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Saint Mary's College of California: Aquinas Hall 4672
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Catholic college

Saint Mary's College of California

  • LocationMoraga, CA
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 2,775 students
  • SponsorDe La Salle Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools)
  • TraditionLasallian
Official website

Saint Mary's College of California in Moraga is a Lasallian Catholic liberal arts college guided by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Its Mission and Ministry Center, which includes a priest chaplain, publishes two Sunday Masses in the campus Chapel; in 2025-26 it also published weekday Mass Monday through Thursday and Sunday-evening confession. The core requires two theology courses (Christian Foundations and Theological Explorations) and no philosophy course.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Sunday11:00 AMSaint Mary's College Chapel · Mass with the Christian Brothers; fall 2026 page.
  • Sunday8:00 PMSaint Mary's College Chapel · Student-led Mass during the academic year; not held on Sundays before a week-long academic holiday or when replaced by a special liturgy.
  • Monday–Thursday12:10 PM–12:40 PMSide (Brothers) Chapel · Published for the 2025-26 academic year (fall 2025 and Lent 2026).

Confession 1

  • Sunday7:00 PM–7:30 PMSide Chapel · Listed on the Lent 2026 resources page; also by appointment with the chaplain.

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 (3)
  1. Mission and Ministry Center | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mass with the Brothers is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:00am, and a student-led liturgy is held on most Sundays at 8:00pm (see below).”
    Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel: 11:00 AM with the Brothers and an 8:00 PM student-led liturgy.
    “Student-led liturgies are each Sunday at 8pm in the Chapel with a few exceptions for special liturgies.”
    The student-led liturgy is held Sundays at 8 PM in the Chapel.
  2. DAILY MASS TODAY @ 12:10 PM | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/events/daily-mass-today-1210-pm · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Join us at 12:10pm for Daily Mass in the Brothers (or Side) Chapel today, and every Weekday except Friday.”
    In fall 2025 (September 15 to December 11, 2025) daily Mass was celebrated at 12:10 PM Monday through Thursday in the Brothers (Side) Chapel.
  3. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “we provide this opportunity in the Side Chapel on every Sunday from 7pm to 7:30pm. Alternatively, you may email Fr. Kwame”
    The Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered every Sunday 7:00-7:30 PM in the Side Chapel (Lent 2026 page), with appointments by email.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Saint Mary's College of California, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt Monica Catholic Church: 1.5 mi1Saint Perpetua's Catholic Church: 2.8 mi2Mission and Ministry Center: 0.3 miSaint Mary's College of California (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St Monica Catholic Church — 1.5 mi · 1001 Camino Pablo, Moraga
  2. Saint Perpetua's Catholic Church — 2.8 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.

BSacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

77 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year3–4 weekdays (Most recent published weekday schedule: Mass Monday through Thursday at 12:10 PM in the Side (Brothers) Chapel, 'every Weekday except Friday' (fall 2025 and Lent 2026). An undated Brothers' community page lists a different weekday schedule (see gaps); it was not used.)
    Sources (2)
    1. DAILY MASS TODAY @ 12:10 PM | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/events/daily-mass-today-1210-pm · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Join us at 12:10pm for Daily Mass in the Brothers (or Side) Chapel today, and every Weekday except Friday.”
      In fall 2025 (September 15 to December 11, 2025) daily Mass was celebrated at 12:10 PM Monday through Thursday in the Brothers (Side) Chapel.
    2. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “join us at Mass: Mondays through Thursday, from 12:10pm to 12:40pm in the Side Chapel.”
      During Lent 2026 weekday Mass was celebrated Monday through Thursday at 12:10 PM in the Side Chapel.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 11:00 AM Mass with the Brothers and Sunday 8:00 PM student-led Mass, both in the Chapel (fall 2026 page).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass with the Brothers is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:00am, and a student-led liturgy is held on most Sundays at 8:00pm (see below).”
      Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel: 11:00 AM with the Brothers and an 8:00 PM student-led liturgy.
      “Student-led liturgies are each Sunday at 8pm in the Chapel with a few exceptions for special liturgies.”
      The student-led liturgy is held Sundays at 8 PM in the Chapel.
    2. Alpha Mass | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/events/alpha-mass-1 · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “"Alpha Mass" is the first of the numerous regular Sunday 8pm Student-led liturgies at Saint Mary's College during the academic year.”
      The Sunday 8 PM student-led liturgies are Masses held regularly during the academic year (first one August 30, 2026).
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusOne or two scheduled times per week (Sunday 7:00-7:30 PM in the Side Chapel, plus appointments with the chaplain, as listed on the Lent 2026 resources page (the most recent page giving a confession time).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “we provide this opportunity in the Side Chapel on every Sunday from 7pm to 7:30pm. Alternatively, you may email Fr. Kwame”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered every Sunday 7:00-7:30 PM in the Side Chapel (Lent 2026 page), with appointments by email.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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) (Father B. Kwame Assenyoh is listed as SMC Chaplain on the Mission and Ministry Center staff page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center Staff | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/mission-and-ministry/mission-and-ministry-center-staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Father B. Kwame Assenyoh SMC Chaplain Email: bka3@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4672”
      Father B. Kwame Assenyoh is the SMC Chaplain on the Mission and Ministry Center staff.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (The Chapel and the Interfaith Sacred Space are open daily 6:30 AM-10 PM for prayer.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Chapel and Interfaith Sacred Space are open daily from 6:30am-10pm”
      The campus Chapel is open daily for prayer.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (7 weekly times documented: 6 Mass, 1 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
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

68 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsTwo courses (Theological Understanding requires Christian Foundations (1 course) and Theological Explorations (1 course) for students in the current core (entering fall 2022 or later). Exception: the Dual Degree Engineering program (B.A. in Liberal Arts from SMC plus an engineering degree elsewhere) completes 'the majority of' the core and lists only Christian Foundations; transfer students may take one combined 4-unit course.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Christian Foundations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units) Theological Explorations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units)”
      The core's Theological Understanding area requires two courses: Christian Foundations and Theological Explorations.
      “Students will engage with the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, as well as have the opportunity to deepen or broaden their knowledge through further study of aspects of the Catholic faith or other theological traditions, beliefs, or practices.”
      The Theological Understanding area of the core is described as engaging the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
    2. 2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Saint Mary's College of Californiacoursedog-static-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/stmarys-ca_colleague_ethos/2025-2026-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “the majority of the Core Curriculum requirements of Saint Mary's College as follows:”
      Dual Degree Engineering students complete a reduced set of core requirements (the program lists only Christian Foundations under Theological Understanding).
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)At least one required course is explicitly Catholic theology (The Christian Foundations requirement is described as engaging 'the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition'; the standard course, TRS 281 Christian Foundations, states the same. Other courses designated for the area are PHIL 220 The Bible and Philosophy (interpreting the Bible 'in the normative context of the Catholic Church'), INTEG 200 for Integral Program students, and TRS 380-389 for transfer students.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students will engage with the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, as well as have the opportunity to deepen or broaden their knowledge through further study of aspects of the Catholic faith or other theological traditions, beliefs, or practices.”
      The Theological Understanding area of the core is described as engaging the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
    2. 2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Saint Mary's College of Californiacoursedog-static-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/stmarys-ca_colleague_ethos/2025-2026-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students in this course will engage the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition with particular focus on the Bible and its interpretation”
      TRS 281 Christian Foundations engages the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsNone required (The core's four areas and their course requirements are listed in full; none is a philosophy requirement. PHIL 220 is one option for Christian Foundations.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “It is an intentional, developmental, and integrated program of study in four broad intellectual areas: Habits of Mind, Pathways to Knowledge, Theological Understanding, and Engaging the World.”
      The core has four areas (Habits of Mind, Pathways to Knowledge, Theological Understanding, Engaging the World); its listed requirements include no philosophy course.
      “Christian Foundations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units) Theological Explorations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units)”
      The core's Theological Understanding area requires two courses: Christian Foundations and Theological Explorations.
  • 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 (Theological Understanding, one of the core's four intellectual areas, is defined as engaging the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, and the college's Catholic Intellectual Tradition page says the core learning outcomes are based on that tradition's strategies.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students will engage with the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, as well as have the opportunity to deepen or broaden their knowledge through further study of aspects of the Catholic faith or other theological traditions, beliefs, or practices.”
      The Theological Understanding area of the core is described as engaging the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
    2. Catholic Intellectual Tradition | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/about/mission-history/catholic-intellectual-tradition · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Particular strategies to assist students include integration, interdisciplinarity, and an appreciation for the common good. The new core curriculum learning outcomes are based on these.”
      The college's Catholic Intellectual Tradition page says the core curriculum learning outcomes are based on these strategies.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Major in Theology & Religious Studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Saint Mary's College of Californiacoursedog-static-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/stmarys-ca_colleague_ethos/2025-2026-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Theology & Religious Studies (TRS) Department plays a key role in the educational experience at Saint Mary's College, offering not only a major and two minor courses of study”
      The Theology & Religious Studies Department offers a major and two minors.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsYes (The Catholic Intellectual Tradition page under About > Mission & History cites Ex Corde Ecclesiae as the basis for the college's intellectual mission.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic Intellectual Tradition | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/about/mission-history/catholic-intellectual-tradition · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “In the apostolic letter Ex Corde Ecclesiae, John Paul II explains that there are two intellectual orders. The first concerns the search for truth. The second concerns the certainty of truth already known.”
      The college's Catholic Intellectual Tradition page (under Mission & History) draws on Ex Corde Ecclesiae to describe its intellectual mission.
BCampus culture and residence life: 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.

Campus culture and residence life

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (4 counted from the staff page: Director, Chaplain, Justice Education & Mission Coordinator (a Christian Brother), Liturgical Music Director. Not counted: Chapel Coordinator/Administrative Assistant, two Lasallian Scholars (graduate students working part time), and the Athletics Interfaith Fellow. Retreat and faith-formation pages also name an Assistant Director for Liturgy and Faith Formation who is not on the staff page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center Staff | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/mission-and-ministry/mission-and-ministry-center-staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Father B. Kwame Assenyoh SMC Chaplain Email: bka3@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4672”
      Father B. Kwame Assenyoh is the SMC Chaplain on the Mission and Ministry Center staff.
      “Carrie Davis (SMC '96) Director Email: cak6@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4982”
      Carrie Davis is Director of the Mission and Ministry Center.
      “Brother Steven Vasoli, FSC (SMC '77) Justice Education & Mission Coordinator Email: srv8@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4013”
      Brother Steven Vasoli, FSC, is Justice Education & Mission Coordinator.
      “Mary Jo Malabuyo Liturgical Music Director”
      The staff includes a Liturgical Music Director.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (Fall Camp Out, Spring Retreat, Faces of God (Catholic day retreat), ALIGNED (one-day wellness retreat), plus mini retreats (Cross-Walk, Retreat Walks, Forest Bathing). Several are described as non-faith-specific.)
    Sources (2)
    1. MMC Student Leadership | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/student-life/student-support-services/mission-and-ministry-center/mmc-student-leadership · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Retreat student leaders plan, organize, and implement two major retreat experiences during the year—Camp Out (Fall semester, on campus) and Spring Retreat (Spring semester, off campus), and several mini retreats during the year.”
      The Mission and Ministry Center runs a fall Camp Out, an off-campus Spring Retreat, and several mini retreats each year.
    2. Retreats | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/retreats · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Faces of God is a one day Catholic retreat that allows a chance to step back, quiet your mind, and explore your faith on a deeper level.”
      Faces of God is a one-day Catholic retreat.
      “ALIGNED: A Journey Towards Inner Balance A one-day wellness retreat”
      ALIGNED is a one-day retreat offered by the Mission and Ministry Center.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Catholic Club (conditionally approved Associated Students club), weekly Bible study, and OCIA (weekly meetings). InterVarsity is not counted.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Clubs & Organizations | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/student-life/activities-clubs/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Catholic Club (Conditionally Approved)”
      A Catholic Club is listed among Associated Students clubs (conditionally approved).
    2. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Join us in the Mission and Ministry Center Lounge every Thursday at 5:15 PM for a Bible study”
      A weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 5:15 PM in the Mission and Ministry Center Lounge.
    3. Becoming Catholic/OCIA | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/becoming-catholic-rcia · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Candidates meet weekly to pray, discuss a shared text, and build a community of support for each other on this journey of discernment and commitment.”
      OCIA candidates meet weekly during the academic year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (First-year halls have single-gender floors.)
    Sources (1)
    1. First-Year Residence Halls | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/student-life/housing-dining/first-year-residence-halls · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students share common restrooms and lounge areas on each single-gender floors.”
      First-year halls are arranged by single-gender floors.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (2026-27 Student Handbook: guests (including overnight) need roommate consent; overnight stays limited to 3 nights in 7 days and 12 per semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Saint Mary's College of Californiadocs.google.com/document/d/1lhK4KDA4wEjgLhl5yEMxRbV2Kl1e9x6n/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Guests may stay up to 3 nights in a 7-day period, not to exceed 12 nights total per academic semester.”
      Residence-hall overnight guests are limited to 3 nights in 7 days and 12 nights per semester.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Office of Mission, which advances the Lasallian and Catholic mission and runs formation for faculty and staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Office of Mission | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/office-mission · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Office of Mission supports the participation of all faculty, staff and students in an array of activities to learn about and deepen their engagement with our Saint Mary's liberal arts, Lasallian and Catholic mission.”
      The Office of Mission promotes the college's Lasallian and Catholic mission among faculty, staff and students.
AService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

85 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action (CILSA), a center for community engaged education; the Mission and Ministry Center also runs justice education and service programs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. CILSA | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/centers-institutes/catholic-institute-lasallian-social-action · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Invigorated by our Lasallian, Catholic and liberal arts heritage, CILSA galvanizes Saint Mary's students, faculty, staff and community partners to build equity and liberation through community engaged education, leadership development, and organizational and field transformation.”
      The Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action (CILSA) is a center for community engaged education.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (The core's Engaged Learning requirement (1 course) has students work with community partners.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students will experientially learn to put academic content to practice while working collaboratively with their community partners.”
      The core's Engaged Learning requirement has students work with community partners.
  • 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 343 Catholic Social Teaching (and TRS 384 for transfers) and CILSA. TRS 281 also covers Catholic social principles; other courses can satisfy Christian Foundations; CST is not required of all.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Saint Mary's College of Californiacoursedog-static-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/stmarys-ca_colleague_ethos/2025-2026-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This course explores the developing tradition of Catholic social thought, probing its foundations and questioning its implications for the Christian faith in both its theoretical and lived forms.”
      TRS 343 Catholic Social Teaching is offered.
    2. CILSA | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/centers-institutes/catholic-institute-lasallian-social-action · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Invigorated by our Lasallian, Catholic and liberal arts heritage, CILSA galvanizes Saint Mary's students, faculty, staff and community partners to build equity and liberation through community engaged education, leadership development, and organizational and field transformation.”
      The Catholic Institute for Lasallian Social Action (CILSA) is a center for community engaged education.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (The Student Handbook lists resources for pregnant and parenting students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Saint Mary's College of Californiadocs.google.com/document/d/1lhK4KDA4wEjgLhl5yEMxRbV2Kl1e9x6n/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “the College offers a variety of resources available to pregnant and parenting students, available from the Student Health Center, Center for Women & Gender Equity, and Counseling & Psychological Services.”
      The handbook lists resources for pregnant and parenting students.
  • 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 (Human Cost of Food immersion (farmworkers), El Otro Lado immersion (migration), GaelPantry and Solidarity Suppers, Fair Trade Fridays.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Immersions | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/immersions · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Currently, the Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion experiences for students, which are led by the MMC's Justice Education team:”
      The Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion trips.
      “this will be five-day immersion with the goals of raising awareness about migration, emphasizing human rights and values of equality, inclusion, social justice, diversity, and respect for all.”
      El Otro Lado is a five-day immersion in Tucson focused on migration.
    2. GaelPantry | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/gaelpantry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The GaelPantry is a tangible way that SMC, through the Mission & Ministry Center, is providing better systems of food security on campus.”
      The Mission and Ministry Center runs the GaelPantry food pantry for students.
    3. Fair Trade Fridays | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/fair-trade · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Come visit us at the Mission & Ministry Center lounge every first Friday throughout the academic year to learn more about the Fair Trade global movement.”
      Fair Trade Fridays are held the first Friday of each month in the MMC lounge.
  • 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 (Immersions are run by the Mission and Ministry Center's Justice Education team and framed by Catholic Social Teaching principles.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Immersions | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/immersions · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Currently, the Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion experiences for students, which are led by the MMC's Justice Education team:”
      The Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion trips.
      “grow in solidarity and action as framed through Catholic Social Teaching principles”
      The Human Cost of Food immersion is framed by Catholic Social Teaching principles.

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

Strengths

  • Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel, which is open daily from 6:30 AM to 10 PM.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Mass with the Brothers is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:00am, and a student-led liturgy is held on most Sundays at 8:00pm (see below).”
      Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel: 11:00 AM with the Brothers and an 8:00 PM student-led liturgy.
      “The Chapel and Interfaith Sacred Space are open daily from 6:30am-10pm”
      The campus Chapel is open daily for prayer.
  • A priest serves as SMC Chaplain on a Mission and Ministry Center staff that also includes a director, a Christian Brother, and a liturgical music director.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Ministry Center Staff | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/mission-and-ministry/mission-and-ministry-center-staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Father B. Kwame Assenyoh SMC Chaplain Email: bka3@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4672”
      Father B. Kwame Assenyoh is the SMC Chaplain on the Mission and Ministry Center staff.
      “Carrie Davis (SMC '96) Director Email: cak6@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4982”
      Carrie Davis is Director of the Mission and Ministry Center.
      “Brother Steven Vasoli, FSC (SMC '77) Justice Education & Mission Coordinator Email: srv8@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4013”
      Brother Steven Vasoli, FSC, is Justice Education & Mission Coordinator.
      “Mary Jo Malabuyo Liturgical Music Director”
      The staff includes a Liturgical Music Director.
  • All undergraduates in the current core take two theology courses, including Christian Foundations on the Catholic Christian tradition.
    Sources (2)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Christian Foundations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units) Theological Explorations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units)”
      The core's Theological Understanding area requires two courses: Christian Foundations and Theological Explorations.
      “Students will engage with the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition, as well as have the opportunity to deepen or broaden their knowledge through further study of aspects of the Catholic faith or other theological traditions, beliefs, or practices.”
      The Theological Understanding area of the core is described as engaging the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
    2. 2025-2026 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Saint Mary's College of Californiacoursedog-static-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/stmarys-ca_colleague_ethos/2025-2026-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students in this course will engage the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition with particular focus on the Bible and its interpretation”
      TRS 281 Christian Foundations engages the foundational ideas and texts of the Catholic Christian tradition.
  • Engaged Learning is a core requirement, and the Mission and Ministry Center runs immersions framed by Catholic Social Teaching, a food pantry, and a January service internship.
    Sources (4)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students will experientially learn to put academic content to practice while working collaboratively with their community partners.”
      The core's Engaged Learning requirement has students work with community partners.
    2. Immersions | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/immersions · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Currently, the Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion experiences for students, which are led by the MMC's Justice Education team:”
      The Mission and Ministry Center offers two immersion trips.
      “grow in solidarity and action as framed through Catholic Social Teaching principles”
      The Human Cost of Food immersion is framed by Catholic Social Teaching principles.
    3. GaelPantry | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/gaelpantry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The GaelPantry is a tangible way that SMC, through the Mission & Ministry Center, is providing better systems of food security on campus.”
      The Mission and Ministry Center runs the GaelPantry food pantry for students.
    4. Lasallian Service Internship (LSI) | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/LSI · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Lasallian Service Internship course, a tradition at Saint Mary's College since 1985, provides opportunities for students to engage reflectively with organizations that directly serve economically disadvantaged and marginalized populations”
      The Lasallian Service Internship is a January Term service course.

Concerns

  • The core requires no philosophy course.
    Sources (1)
    1. Core Curriculum | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “It is an intentional, developmental, and integrated program of study in four broad intellectual areas: Habits of Mind, Pathways to Knowledge, Theological Understanding, and Engaging the World.”
      The core has four areas (Habits of Mind, Pathways to Knowledge, Theological Understanding, Engaging the World); its listed requirements include no philosophy course.
      “Christian Foundations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units) Theological Explorations = 1 course (3 Carnegie units)”
      The core's Theological Understanding area requires two courses: Christian Foundations and Theological Explorations.
  • Confession is listed once a week for 30 minutes on Sunday evening, on a Lent 2026 page.
    Sources (1)
    1. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “we provide this opportunity in the Side Chapel on every Sunday from 7pm to 7:30pm. Alternatively, you may email Fr. Kwame”
      The Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered every Sunday 7:00-7:30 PM in the Side Chapel (Lent 2026 page), with appointments by email.
  • Residence halls are single-gender by floor rather than by hall, and overnight guests are allowed up to three nights a week.
    Sources (2)
    1. First-Year Residence Halls | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/student-life/housing-dining/first-year-residence-halls · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Students share common restrooms and lounge areas on each single-gender floors.”
      First-year halls are arranged by single-gender floors.
    2. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | Saint Mary's College of Californiadocs.google.com/document/d/1lhK4KDA4wEjgLhl5yEMxRbV2Kl1e9x6n/export?format=txt · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Guests may stay up to 3 nights in a 7-day period, not to exceed 12 nights total per academic semester.”
      Residence-hall overnight guests are limited to 3 nights in 7 days and 12 nights per semester.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Mission and Ministry Center

  • Address: 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga, CA 94575
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, lounge, interfaith sacred space, food pantry

View on map ↗

Source: stmarys-ca.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, stmarys-ca.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, stmarys-ca.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, stmarys-ca.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

15 groups and regular activities · 10 on campus, 5 off campus

Retreats 4

Service 5

  • Human Cost of Food ImmersionOff campus
    Fall midterm break
    Immersion in Salinas/Watsonville on farmworker justice, framed by Catholic Social Teaching.
    stmarys-ca.edu, stmarys-ca.edu
  • El Otro Lado ImmersionOff campus
    Jan Term break
    Five-day immersion in Tucson, Arizona on migration.
    stmarys-ca.edu
  • Lasallian Service InternshipOff campus
    January Term
    Service course placing students with local schools and agencies.
    stmarys-ca.edu
  • GaelPantryOn campus
    Student food pantry run through the Mission and Ministry Center.
    stmarys-ca.edu
  • Fair Trade FridaysOn campus
    First Friday of each month
    Fair trade education events in the MMC lounge.
    stmarys-ca.edu

Faith formation 3

  • Bible StudyOn campus
    Thursdays 5:15 PM
    Weekly Bible study in the Mission and Ministry Center Lounge.
    stmarys-ca.edu
  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)On campus
    Weekly, September through April
    Sacramental preparation for Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, with a retreat and service.
    stmarys-ca.edu
  • Soup and SubstanceOn campus
    Monthly
    Discussion of a Lasallian text over soup, hosted by a Christian Brother.
    stmarys-ca.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Catholic ClubOn campus
    Associated Students club listed as conditionally approved.
    stmarys-ca.edu

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Our Lady of Guadalupe CelebrationOn campus
    December
    Week of events ending with a procession, Mass and fiesta.
    stmarys-ca.edu

Social life 1

  • Solidarity SuppersOn campus
    Three Wednesdays a semester, 5-6 PM
    Free dinners for students in the MMC Fountain Courtyard.
    stmarys-ca.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 (6)
  1. Mission and Ministry Center | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Mass with the Brothers is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:00am, and a student-led liturgy is held on most Sundays at 8:00pm (see below).”
    Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel: 11:00 AM with the Brothers and an 8:00 PM student-led liturgy.
    “Mass with the Brothers is celebrated in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 11:00am, and a student-led liturgy is held on most Sundays at 8:00pm (see below).”
    Two Sunday Masses are celebrated in the campus Chapel: 11:00 AM with the Brothers and an 8:00 PM student-led liturgy.
    “Phone: (925) 631-4366 Mission & Ministry Center - South Arcade 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga, CA 94575”
    The Mission and Ministry Center is in the South Arcade at 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga, CA 94575; phone 631-4366.
    “The Chapel and Interfaith Sacred Space are open daily from 6:30am-10pm”
    The campus Chapel is open daily for prayer.
  2. Mission and Ministry Center Staff | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/mission-and-ministry/mission-and-ministry-center-staff · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Father B. Kwame Assenyoh SMC Chaplain Email: bka3@stmarys-ca.edu Phone: 925-631-4672”
    Father B. Kwame Assenyoh is the SMC Chaplain on the Mission and Ministry Center staff.
  3. The De La Salle Christian Brothers | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/about/living-lasallian/christian-brothers · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The De La Salle Christian Brothers are the guiding light for everything we do at Saint Mary's.”
    The college is a Lasallian institution guided by the De La Salle Christian Brothers.
  4. Clubs & Organizations | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/student-life/activities-clubs/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Catholic Club (Conditionally Approved)”
    A Catholic Club is listed among Associated Students clubs (conditionally approved).
  5. Lent Resources | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/liturgy-retreats-faith-formation/faith-formation/lent-resources · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Join us in the Mission and Ministry Center Lounge every Thursday at 5:15 PM for a Bible study”
    A weekly Bible study meets Thursdays at 5:15 PM in the Mission and Ministry Center Lounge.
  6. GaelPantry | Saint Mary's Collegestmarys-ca.edu/offices-services/mission-ministry-center/gaelpantry · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “The GaelPantry is a tangible way that SMC, through the Mission & Ministry Center, is providing better systems of food security on campus.”
    The Mission and Ministry Center runs the GaelPantry food pantry for students.

Reach out

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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.
82 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.70%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.85%
  • 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.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$14,094

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)
2,044
Total students2,775
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$30,378
Cost of attendance (per year)$77,659
Median federal debt at graduation$23,691
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
70%
First-year retention85%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$78,812
Admission rate87%
Students receiving Pell grants27%

Value index: 58 / 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 Oakland

The Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, Bishop of Oakland

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: oakdiocese.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 123554
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Saint Mary's College of California a Catholic college?
Yes. Saint Mary's College of California is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Oakland. Its sponsor is De La Salle Christian Brothers (Brothers of the Christian Schools).
What is Saint Mary's College of California’s Compass Score?
79 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Saint Mary's College of California?
Mass is listed at Saint Mary's College Chapel and Side (Brothers) Chapel. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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