Ministries
Ministries
Campus Ministry facilitates dozens of ministries dedicated to fellowship, service, prayer, worship, faith formation, and more. The Campus Ministry Kick-Off BBQ at the beginning of each semester is a great time to meet leaders from each ministry, but you can reach out and join most ministries any time.
Pier Ministry
Contact:
Allyse Gruslin
agruslin@providence.edu
Cecilia Ramirez
cramire2@providence.edu
Pier Ministry invites students into peer-led small groups for a transformative experience of prayer, reflection, and community inspired by St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P.
Music & Liturgy
Liturgical Music
We have many opportunities to get involved with liturgical music at St. Dominic Chapel. See below for more information on the different groups and contact Gil Donohue (gdonohue@providence.edu) for more information!
Cantors
Cantors chant the propers and the Mass ordinary in Latin for the 11:00 AM Sunday Mass. While not required, cantors are encouraged to sing in other Campus Ministry music ensembles!
Liturgical Choir – 7pm Sunday Mass
Liturgical Choir sings for the 7:00 pm Sunday Mass, in addition to special events like the Welcome Mass, Advent Lessons and Carols, and the Commencement Mass. The choir sings a wide repertoire of sacred music: Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, large choral works like Faure’s Requiem, hymnody, and music by living composers. Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 5:30–6:45 pm and Sundays at 5:45 before Mass. Membership is open to any PC student by brief audition at the beginning of either semester.
St. Dominic Ensemble – 10pm Sunday Mass
The St. Dominic Ensemble is a student-led ensemble which provides music for the 10:00 pm Sunday Mass, specializing in contemporary music. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:30–8:30 pm and Sundays at 8:30 before Mass. Membership is open to any PC student by audition at the beginning of the academic year.
St. Cecilia Ensemble – 8pm Thursday Eucharistic Adoration
The St. Cecilia Ensemble is a student-led ensemble which provides praise and worship music for 8:00 pm Thursday Eucharistic Adoration. Rehearsals are on Mondays from 8:30-9:30 pm and Thursdays at 7:00 pm before Adoration. Membership is open to any PC student by audition at the beginning of the academic year.
Wednesday Night Schola – 9 PM Wednesday Mass
The Wednesday Night Schola is an informal group which sings for the 9:00 pm Wednesday night candlelit Mass in the CCDS (Center for Catholic and Dominican Studies). The schola (from the Latin ‘schola cantorum,’ meaning school of singing) sings simple chants and hymns in parts, and rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 8:30 pm before Mass. Any PC student is welcome to join!
Liturgical Ministries
Contact:
Fr. Gregory Santy, O.P.
gsanty@providence.edu
The liturgical ministries are an excellent way to fulfill your baptismal call of service to God and to one another. We welcome all students who would like to serve the Lord as an altar server, lector, sacristan, or usher.
Formation, Prayer, and Fellowship
Knights of Columbus
Contact:
Father Gregory Santy, O.P.
gsanty@providence.edu
The mission of the Knights of Columbus College Council Program is to promote the moral, intellectual and spiritual development of the future leaders of civil society, the Order, and the Church through witness to the Gospel and dedication to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
PC for Life
Contact:
Sister Mary Cecilia Goodrum, O.P.
srmarycecilia@providence.edu
PC for Life promotes a culture of life on campus, in the community, and in our world through prayer, positivity, and purpose. We participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaign, organize both Fall and Spring Respect Life Weeks, and serve the Providence community by volunteering with local organizations supporting mothers and families. We also attend numerous pro-life events and conferences, including the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January.
Resources for pregnant and parenting students and partners.
Sacramental Preparation
OCIA
Contact:
Sister Mary Cecilia Goodrum, O.P.
srmarycecilia@providence.edu
The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) offers a yearlong course of sacramental preparation and faith exploration for students who want to learn about the Catholic faith. The class meets weekly and is designed for those who are seeking to be baptized, were baptized Catholic but have not received their other sacraments of confirmation and/or first communion, and those who were baptized in another Christian denomination but desire to become Catholic.
Students participate in a day of service in the fall and a retreat in Duxbury, Mass., in the spring. Participants enjoy social gatherings at Christmas as well as a dinner with the Bishop of Providence. Clergy, lay leaders, and program alumni are available throughout the year to discuss challenges and questions.
Local Service
We have numerous opportunities for service to the local community. Consider joining us in one of our ministries below. Reach out for more information and to get set up.
Contact:
Fr. Gabriel Gillen, O.P.
ggillen@providence.edu
Reilly Johnston
rjohnst2@providence.edu
Adult Literacy
Adult Literacy tutors adults with special needs. Students are paired with adults to tutor in areas including math, reading, writing, or even just coloring. Student tutors stay with their assigned adult each week, building familiarity and trust. Adult Literacy meets Tuesday and Wednesday in Feinstein (room 116) from 7–8 p.m.
Children’s Outreach
Children’s Outreach connects PC students with local children in need through weekly volunteer opportunities at sites including the Smith Hill Early Childhood Learning Center and St. Pius V Elementary School. Children from the San Miguel School in Providence also come to campus several times each semester to meet student mentors.
Children’s Outreach volunteers also support local events and programs for children and families including St. Pius V Parish’s Harvest Festival and the Smith Hill community Christmas giving tree.
Hunger and Poverty Outreach
Hunger and Poverty Outreach is committed to addressing local and global poverty and hunger through direct service, advocacy, and education. The group is driven by solidarity with those served, faith, and relationships within the ministry.
Volunteers engage in numerous weekly service opportunities at Providence meal sites, deliver furniture with My Brother’s Keeper, help to eliminate food waste with Friar Food Rescue, and tackle the throwaway culture while addressing needs on campus with Lightening Others’ Loads.
Special Olympics
PC’s Special Olympics group organizes several events throughout year, including basketball tournaments in Peterson Recreation Center and an on-campus swim meet. Each year hundreds of PC students volunteer to help coordinate these athletic events with Special Olympics of Rhode Island.
Youth Education
Youth Education offers students the opportunity to teach religious education in various grade levels at parish schools in the Diocese of Providence. We provide a two-hour training session, open office hours, access to teaching materials and transportation. Whether in CCD classes or confirmation retreats, Youth Education helps children and youth discover the joy of faith.
Contact:
JP Manning
jmannin5@providence.edu
Service Immersion
Campus Ministry sponsors several out-of-region and international service immersion programs, including trips to New Orleans, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and more.
Outreach and Hospitality
Digital Media
Contact:
Cecilia Ramirez
cramire2@providence.edu
Digital Media Ministry gets the word out about Campus Ministry offerings. Through Instagram (@pccampmin) and campus platforms, Digital Media advertises events, shares moments of grace, and spreads the good news of the Gospel. If you have an interest in communications and media, please reach out and get involved.
Hospitality & Post-Mass Bash
Contact:
JP Manning
jmannin5@providence.edu
Hospitality Ministry sponsors Post-Mass Bash, a weekly celebration with food and fellowship in the Campus Ministry Center after the 10 p.m. Sunday Mass.
