Freshman Class Dinner
Calling all frosh! You are invited to a freshman class dinner on February 22nd after the 4:30 PM Mass. It will be in the Old Union 3 rd Floor Common Room and we will be serving Chipotle.
RSVP here and invite a friend!
Opportunity Center
Join us as we cook and serve breakfast for the Opportunity Center! Cooking will begin at 7:00 am in EVGR A, and serving will be at 8:00 am at the Opportunity Center. Sign up here!
OCIA Moral Theology - OPEN TO ALL!
All are welcome to attend our Crash Course in the Catholic Understanding of Morality OCIA Sessions. This session “Good, Evil, Rightness, and Wrongness as Human Considerations” will focus on Christian anthropology as the basis for understanding sin and goodness. What makes an individual action “right” or “wrong?” What is sin? What is the difference between venial and mortal sins? For more information contact Oriana at orianatp@stanford.edu.
The class will be located in room 200-030 on the Main Quad. This is a classroom in the “History Corner”. When approaching the Main Quad from the Oval it is the first building on the left of the main entrance to the quad.
Stanford Catholic Alumni Happy Hour
We will gather on the back patio of Bar Darling on Chestnut Street in the Marina District of San Francisco. Drinks are on us! Alumni of all class years, friends and guests are welcome! If you would like to be an Event Sponsor to help offset the expenses for this event, you can make a Venmo donation to “Stanford-Catholic” and let us know in memo that it is for Happy Hour.
Click here to register you and your guests.
Retreat for Members of the Legal Profession
43rd Annual Retreat for Members of the Legal Profession
Silent Retreat for Men and Women
Discernment and the Call to Leadership
In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.— Max De Pree, Leadership is an Art
Each of us is called to make a difference in our world. How might God be inviting me to do so, in this place and time, with the experiences and gifts I have been given? Our weekend will provide the opportunity to listen for God’s voice in becoming what we need to be, what we are called to be—for ourselves and our world.
Thomas H. Smolich, SJ is the Rector of the Jesuit Community at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1974 and celebrates the 40th anniversary of his ordination this year. His academic background includes the Master of Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology, the Master in Pastoral Studies from Loyola Marymount University, and the MBA from Stanford University. He has long experience in Jesuit leadership, serving as the first Executive Director of Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission in East Los Angeles (1988-1993), the Provincial of the California Province of the Society of Jesus (1999-2005), the President of the Jesuit Conference of the United States (2006-2014), and most recently, as the International Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Rome (2015-2023).
For more information and to register, please contact Oriana at orianatp@stanford.edu. Scholarships available for Stanford Law students.
Lent Grad Retreat
Into the Desert: Transforming Trials into Encounters with God
God’s vocation for us is to flourish, yet, like Jesus being sent into the desert by the Holy Spirit for temptation, God often uses trials and difficulties - or deserts - as opportunities to mature us as His beloved sons and daughters. In this retreat, we will delve into the biblical and spiritual significance of the desert, as a place of transformation and encounter with God and evil, and examples for triumph in the battle.
Details
The retreat will be held at the breathtaking lighthouse at HI Point Montara, which sits on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, including trails to their own on-site cove beach. It is the perfect place to retreat from the business of life and reconnect with God. Though it is not a Catholic venue, we will have the Blessed Sacrament reserved during the retreat. Expect chant, adoration, Mass, and free time to sit by the ocean to reflect. Talks will be about 30-40 min with time in your small group to discuss & unpack it after. Registration is $100 via Venmo “Stanford-Catholic” - however, we want everyone who wants to attend to be able to, so scholarships are available (just email cmijinke@stanford.edu).
Our accommodation will be mostly in two Lodges (The Surfside House, and Sea Lodge). Rooms are shared (including some bunk beds) or with some private sites available (reserved first for couples). Men/women will sleep in separate rooms. There are no venue staff for cooking/cleaning, so this is a self-run retreat. Each lodge has a fully stocked kitchen where we will be cooking and doing dishes together. Your small group will double as your chore group. Meals are still being finalized, but you can expect a vegetarian, yet hearty soup-and-bread dinner on Friday, simple but tasty breakfasts/lunches, and a deluxe Saturday night dinner followed by a social.
Family Weekend Mass
Save the Date! – Family Weekend Vigil Mass on 2/28
Happy Family Weekend! We’ll be having a special vigil Mass on Saturday 02/28 at 4 pm for all families. This Mass will count for your Sunday obligation and should help any family members traveling on 02/29. After Mass, join us for a small gathering and high-quality photos with our in-house expert photographer, Father Bart, ready take high quality photos of you with your families in front of Memorial Church. See you there!
We’d love to extend this Family Weekend invitation to your parents and loved ones! Please fill out this form to help us get in touch with your family so we can share event details, reminders, and all the good stuff. Thanks for helping us roll out the welcome mat for your people!
OCIA Moral Theology - OPEN TO ALL!
All are welcome to attend our Crash Course in the Catholic Understanding of Morality OCIA Sessions. This session, “Virtue Ethics,” will teach us how to live habitually in order to become better (more virtuous) persons.
For more information, contact Oriana at orianatp@stanford.edu.
Location TBD.
Stanford Film Study Group — Calvary
Please join the Stanford Catholic Film Group on Monday, March 9, to discuss “Calvary” (2014). This Irish comedic drama focuses on a priest who deals with many parishioners with grievances with the Church, including a confession of an upcoming murder. It stars Brendan Gleeson, Chris O’Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen, Dylan Moran, Domhnall Gleeson, and M. Emmet Walsh. Bishop Robert Barron wrote that the film “shows, with extraordinary vividness, what authentic spiritual shepherding looks like and how it feels for a priest to have a shepherd’s heart.” Lauren Ely for First Things wrote: “Is it possible for a film to capture the horror of the sexual abuse scandal … while at the same time presenting a case for the necessity of the institutional priesthood? [T]his is exactly what Calvary manages to do.” We’ll be meeting at 7:30 on Zoom. It’s available very widely.
Click here to find out how to watch.
A Zoom link will be sent the day before, so if you’re not on the email list currently, send a message stating “I’m Interested” to StanfordYRCFilm@gmail.com. Everyone is invited!
OCIA Moral Theology - OPEN TO ALL!
All are welcome to attend our Crash Course in the Catholic Understanding of Morality OCIA Sessions. This session, “Love, Sex, and Sexuality in Catholic Teaching,” will look at sex in the broader context of human living and how to live Christian life in a secular (and sometimes hostile) world. For more information, contact Oriana at orianatp@stanford.edu.
Location TBD.
Spring Break Backpacking Trip: Point Reyes
(Location updated from the Lost Coast due to group regulations.)
Join the Catholic Outdoor Ministry team and Fr. Chrysostom for a Spring Break backpacking adventure at Point Reyes! Great for first-time backpackers. We’ll explore one of California’s most stunning coastlines, hiking along rugged cliffs and quiet beaches in a highly sought-after wilderness area.
Expect abundant wildlife—tule elk, seals, sea lions, birds of prey, and possibly elephant seals and migrating gray whales with their calves. Each day includes a 6–7 mile hike on well-established trails, with campsites that have running water and toilets.
We’ll celebrate Mass each evening before dinner with outdoor Adoration, begin our days chanting the Psalms, and end with Compline (Night Prayer)—often on the beach. Backpacks will be around 30 lbs, with shared gear and affordable Stanford gear rentals available.
Cost: $50/person (scholarships available)
Sign up: https://forms.gle/ZQbHGBrAZZMZcckA9
Christ in the City Mission Trip - Denver
Arrive on the Sunday after finals (03/22) to Christ in the City, a young adult missionary community striving to share genuine human connection with those living on the streets of Denver, CO. After an evening of orientation, we’ll spend five days living out the mission: receiving the love of Christ in prayer and community and then hitting the streets—not to “fix” those we meet, but to building genuine connection with simple acts of friendship, listening ears, and compassionate presence. On Saturday (03/28), we’ll debrief the experience over breakfast and head home in the early afternoon—arriving back in time for the first week of the Spring quarter.
Cost: $250 deposit--fully refunded after the trip, but forfeit if you cancel after flights and lodging have already been purchased on your behalf. If serious circumstances prevent you from paying the deposit, please contact frbart@stanford.edu.
Register by January 25 » [Google Forms]
Questions?
For logistics: diegogc@stanford.edu
To learn more about CITC: bshortt@stanford.edu
Bach, Widor, and the Grand Organs of Memorial Church
We invite you to experience the majestic sounds of the two incredible organs in the choir loft at Stanford Memorial Church on Sunday, April 19th, at 2:00 PM. Music Director, Nicholas Mourlam, will perform a concert featuring J.S. Bach‘s Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor and Charles-Marie Widor’s Symphony for Organ No. 5. Admission is free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be accepted to support Catholic Community at Stanford’s music ministry.
Mercy Night
We have our first-ever Mercy Night at Stanford, happening Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m. in Memorial Church. It’s an evening of quiet prayer, contemplative music, and reflection in God’s presence. You can pray, sing quietly, light a candle before Christ, go to confession with one of our priests or just sit in silent reflection. Prayer teams will be available to pray with you if you need intercession or healing. Stay 5 minutes or full hour and a half.
Mardi Gras Party
Join us for our Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) Party to celebrate the start of a wonderful Lenten Season! We will be serving Tacos and enjoying some good music at Jerry House over by Lake Lag. All are welcome!
Toy Drive
The holidays have passed, but the spirit of giving remains. The CC@S's Justice and Service team is organizing a gift drive for the children at the Ronald McDonald House to be delivered around Valentine's Day. Gifts will be collected after all three masses on 02/08 and 02/15. Like St. Valentine, help us spread joy and love!
Click here to see current needs. Thank you for your generosity!
Surfing Catholics at Stanford
“Roses are red,
petals will part —
saltwater will sooth you
if you have a lonely heart.”
CLICK HERE to join the Catholic Surfers for our next surf Saturday, Feb 14. Beginners welcome. Jesus walked on water—now you can too. To prevent bots and spammers, when you request to join, tell us you’re part of the community so we know you’re legit.
Kickback Week 6
Got a Valentine in mind? Come make the flowers yourself. Join us Friday, February 13th on the third floor of Old Union for a flower-arranging night and movie—because handmade blooms hit harder than the store-bought.
Study Night
It’s midterm season- you’re tired, hungry, and need to study. Come on over to Study Hall in Old Union 301 from 8-11 PM (or whenever Old Union closes) for some snacks, On Call drinks, and community.
Opportunity Center
Join us as we resume breakfast cooking and serving for the Opportunity Center this quarter! Cooking will begin at 7:00 am in EVGR A, and serving will be at 8:00 am at the Opportunity Center. Sign up here!
Grad Students Super Bowl Watch Party
CALLING ALL GRAD STUDENTS!! GCSA is hosting a Super Bowl Watch Party in EVGR B 144. Whether you’re there for the football, Bad Bunny, commercials, or free food we can’t wait to see you!
Toy Drive
The holidays have passed, but the spirit of giving remains. The CC@S's Justice and Service team is organizing a gift drive for the children at the Ronald McDonald House to be delivered around Valentine's Day. Gifts will be collected after all three masses on 02/08 and 02/15. Like St. Valentine, help us spread joy and love!
Click here to see current needs. Thank you for your generosity!
Hike & Mass with UC Berkeley at Angel Island
Come join us for a day on iconic Angel Island—often called the Ellis Island of the West, where many immigrants first stepped into a new life in America. The views of the ferry ride from SF alone are worth it, with sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. Once on the island, we’ll hike to the summit of Mount Caroline. At 788 feet, the peak offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and will be the setting where we hope to celebrate Mass. The hike is an easy-to-moderate, ~5mile loop, featuring rocky coves, beaches, grasslands, and city views. Angel Island also has a rich and sometimes sad history as a World War II POW camp and an immigration station. Time permitting, we’ll visit one of the small museums before heading back.
Cost & Logistics:
Ferry $9.25 with Clipper Card, $14 without Clipper Card
Carpool contribution: Please bring $10 cash to help your driver cover gas and parking
Scholarships are available: don’t let cost be a barrier.
What to bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes
Layers (the ferry will be windy)
Lunch/snacks, water, sunscreen, and a Clipper Card if you have one (highly suggested)
Trail Details:
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft
Estimated Time Hiking: 4 hours
Schedule:
8:30 AM – Meet at Tresidder Lot (Stanford)
8:45 AM – Depart from Tresidder Lot (carpool)
9:45 AM – Park near San Francisco Ferry Building
Suggested parking $25: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1QNjohHE6ModSXFm810:15 AM – Ferry DEPARTS from San Francisco Ferry Terminal, Gate B
11:00 AM – Arrive on Angel Island
- Hike Angel Island loop
- Summit of Mt. Caroline Livermore
- Mass at the summit (weather permitting)
- Lunch/free time
- Visit Immigration Station museum (time permitting)3:00 PM – Return to ferry; board 10 min before departure
3:20 PM – Ferry DEPARTS Angel Island for San Francisco
3:50 PM – Arrive at San Francisco Ferry Terminal, Gate B
4:00 PM – Return to cars; depart for Stanford
5:00 PM – Arrive back at Tresidder Lot
Click here to RSVP
Radiating Christ's Joy
Tricia Bolle, a Stanford Alum, will give a talk titled “Radiating Christ’s Joy” on February 3 from 7PM-9PM in 420-040. She is a visionary missionary with over a decade of experience bringing the gospel to Asia and the Founder of the St. Francis Xavier Lay Missionary Society. A true evangelist, she empowers laypeople to radiate Christ’s joy, challenging us to see every daily encounter as a chance to witness God’s love.
Stanford Athletics Mass
All Stanford student-athletes and staff are warmly invited to a special Mass on Wednesday, January 28 at 8:00 PM in Memorial Church. All athletes, coaches, staff, and athletic department members are welcome to join us in offering the season, the work, and the people who make Stanford Athletics possible to God. Join us afterwards for some quick refreshments. Bring your teammates!
Walk for Life West Coast
Stanford Catholic is heading up to San Francisco for the Walk for Life this year—come be part of a powerful day of prayer, witness, and community. We’ll gather at 7:45 AM at Tresidder Parking Lot and depart on our coach bus from campus by 8:00 AM with coffee and bagels for breakfast. Then we’ll make it to Mass at the SF Cathedral at 9:30 AM before heading together to the Walk for Life Rally and Walk, leaving SF to return home after the march at 3:00 pm. Boxed Lunch will be provided, a $10 donation to @Stanford-Catholic is requested to partially reimburse the cost of food and transportation. All are welcome—bring a friend and stand with us in joyful, peaceful witness to the dignity of every human life.
Week 3 Catholic Kickback
Come decorate some candles while watching the movie Bella! Homework maybe piling up but take a break and come spend a bit of your evening with us. (Of course we will have snacks!)
Adult Confirmation Prep Classes Begin
Our on-campus Confirmation preparation classes (for baptized Catholics who have already received First Communion and are active and in good standing with the Church) will meet for eight consecutive Wednesday evenings (7:00 - 8:30pm, Old Union), beginning January 21 and concluding March 11, 2026. These sessions lead to the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026. If you are interested in participating, please complete the interest form.
Click here to fill out the interest form.
For more information, email Oriana at orianatp@stanford.edu.
Stanford Catholic Film Study Group - Silence
Please join the Stanford Catholic Film Group to discuss Silence (2016). Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano, Ciarán Hinds and Liam Neeson. The plot follows two 17th-century Jesuit priests who travel from Portugal to Edo period Japan to locate their missing mentor and spread Catholic Christianity. It is the third of Scorsese’s films about religious figures struggling with challenges of faith. It was selected as one of the top ten films of the year by both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.
It’s available very widely. Click here to find out how to watch.
We’ll be meeting at 7:30 on Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent the day before, so if you’re not on the email list currently, send a message stating “I’m Interested” to StanfordYRCFilm@gmail.com.
Everyone is invited!
All-Community Pasta Dinner
Join us for another community dinner on after the 4:30 pm mass on 1/18! We’ll have delicious pasta cooked by some of our Italian friends in the community. Meet in Old Union 302.
Text 425-273-8478 if you can bring a dessert or would like to cook one of these dinners in the future.
Bring-a-Friend to Mass
January 18 is Bring a Friend to Mass Sunday! All the masses will have brief instructions to help visitors who are new to the Faith understand the mass more deeply.
Week 2 Kickback - Debate Night!
Debate Night! Join us to answer this century’s long posed questions: will the iPhone 25 be the size of an iPad or microchip? Aliens on Mars? Is the Penny obsolete? Wear your least or most serious outfit to defend your position. Snacks provided!
The Thomistic Institute at Stanford presents "Does Science Need Faith?"
The Thomistic Institute at Stanford invites students, faculty, and members of the public to a lecture entitled Does Science Need Faith? by Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., of the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 PM in the 3rd Floor Common Room of Old Union, Stanford University. In this talk, Fr. Ramelow will examine the relationship between scientific inquiry, reason, and faith, drawing on the Thomistic tradition to address whether science stands on its own or depends on deeper philosophical commitments. The event is free and open to the public. Charcuterie will be provided, and a reception will follow the lecture. Click here to RSVP.
Sunday Sunrise Hike & Mass: Stanford Dish
Join us for a beautiful and unique experience as we celebrate Sunday Mass at sunrise at the Stanford Dish, welcoming the Lord’s Day as light breaks over campus and the valley.
We will depart on foot promptly at 6:30 AM from the Tresidder Parking Lot (near the bus station) and walk together to the Dish. The hike is moderate and accessible to most, but it will be dark and cold at the start.
Details & RSVP here: https://forms.gle/6KA3sCZaocapnipi6
SF Scavenger Hunt
Whether you missed your frosh SF Scav Hunt or want to go again and also get to see some of the best Catholic sites in SF- this is your chance!!
Leaving from campus at 10 AM, transportation and a celebratory In-N-Out dinner at the Pier will be provided! Plan to be away from campus until the evening.
Sign up!
Vision Board Night
Join us for a vision board night as we kick off the new year together!! We will be meeting in Old Union 215 from 7 to 9 pm. Come take time to reflect, set goals, and create a vision for the year ahead.
