Center for Spiritual Life
In keeping with the mission of Salve Regina University, the Center for Spiritual Life is a community that welcomes all people. Guided by our Catholic heritage and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, we seek to create a hospitable and nurturing environment that affirms and empowers our students in their search for meaning.
We encourage students to build community, to deepen their faith, to engage in service, to seek justice and to become leaders formed by mercy. Located in the Mercy Commons on the garden level of Our Lady of Mercy Chapel, the Center for Spiritual Life provides a large and comfortable space where you can study, cook, relax with friends or grab a snack.
Hours
- Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday
- 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday
- 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday
- Closed on Saturday
Summer Hours
- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (June and August)
- Closed for July
Service Opportunities
Like Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, we believe that a helping hand goes a long way. Whether preparing personal hygiene bags for veterans experiencing homelessness or turning yards of fleece into blankets for children, we do it with a spirit of mercy. As we do, we learn about the root causes of homelessness, hunger, poverty and environmental damage so that we can learn how to change unjust systems.
Find Your Purpose
At the Center for Spiritual Life, you'll make friendships and connections that last a lifetime, while deepening your faith journey. We offer a safe space for you to dive into your search for meaning, and we're happy to accompany you on the way.
Weekly programming and events throughout the academic year are planned by our Mercy in Motion student leadership team, a group of students dedicated to Salve’s mercy mission and creating a place where all are welcome. Center for Spiritual Life events build community, deepen spirituality, develop mercy leadership and teach about justice through service, with special attention to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.
Mercy in Motion hosts fun gatherings like Waffleween and our opening ice cream party, service nights, movie and discussion nights and Faith and Food nights, to name a few.
Explore Your Faith
We all want to make a difference in the world, but sometimes we don’t know where to start. The journey is always better when we share the road with friends. Our staff are always ready to walk with you on your spiritual journey as you explore your purpose.
Take part in monthly ecumenical Taizé prayer services or the annual multifaith celebration of the Festival of Lights. Explore prayer by walking the outdoor labyrinth on the Gerety Hall lawn. If you're interested in receiving sacraments in the Catholic church, we offer classes for the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. We also offer retreats throughout the year, including two off-campus weekend retreats along with a busy person's retreat for those who wish to experience a retreat in the comfort of their own space. The Center for Spiritual Life is also home to the Compass North retreats.
Our Catholic masses include student cantors, readers and Eucharistic Ministers as well as a student-led liturgy committee. There are many ways to get involved.
Mercy Leadership Opportunities
The world needs a new kind of leadership - one predicated on a willingness of leaders to turn empathy into action, to walk with others through the challenges of our world, and to empower those with whom we share life’s journey. At Salve, we challenge ourselves to achieve academic excellence and to cultivate the spirit of mercy within ourselves - to see, to care and to act for the good of others.
Mercy in Motion
Mercy in Motion is our campus ministry's student leadership team – a group of dedicated students who create an inviting, helpful and welcoming presence on campus. The team hosts social events, dinner discussions, spiritual enrichment and community service for all students. Events are held on Wednesday evenings during the academic year.
Team members develop skills that the world needs today through regular formation in hospitality, teamwork, community outreach and engaging the needs of others. They work with Center for Spiritual Life staff to design programs that range from discussions on social justice issues to themed parties designed to build community.
Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage
Hosted at the Mercy International Center in Dublin, Ireland, this pilgrimage invites college students from around the world to experience the riches of the mercy story so they can return to daily life better equipped to be leaders in their schools and in the world. The next pilgrimage will be held in July 2026.
Mercy Global Action
Hosted at the United Nations, the Mercy Global Action program invites students to build their capacity and skills for critical thinking and advocacy. Students examine the UN system through the lens of global justice and the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy in order to promote a just, equitable and sustainable world for people and the environment.
Mercy Advocacy Program
Hosted in Washington, D.C., by the Sisters of Mercy’s Institute Justice Team and sponsored by the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, this program invites students to learn firsthand about advocacy and lobbying for social justice issues.
Our Lady of Mercy Chapel
Centrally located on campus, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel realizes the long-held dream of the many Sisters of Mercy who have served at Salve. Consecrated in 2010, the chapel offers regular masses during the academic year, ecumenical Taizé prayer services and a beautiful place of contemplation, and is the setting for many Catholic weddings for graduates and community members.
The first floor houses both the chapel and an interfaith prayer room, designed to provide a quiet space for prayer and meditation for people of all faiths. The Mercy Commons, located on the lower level, houses the Center for Spiritual Life, Center for Community Engagement and Service and Catherine’s Cupboard. In addition, it is a student center with space to study, relax, meet friends and a full kitchen which is available to students.
Designed by award-winning architect Robert A.M. Stern, the chapel’s stone and shingle exterior complements the historic architecture of Salve's Ochre Point neighborhood. Features include a set of 13 leaded opalescent glass windows created by renowned artist John La Farge and a bell tower housing three 1910 bells cast by the Meneely Bell Company.
Mass Schedule
Celebrations of the Eucharist are open to the campus and greater Newport communities. Visitors are always welcome. Please note that Masses are not offered during summer and winter breaks.
- Sunday at 5 p.m.
- Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Multifaith Prayer Space
Located in the Miley/Walgreen courtyard and open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., the multifaith prayer space offers resources for the expression of many faiths or a moment of peace for those who seek it during the day.
