Resources

Home > Resources > Worshiping Communities > Campus > Ministries

University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas

Denomination: Catholic institution that welcomes diverse backgrounds	Size: Close to 4300 students
Website: www.uiw.edu/giving/campmin.html

The Mission of UIW
The first Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, three young French women motivated by the love of God and their recognition of God's presence in each person, came to San Antonio in 1869 to minister to the sick and the poor. Their spirit of Christian service is perpetuated in the University of the Incarnate Word primarily through teaching and scholarship. Inspired by Judeo-Christian values, the University aims to educate men and women who will become concerned and enlightened citizens.

The university is committed to educational excellence in a context of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God. It promotes life-long learning and fosters the development of the whole person. The faculty and students support one another in the search for and the communication of truth. The university is open to thoughtful innovation that serves ever more effectively the spiritual and material needs of people. The curriculum offers students an integrated program of liberal arts and professional studies that includes a global perspective and an emphasis on social justice and community service.

The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic institution that welcomes to its community persons of diverse backgrounds, in the belief that their respectful interaction advances the discovery of truth, mutual understanding, self-realization, and the common good.

Worship
Catholic Mass is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and at 3 services on Sunday.

Students are not required to worship on campus. Other than the 9 core hours of Philosophy or Religion, students are not required to study religion. The University of the Incarnate Word welcomes students from all religions and backgrounds.

The UIW Campus Ministry Office provides for the religious and spiritual development of students. Campus Ministry serves as the university's main outlet for carrying our mission to the community at large. Such annual student projects as "Into the Streets," "Golden Harvest," "Alternative Spring Break," and the "German-Urban Plunge" provide needed assistance for the local community as well as developing our students' sense of social justice and value as active citizens. Campus Ministry provides regular opportunities for student worship on campus and coordinates the university's service learning program. Campus Ministry also offers services to UIW students, including student counseling, a peer ministers program, Bible study groups, and retreats.

Highlights
One of the strengths of campus worship is the liturgical choir. William Gokelman, Director of Liturgical Music for the Campus Ministry, conducts the UIW Chapel Choir, develops and trains cantors, and provides piano and organ music for all liturgical celebrations on campus.

Martha Kirk, Professor of Religious Studies, has been very active in leading movements toward reconciliation and peace, teaching arts for Christian worship, crafting dramatic biblical scripts, choreographing liturgical dance and mime, conducting tours to the Holy Land, and writing books and producing videos as tools for enhancing worship. Her latest book is Women of Bible Lands, A Pilgrimage to Compassion and Wisdom.