
Catholic college
Sacred Heart University
- LocationFairfield, CT
- Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 11,179 students
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)
- 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.”
Catholic churches nearby
- Saint Andrew Parish — 1.1 mi
- Catholic church (unnamed in OpenStreetMap) — 2.1 mi
- Assumption Church — 2.1 mi
- 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.
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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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 | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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”
- Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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”
- 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”
- Chapel of the Holy Spirit | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/sacred-heart-life/faith--service/chapel-of-the-holy-spirit · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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.
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)
- 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 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
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
- 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)
- 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 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
- 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)
- 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.”
“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”
- 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
- 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)
- 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”
- Theology & Religious Studies | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/academics/colleges--schools/college-of-arts--sciences/departments--schools/theology--religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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.
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)
- Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Ruth Williamson Campus Minister”
“Sr. Mary Ann Rossi Spiritual Leader”
“Fr. Emiel Abalahin Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain”
- 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”
- Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
“In addition to weekend-long retreats, Campus Ministry is also happy to offer day-long retreats on a variety of topics.”
- 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.”
- Retreats | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/retreats · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Small Groups & Programs | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/small-groups--programs · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
- Frequently Asked Questions | Residential Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/residential-life/frequently-asked-questions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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”
- Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture · verified Oct. 7, 2026
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)
- 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”
- Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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 | Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement/service-learning · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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).”
- 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.”
- Service Immersion Programs | Community Engagement | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/community-engagement/service-immersion-programs · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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”
- 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).”
- Meet the Staff | Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture/meet-the-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
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)
- 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”
“Ruth Williamson Campus Minister”
“Sr. Mary Ann Rossi Spiritual Leader”
- 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”
- Contact Us | Campus Ministry | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/contact-us · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- 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)
- 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.”
“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”
“Philosophy (3 credits) Social or Behavioral Sciences (3 credits) Theology/Religious Studies (3 credits)”
- 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
- 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)
- 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.”
- 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.”
- Frequently Asked Questions | Residential Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/residential-life/frequently-asked-questions · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- A Senior Vice President leads a Mission & Culture division that includes campus ministry, community engagement and a Laudato Si' office.
Sources (3)
- 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.”
- 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”
- 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.”
- Mission & Culture | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/mission-and-culture · verified Oct. 7, 2026
Concerns
- The catalog states only that Mass is celebrated on Sundays and weekdays.
Sources (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 | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalogsacredheart.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/2026-2027-undergraduate-catalog/student-services/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
- The core requires one theology/religious studies course, which can be met without a Catholic theology course, and one philosophy course.
Sources (2)
- 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)”
- 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 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
- Confession is scheduled once a week (Wednesday evenings), with other times by appointment.
Sources (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.”
- Liturgy & Sacramental Life | Sacred Heart Universitysacredheart.edu/offices--departments-directory/campus-ministry/liturgy--sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
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
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 campusWeekend retreat away from campus open to students of any class year.
- Day retreatsOn campusDay-long retreats on a variety of topics.
Service 2
- Service SaturdayOff campusA few Saturdays each semesterPeer Ministry service days in the local community.
- Campus Ministry Jamaica Mission TripOff campusService with Mustard Seed Communities in Kingston, Jamaica (dates listed as TBD).
Faith formation 3
- Sunday readings Bible studyOn campusWeeklyBible study on the upcoming Sunday's readings, organized by the Peer Ministry Team.
- RCIAOn campusPreparation for students becoming Catholic, coordinated with the Peer Ministry Team.
- Faith in Action Living & Learning CommunityOn campusFirst-year residential community with weekly seminars and engagement with Campus Ministry.
Clubs and groups 2
- Hearts AblazeOn campusWeeklySmall group that meets weekly to discuss topics, build community and grow in faith.
- Peer Ministry TeamOn campusSelected students who plan small groups, prayer and liturgy, social justice, faith formation, interfaith and community events.
Liturgy and prayer 1
- Liturgical ChoirOn campusChoir for the university's Sunday Masses and special occasions.
Social life 4
- Agape LatteOn campusTwice a semesterStudent-run coffeehouse with live music and a faculty or staff speaker on faith and purpose.
- Paint & PrayOn campusPrayer through art with supplies provided.
- Holy YogaOn campusYoga session rooted in Christian images.
- Kickback with Campus MinistryOn campusThroughout the semesterSocial 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)
- 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”
“Director of Campus Ministry & Catholic Chaplain Academic Center HC 109H”
“Our Location 5151 Park Avenue Fairfield, CT”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
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
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.
| Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS) | 6,960 |
|---|---|
| Total students | 11,179 |
| 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 retention | 83% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $75,059 |
| Admission rate | 65% |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 16% |
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
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
- IPEDS unit ID 130253
- Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
- Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
- Report an error or a newer source
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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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