As Easter approaches, the University of Detroit Mercy is offering students, faculty and staff opportunities for spiritual reflection and engagement throughout the Lenten season. Through Masses, prayer services and faith-based events, University Ministry seeks to bring the campus community together to deepen its faith and prepare for the Easter celebration.
From “Stations of the Cross” to “The Ignatian Prayer Adventure,”
students have various ways to reflect, pray and grow spiritually in the weeks leading up to Easter. While many students will celebrate Easter with their families, Detroit Mercy will host an Easter Sunday Mass on campus, allowing those staying in Detroit to gather as a community.
Lent is a significant time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving, and Detroit Mercy offers various ways for students to engage in the season. Fr. Jeff Dorr, S.J., who plans the liturgies for Lent and Easter, highlighted some of the key observances on campus.
“We already had Ash Wednesday Masses at both the McNichols campus and the dental school,” Fr. Dorr said. “Throughout Lent, I’ll be guiding students and other university community members through the Stations of the Cross every Wednesday.”
These weekly prayer services allow students to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross, offering a way to engage with Lent even amid their academic responsibilities.
As a Jesuit and Mercy institution, Detroit Mercy’s Lenten and Easter programming is rooted in Catholic traditions and values.
“Both the Jesuits and the Sisters of Mercy have always emphasized Mass and the sacraments as central to our faith,” Fr. Dorr said. “All of our traditions—whether it’s service, education or social justice—flow from that foundation.”
Unlike many parishes that host large-scale Easter celebrations, Detroit Mercy’s Easter observance is intentionally simple.
“Most students leave campus to celebrate Easter with their families,” Fr. Dorr said. “This year, because Easter falls right before exams, we will have an Easter Sunday Mass at Detroit Mercy, but it will be a much simpler service compared to what other churches offer.”
For those who remain on campus, daily Mass will continue through exam week, offering students a quiet space for reflection and prayer during their busiest academic period.
Beyond liturgical celebrations, University Ministry provides opportunities for deeper spiritual reflection through retreats, group discussions and personal prayer experiences.
Anna Lawler, who organizes faith events, retreats and programs, highlighted several ongoing Lenten programs.
“We are running the Busy Person’s Retreat, which is open to anyone at the University, including employees,” Lawler said. “We have also been leading the Ignatian Prayer Adventure, a nine-week program that combines book discussions with group spiritual direction.”
The Ignatian Prayer Adventure introduces students to Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes prayer, discernment and personal reflection.
“Each week, participants read sections from ‘The Ignatian Adventure’ and come together to share how they see God moving in their lives,” Lawler said. “It’s a great way for students to reflect on their faith in a supportive community.”
College life can be demanding, and finding time for faith can be challenging. However, Detroit Mercy’s University Ministry recognizes the importance of spiritual wellness alongside academic growth.
“College is about more than just academics—it’s also a time for personal development,” Lawler said. “We create spaces where students can step outside their routines, reflect and grow spiritually.”
Ministry programs at Detroit Mercy are inclusive and welcoming, allowing students from all backgrounds to participate.
“We want students to know that our programs are open to everyone,” Lawler said. “Even if you’re not deeply religious, if you’re interested in personal reflection and community discussions, there’s a place for you here.”
Students looking to deepen their faith or take on leadership roles within University Ministry have several opportunities to do so.
“We’re currently looking for student leaders for our ‘New Beginnings Retreat,’ which will be offered at the start of the Fall semester,” Lawler shared. “There are also opportunities to get involved in our ‘Service in the City’ program and other faith-based initiatives.”
For those unsure where to start, University Ministry hosts weekly “M.U.G. Hour (Mingle. Unwind. Gather.),” a casual gathering where students can connect over coffee, baked goods and discussions.
“Our Instagram, @udm_ministry, is another great way to stay updated on events,” Lawler added.
As Easter approaches, Fr. Dorr hopes that students take one key message with them from this season of preparation and reflection.
“I hope students walk away with a sense that we have a God who wants to guide and support us,” he said.
“We’re called to do our part, but much more so, we’re invited to trust that God is working in ways we can’t always see.”
Whether it’s through liturgies, prayer groups or faith discussions, Detroit Mercy’s Lenten and Easter programs offer opportunities to reflect, connect and grow their faith.
For students looking to get involved, University Ministry’s doors are always open—a welcoming space to explore spirituality, community and the deeper meaning of Easter.
