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

Catholic college

Saint Xavier University

  • LocationChicago, IL
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 3,457 students
  • SponsorSisters of Mercy
  • TraditionMercy
Official website

Saint Xavier University is a Catholic university in Chicago founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Campus Ministry lists Mass in McDonough Chapel on Wednesdays at noon and Sundays at 7 PM, with noontime prayer on other weekdays, and one campus ministry director is listed. The general education curriculum requires one theology course (Theological Foundations, which covers Catholic tradition) and one philosophy course.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 2

  • Wednesday12:00 PM–12:30 PMMcDonough Chapel, Mercy Ministry Center · During the academic year.
  • Sunday7:00 PM–8:00 PMMcDonough Chapel, Mercy Ministry Center · During the academic year.

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

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Wednesday: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
    Weekday Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays at noon in McDonough Chapel.
    “Sunday: 7 to 8 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
    Sunday Mass is at 7:00 PM in McDonough Chapel.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Saint Xavier University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miQueen of Martyrs Church: 0.2 mi1Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church: 0.7 mi2Most Holy Redeemer Church: 0.8 mi3Saint Germaine Church: 0.9 mi4Saint Christina's Catholic Church: 1.2 mi5Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church: 1.3 mi6Campus Ministry, Mercy Ministry Center (McDonough Chapel): 0.1 miSaint Xavier University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Queen of Martyrs Church — 0.2 mi · 10233 South Central Park Avenue, Evergreen Park
  2. Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church — 0.7 mi · Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn
  3. Most Holy Redeemer Church — 0.8 mi · Lawndale Avenue, Evergreen Park
  4. Saint Germaine Church — 0.9 mi
  5. Saint Christina's Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 3332-3346 West 111th Street, Chicago
  6. Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church — 1.3 mi · 10217-10221 South Fairfield Avenue, Chicago

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.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic year1–2 weekdays (The weekly Mass and Prayer schedule lists one weekday Mass (Wednesday noon to 12:30 PM in McDonough Chapel). Monday, Tuesday and Thursday have noontime Daily Prayer in the Mercy Tradition, and Friday is open for individual prayer.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Wednesday: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
      Weekday Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays at noon in McDonough Chapel.
      “Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 12:15 p.m. Daily Prayer in the Mercy Tradition in McDonough Chapel”
      Monday, Tuesday and Thursday have noontime prayer (not Mass) in McDonough Chapel.
    2. Saint Xavier University Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 (PDF)sxu.edu/catalog/_resources/documents/sxu-undergraduate-catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday mass is celebrated in McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy at 7 p.m. during the academic year.”
      The 2026-27 catalog confirms Sunday Mass at 7 PM in McDonough Chapel during the academic year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (Sunday 7:00-8:00 PM Mass in McDonough Chapel; the chapel is closed on Saturdays.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday: 7 to 8 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
      Sunday Mass is at 7:00 PM in McDonough Chapel.
    2. Saint Xavier University Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 (PDF)sxu.edu/catalog/_resources/documents/sxu-undergraduate-catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Sunday mass is celebrated in McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy at 7 p.m. during the academic year.”
      The 2026-27 catalog confirms Sunday Mass at 7 PM in McDonough Chapel during the academic year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Priests serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (McDonough Chapel is open for private prayer Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “McDonough Chapel is open for private prayer Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.”
      The campus chapel is open for private prayer on weekdays.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration1 to 5 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 2 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 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

44 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 studentsOne course (2026-27 general education: RELST 202 Theological Foundations is required; a second religious studies course is optional (one Level II elective may be art, humanities, music, literature, religious studies, or philosophy).)
    Sources (1)
    1. University General Education Requirements | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/pro/core.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RELST 202: Theological Foundations (ENGL 102 is a prerequisite)”
      General education requires RELST 202 Theological Foundations.
      “Art, Humanities, Music, Literature, Religious Studies or Philosophy: (1 course)”
      A second religious studies or philosophy course is optional within a general elective category.
  • 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 (RELST 202 Theological Foundations is required, and its catalog description covers revelation in Jesus Christ, Scripture and Tradition 'as understood by the Church' and the Catholic intellectual, sacramental, moral and spiritual traditions.)
    Sources (2)
    1. University General Education Requirements | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/pro/core.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RELST 202: Theological Foundations (ENGL 102 is a prerequisite)”
      General education requires RELST 202 Theological Foundations.
    2. Religious Studies Courses | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/courses/relst · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Unique to theology is the role of God's revelation in the person of Jesus Christ and in Scripture and Tradition as understood by the Church. Various aspects of the Catholic intellectual, sacramental, moral, and spiritual traditions will be addressed.”
      Theological Foundations teaches Catholic theology.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (PHIL 140 The Examined Life (PHIL 150 for transfer students) is required.)
    Sources (1)
    1. University General Education Requirements | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/pro/core.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Examined Life (PHIL 140) or (PHIL 150) for transfer students”
      General education requires one philosophy course, The Examined Life.
      “Art, Humanities, Music, Literature, Religious Studies or Philosophy: (1 course)”
      A second religious studies or philosophy course is optional within a general elective category.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredNo (The academic programs list and 2026-27 catalog offer religious studies only as an undergraduate minor.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Academic Programs | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/academics/programs/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Religious Studies Undergraduate Minor”
      Religious studies is listed only as an undergraduate minor.
    2. Religious Studies Minor | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/clae/religious-studies.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The minor in religious studies consists of 18 credit hours, 6 of which may be fulfilled by the general education requirement in religious studies.”
      The 2026-27 catalog offers a religious studies minor.
  • 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.
DCampus culture and residence life: Limited (grade D): 40 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

55 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)One (1 staff member is listed on the Campus Ministry team (Karen Soos, Director). Student peer ministers are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Karen Soos Director - Campus Ministry Phone: 773-298-3832 Email: soos@sxu.edu”
      Karen Soos is Director of Campus Ministry and the only team member listed.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Fall and spring weekend student retreats and the Busy Person's Retreat (held February 22-26, 2026, in the 2025-26 year); a 'Quest Retreat' student organization is also listed. The spring break trip is a service trip and is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Fall and Spring Student Retreats: Beginning on Friday evening and ending on Sunday morning, these retreats offer a group of 10 to 12 students an opportunity to reflect on a particular faith topic”
      Campus Ministry offers fall and spring weekend student retreats.
      “Busy Person's Retreat: This retreat allows people whose schedules are very full to reflect on some basic faith themes while meeting with a professional spiritual companion 3 to 4 times in the week”
      Campus Ministry offers a Busy Person's Retreat with a spiritual companion.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsOne or two (Campus Ministry lists two Bible study groups as of fall 2025 (a student-led group and Anchor, for athletes). The student organization roster also lists Chapel Choir, Quest Retreat, and Peer Ministers without descriptions; these are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “A student-led group meets on Thursdays at 3 p.m. in the Warde Academic Center, Room L-217. Anchor, a bible study for athletes, meets on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Alumni Room in Shannon.”
      Campus Ministry lists two Bible study groups (fall 2025).
  • 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.
  • 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 (Visitation hours apply in the first-year halls (Pacelli and Rubloff), where overnight guests must be of the same sex and approved; upper-division halls (Morris, McCarthy, O'Brien) have open visitation with roommate agreement. Guest limits are set in the 2026-27 Residence Life Handbook.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residence Life Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/student-life/residence-life/faqs.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Overnight guests of the same sex may spend the night on campus if a Resident Overnight Automated Request (ROAR) is submitted”
      In the first-year halls, overnight guests must be of the same sex and registered.
      “Upper-division halls (Morris, McCarthy and O'Brien) have open visitation provided that all roommates and suitemates are in agreement”
      Upper-division halls have open visitation with roommate agreement.
      “off campus guests may visit Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to Midnight”
      Visitation hours apply in the first-year halls.
  • 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 for Mission and Heritage (established 2004), led by a Vice President of Mission and Heritage, promotes the university's Catholic identity and Mercy heritage.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Heritage | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/about/offices/mission-heritage.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Established in 2004, the Office for Mission and Heritage assists the Saint Xavier University community to become more focused on, intentional about, and accountable for pursuing its educational mission as a Catholic and Mercy institution.”
      An Office for Mission and Heritage supports the university's Catholic and Mercy mission.
      “For more information contact the Vice President of Mission and Heritage, Jenny DeVivo, Ph.D., at 773-341-5734”
      Jenny DeVivo is Vice President of Mission and Heritage.
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: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Student Success's Student Leadership and Service program (contact: executive director of Student Success) offers a GivePulse service tool, Service Week, and service trips. Campus Ministry runs the spring break service trip.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Leadership and Service | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/student-life/student-success/leadership-service.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Use the Service tool in the Den, powered by GivePulse, to identify a variety of service opportunities in the community!”
      Student Success offers an organized service program with a service-opportunity tool.
      “The International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, Central America, lets students experience a new culture while building a home for a needy family.”
      Students can join an international Mercy service trip to Belize.
  • 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) (Some courses include service-learning (e.g., EDU 309).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Education Courses | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/courses/edu · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “mandated reporting are discussed. Students engage in service-learning. Offered fall.”
      Some courses include service-learning (EDU 309).
  • 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) (RELST 254 Catholic Social Teaching is offered as an elective.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religious Studies Courses | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/courses/relst · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “This course is an examination and evaluation of 20th-century Roman Catholic moral teaching on the social order.”
      RELST 254 Catholic Social Teaching is offered.
  • 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: 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 (Spring break service trip to Jerusalem Farm (reflecting on the causes of poverty), the International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, and Service Week tied to the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Spring Break Service Trip to Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City, Missouri, will be Sunday, March 8, to Saturday, March 14, 2026.”
      Campus Ministry ran a spring break service trip to Jerusalem Farm in March 2026.
    2. Student Leadership and Service | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/student-life/student-success/leadership-service.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, Central America, lets students experience a new culture while building a home for a needy family.”
      Students can join an international Mercy service trip to Belize.
      “Faculty, staff and students participate in service initiatives during Service Week which is tied closely to the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy”
      Service Week is tied to the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns.
  • 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 (Campus Ministry states its justice ministries are grounded in Catholic Social Teaching; its service trip includes reflection on Christian service.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Our justice ministries will be grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
      Campus ministry's justice work is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.
      “The Spring Break Service Trip to Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City, Missouri, will be Sunday, March 8, to Saturday, March 14, 2026.”
      Campus Ministry ran a spring break service trip to Jerusalem Farm in March 2026.

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

Strengths

  • The required theology course, Theological Foundations, covers Scripture, Tradition and the Catholic intellectual, sacramental, moral and spiritual traditions.
    Sources (2)
    1. University General Education Requirements | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/pro/core.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RELST 202: Theological Foundations (ENGL 102 is a prerequisite)”
      General education requires RELST 202 Theological Foundations.
    2. Religious Studies Courses | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/courses/relst · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Unique to theology is the role of God's revelation in the person of Jesus Christ and in Scripture and Tradition as understood by the Church. Various aspects of the Catholic intellectual, sacramental, moral, and spiritual traditions will be addressed.”
      Theological Foundations teaches Catholic theology.
  • McDonough Chapel, a 210-seat campus chapel, is open for private prayer on weekdays, with noontime prayer Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “McDonough Chapel is open for private prayer Monday to Friday, 9 a.m to 4 p.m.”
      The campus chapel is open for private prayer on weekdays.
      “Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 12:15 p.m. Daily Prayer in the Mercy Tradition in McDonough Chapel”
      Monday, Tuesday and Thursday have noontime prayer (not Mass) in McDonough Chapel.
    2. Saint Xavier University Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 (PDF)sxu.edu/catalog/_resources/documents/sxu-undergraduate-catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Services are held in the 210 seat McDonough Chapel in the Mercy Ministry Center.”
      McDonough Chapel seats 210 and is in the Mercy Ministry Center.
  • A Vice President of Mission and Heritage leads an office focused on the university's Catholic identity and Mercy heritage.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission and Heritage | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/about/offices/mission-heritage.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Established in 2004, the Office for Mission and Heritage assists the Saint Xavier University community to become more focused on, intentional about, and accountable for pursuing its educational mission as a Catholic and Mercy institution.”
      An Office for Mission and Heritage supports the university's Catholic and Mercy mission.
      “For more information contact the Vice President of Mission and Heritage, Jenny DeVivo, Ph.D., at 773-341-5734”
      Jenny DeVivo is Vice President of Mission and Heritage.
  • Service programs include a spring break service trip, a Mercy service trip to Belize, and Service Week tied to the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The Spring Break Service Trip to Jerusalem Farm in Kansas City, Missouri, will be Sunday, March 8, to Saturday, March 14, 2026.”
      Campus Ministry ran a spring break service trip to Jerusalem Farm in March 2026.
    2. Student Leadership and Service | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/student-life/student-success/leadership-service.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “The International Mercy Service Trip to Belize, Central America, lets students experience a new culture while building a home for a needy family.”
      Students can join an international Mercy service trip to Belize.
      “Faculty, staff and students participate in service initiatives during Service Week which is tied closely to the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy”
      Service Week is tied to the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns.

Concerns

  • Campus Mass is scheduled once on a weekday (Wednesday) and once on the weekend (Sunday evening).
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Wednesday: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
      Weekday Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays at noon in McDonough Chapel.
      “Sunday: 7 to 8 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
      Sunday Mass is at 7:00 PM in McDonough Chapel.
      “Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 12:15 p.m. Daily Prayer in the Mercy Tradition in McDonough Chapel”
      Monday, Tuesday and Thursday have noontime prayer (not Mass) in McDonough Chapel.
  • General education requires one theology course and one philosophy course; many Catholic colleges require two or more of each.
    Sources (1)
    1. University General Education Requirements | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/catalog/current/undergraduate/pro/core.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “RELST 202: Theological Foundations (ENGL 102 is a prerequisite)”
      General education requires RELST 202 Theological Foundations.
      “The Examined Life (PHIL 140) or (PHIL 150) for transfer students”
      General education requires one philosophy course, The Examined Life.
  • One campus ministry staff member is listed, and no theology or religious studies major is offered.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Karen Soos Director - Campus Ministry Phone: 773-298-3832 Email: soos@sxu.edu”
      Karen Soos is Director of Campus Ministry and the only team member listed.
    2. Academic Programs | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/academics/programs/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
      “Religious Studies Undergraduate Minor”
      Religious studies is listed only as an undergraduate minor.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Mercy Ministry Center (McDonough Chapel)

  • Address: Mercy Ministry Center, 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (210-seat McDonough Chapel), campus ministry offices

View on map ↗

Source: sxu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sxu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026, sxu.edu, verified Oct. 8, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 10 on campus, 4 off campus

Retreats 3

  • Fall and Spring Student RetreatsOff campus
    Fall and spring, Friday evening to Sunday morning
    Weekend retreats for 10 to 12 students at local retreat centers.
    sxu.edu
  • Busy Person's RetreatOn campus
    February 22-26, 2026 (2025-26 year)
    Week-long retreat of 3 to 4 meetings with a spiritual companion, held at SXU.
    sxu.edu
  • Quest RetreatOn campus
    Registered student organization (no description published).
    sxu.edu

Service 4

  • Spring Break Service Trip (Jerusalem Farm)Off campus
    March 8-14, 2026 (2025-26 year)
    Week of simple living and service in Kansas City, Missouri, with reflection on the causes of poverty and Christian service.
    sxu.edu
  • International Mercy Service Trip to BelizeOff campus
    Service trip building a home for a family in Belize.
    sxu.edu
  • Mercy Volunteer CorpsOff campus
    Sisters of Mercy year-long post-graduate volunteer program promoted to students.
    sxu.edu
  • Service WeekOn campus
    Service projects tied to the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns, held during the week of We Are SXU Day.
    sxu.edu

Faith formation 3

  • Sacramental preparationOn campus
    Preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage through the campus ministry director.
    sxu.edu
  • Bible study groupsOn campus
    Thursdays 3 PM (student-led); Wednesdays 5 PM (Anchor, for athletes); as of fall 2025
    Two Bible study groups listed by Campus Ministry.
    sxu.edu
  • Lenten Mission SeriesOn campus
    Wednesday evenings in Lent (2026 series)
    Talks on prayer in McDonough Chapel sponsored by the Office for Mission and Heritage.
    sxu.edu

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Daily Prayer in the Mercy TraditionOn campus
    Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, noon-12:15 PM
    Noontime prayer in McDonough Chapel.
    sxu.edu
  • Liturgical minister trainingOn campus
    Training for lectors, Eucharistic ministers and sacristans.
    sxu.edu
  • Chapel ChoirOn campus
    Registered student organization (no description published).
    sxu.edu

Social life 1

  • Campus Ministry fellowship gatheringsOn campus
    Occasional community gatherings, such as a Christmas tree decorating party and movie night.
    sxu.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 (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Saint Xavier Universitysxu.edu/campus-ministry/index.html · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Wednesday: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Mass in McDonough Chapel”
    Weekday Mass is celebrated on Wednesdays at noon in McDonough Chapel.
    “Karen Soos Director - Campus Ministry Phone: 773-298-3832 Email: soos@sxu.edu”
    Karen Soos is Director of Campus Ministry and the only team member listed.
    “3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655”
    The university's address is 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655.
  2. Saint Xavier University Undergraduate Catalog 2026-2027 (PDF)sxu.edu/catalog/_resources/documents/sxu-undergraduate-catalog-2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 8, 2026
    “Campus Ministry offices are located in the Mercy Ministry Center. Contact Campus Ministry at 773-298-3410 or campusministry@sxu.edu”
    Campus Ministry is in the Mercy Ministry Center and can be reached at 773-298-3410 or campusministry@sxu.edu.
    “Services are held in the 210 seat McDonough Chapel in the Mercy Ministry Center.”
    McDonough Chapel seats 210 and is in the Mercy Ministry Center.
    “Campus Ministry offices are located in the Mercy Ministry Center. Contact Campus Ministry at 773-298-3410 or campusministry@sxu.edu”
    Campus Ministry is in the Mercy Ministry Center and can be reached at 773-298-3410 or campusministry@sxu.edu.

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: 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.
61 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.57%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.76%
  • 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.16 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$7,407

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)
3,039
Total students3,457
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$10,970
Cost of attendance (per year)$43,244
Median federal debt at graduation$22,223
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
57%
First-year retention76%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$58,656
Admission rate84%
Students receiving Pell grants59%

Value index: 68 / 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

Archdiocese of Chicago

His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

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

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

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 148627
  • Carnegie classification: Master's university (larger programs)
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Saint Xavier University a Catholic college?
Yes. Saint Xavier University is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Its sponsor is Sisters of Mercy.
What is Saint Xavier University’s Compass Score?
60 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Saint Xavier University?
Mass is listed at McDonough Chapel and Mercy Ministry Center. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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