology and philosophy courses, and the catalog describes the core as rooted in that tradition.
    Sources (1)
    1. The University Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/degrees-and-curricula/the-university-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Consistent with its mission, Sacred Heart University provides its students with a core curriculum that is rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and liberal arts.”
      The core curriculum is described as rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
      “These seminars provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the roots and development of the Catholic Intellectual tradition as an ongoing 2,000-year conversation”
      All students take two Human Journey seminars on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
      “Philosophy (3 credits) Social or Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) Theology/Religious Studies (3 credits)”
      The Foundational Core requires one philosophy course and one theology/religious studies course.
  • Overnight guests of the opposite gender may not stay in a resident's room, and a Faith in Action living-learning community is offered.
    Sources (2)
    1. Frequently Asked Questions | Residential Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/residential-life/frequently-asked-questions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Overnight guests of the same gender are allowed to stay in the room of the host resident. If the overnight guest is of the opposite gender, it is the resident’s responsibility to find another resident of that gender to host the guest for the evenings.”
      Overnight guests of the opposite gender may not stay in the host's room.
    2. Faith in Action LLC | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/sacred-heart-life/life-on-campus/living--learning-communities/faith-in-action-llc · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Faith in Action is designed for students who want to explore faith as an active, lived experience rooted in values, purpose and service.”
      A faith-based living and learning community is offered in the residence halls.
  • A Senior Vice President leads a Mission & Culture division that includes campus ministry, community engagement and a Laudato Si' office.
    Sources (3)
    1. Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Mission & Culture at Sacred Heart University has as its primary purpose the articulation, promotion and transmission of Catholic Intellectual and Spiritual Traditions.”
      The Mission & Culture office's purpose is the promotion of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual traditions.
    2. Meet the Staff | Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture/meet-the-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Francis X.R. Origanti, Ph.D. Senior Vice President for Mission & Culture”
      A Senior Vice President leads Mission & Culture.
    3. Laudato Si' Office of Sustainability & Social Justice | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/laudato-si-office-of-sustainability-and-social-justice · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In recognition of this growing work and its significance for our university mission, the Laudato Si’ Initiative officially became the Laudato Si’ Office of Sustainability & Social Justice in 2025.”
      The university has a Laudato Si' office for sustainability and social justice.

Concerns

  • The catalog states only that Mass is celebrated on Sundays and weekdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “In keeping with its Catholic identity, Campus Ministry, together with student leaders, organizes the celebration of Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the year. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration is offered during the academic year as well.”
      Campus Ministry organizes Sunday and weekday Masses and offers weekly Eucharistic adoration during the academic year.
  • The core requires one theology/religious studies course, which can be met without a Catholic theology course, and one philosophy course.
    Sources (2)
    1. The University Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/degrees-and-curricula/the-university-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Philosophy (3 credits) Social or Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) Theology/Religious Studies (3 credits)”
      The Foundational Core requires one philosophy course and one theology/religious studies course.
    2. Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The theology & religious studies program at Sacred Heart University explores the richness of the world’s religious traditions.”
      The department's program covers the world's religious traditions, not Catholic theology alone.
  • Confession is scheduled once a week (Wednesday evenings), with other times by appointment.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Confessions are available every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. in the Chapel of the Nativity. Also offered by appointment.”
      Confession is scheduled weekly on Wednesday evenings and by appointment.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Office of Campus Ministry

  • Address: Academic Center HC 109, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

Source: sacredheart.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, sacredheart.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 11 on campus, 3 off campus

Retreats 2

  • Encounter with Christ retreatOff campus
    Weekend retreat away from campus open to students of any class year.
  • Day retreatsOn campus
    Day-long retreats on a variety of topics.

Service 2

  • Service SaturdayOff campus
    A few Saturdays each semester
    Peer Ministry service days in the local community.
  • Campus Ministry Jamaica Mission TripOff campus
    Service with Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston, Jamaica (dates listed as TBD).

Faith formation 3

  • Sunday readings Bible studyOn campus
    Weekly
    Bible study on the upcoming Sunday's readings, organized by the Peer Ministry Team.
  • RCIAOn campus
    Preparation for students becoming Catholic, coordinated with the Peer Ministry Team.
  • Faith in Action Living & Learning CommunityOn campus
    First-year residential community with weekly seminars and engagement with Campus Ministry.

Clubs and groups 2

  • Hearts AblazeOn campus
    Weekly
    Small group that meets weekly to discuss topics, build community and grow in faith.
  • Peer Ministry TeamOn campus
    Selected students who plan small groups, prayer and liturgy, social justice, faith formation, interfaith and community events.

Liturgy and prayer 1

Social life 4

  • Agape LatteOn campus
    Twice a semester
    Student-run coffeehouse with live music and a faculty or staff speaker on faith and purpose.
  • Paint & PrayOn campus
    Prayer through art with supplies provided.
  • Holy YogaOn campus
    Yoga session rooted in Christian images.
  • Kickback with Campus MinistryOn campus
    Throughout the semester
    Social gatherings with food and games to meet Campus Ministry staff and peer ministers.

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)
  1. Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Fr. Emiel Abalahin Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain”
    A priest is Director of Campus Ministry and Catholic Chaplain.
    “Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain Academic Center HC 109H”
    The Campus Ministry office is in the Academic Center, HC 109.
    “Our Location 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT”
    The university's street address is 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT.
  2. Campus Ministry | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “In keeping with its Catholic identity, Campus Ministry, together with student leaders, organizes the celebration of Mass on Sundays and weekdays throughout the year. Weekly Eucharistic Adoration is offered during the academic year as well.”
    Campus Ministry organizes Sunday and weekday Masses and offers weekly Eucharistic adoration during the academic year.
  3. Small Groups & Programs | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/small-groups--programs · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Currently, we have a bible study focusing on the upcoming Sunday’s readings. Hearts Ablaze is another small group, similar to a youth group from high school.”
    Campus Ministry runs a Bible study and the Hearts Ablaze small group.
  4. Peer Ministry | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/peer-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Peer Ministry Team (PMT) is a group of students who commit themselves to living out the three values of Campus Ministry in an intentional way throughout campus life.”
    A student Peer Ministry Team plans prayer, liturgy, faith formation and service.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Emiel Abalahin (Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain) and 3 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
75 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.73%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.83%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.15 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,979

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))

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)
6,960
Total students11,179
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$46,174
Cost of attendance (per year)$69,289
Median federal debt at graduation$25,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
73%
First-year retention83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$75,059
Admission rate65%
Students receiving Pell grants16%

Value index: 53 / 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 Bridgeport

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Sacred Heart University a Catholic college?
Yes. Sacred Heart University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
What is Sacred Heart University’s Compass Score?
76 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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