Office of the University Chaplain

About the Office of the University Chaplain

The Office of the University Chaplain exists as an extension of Mount St. Mary's University's core institutional mission, to help our students mature as ethical leaders who lead lives of significance in service to God and others. Headed by our University Chaplain in partnership with the director of Campus Ministry and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, we offer resources for spiritual encouragement and challenging growth for all our students and community. In the spirit of true ecumenism, we welcome students of all faith traditions to participate as fully as possible in all our Catholic prayer and programming.

Additionally, the Office of the University Chaplain:

• Participates in the ceremonial and liturgical life of the university, including but not limited to:
  • Mass of the Holy Spirit
  • Baccalaureate Mass
  • September 11 anniversary remembrance
  • Veterans Day
  • ROTC Commissioning
• Oversees and manages the three chapels on campus;
• Oversees the student-run Liturgy Committee;
• Coordinates Catholic weddings on the Mount's campus;
• Assists with the scheduling of Mass intentions on campus;
• Assists with enrollment into the Immaculate Conception Chapel Society.

About the University Chaplain

Rev. Martin Moran is the university chaplain at Mount St. Mary’s University. Rev. Moran served in campus ministry on the local, national and international level for over 27 years. He is the past executive director of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association and served as a consultant for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Committee on Catholic Education.

As the university chaplain, he works collaboratively with both university, Campus Ministry and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to foster ethical, religious and spiritual dialogue, and raising intercultural awareness. With the Mount’s faculty, deans, administrative teams and students, Rev. Moran helps address issues of campus life in a diverse community of various religious backgrounds, beliefs, cultures, identities and values. We are proud to share the rich Catholic history and cultural life lived on our campus.

Rev. Moran offers individual pastoral care and the daily availability for the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). The university chaplain's focus is to serve the greater Mount Community with passion and excellence.

Mass and Liturgical Schedule

Mass is celebrated in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Mary, Queen of Peace Chapel and at the National Shrine Grotto. Please see our full Mass and Liturgical schedule.

Mass is also livestreamed through Facebook live.

Our Catholic Identity

At the center of our Catholic commitment is the belief that every person is a gift, a child of God, and a bearer of the very image of God. As a Catholic university, we are called to inspire students to discover their gifts and callings, to embrace learning, to play an active role in the community, and to lead lives of significance in service to God and others. Learn more about our Catholic identity.

Mount St. Mary's University Catholic Identity Committee

This leadership committee is comprised of representatives from all aspects of campus life: academic and student life offices, as well as the seminary and National Shrine Grotto. The University Chaplain serves on this committee. For more information please contact the Office of the University Chaplain.

Information for Non-Catholic Students

Here at Mount St. Mary’s University, we support all of our students in their search for ultimate meaning in their lives. This is an important part of our mission statement in building ethical leaders to live lives of significance to God and others. For students who are not of the Roman Catholic faith tradition, the Office of the University Chaplain is available to assist you with finding a place of worship within your own religious tradition.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)

Experience God’s loving mercy and healing forgiveness – the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by appointment. For more information, please contact the Office of the University Chaplain.

Wedding Ceremonies at the Mount

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception is the central worship space for the student community of collegians and seminarians of Mount St. Mary’s University and many couples request to use this space for their wedding ceremony. Because it is not a parish church, there are strict guidelines governing the use of the Chapel for the celebration of the Sacraments.

The guidelines of the Archdiocese of Baltimore grant permission for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Chapel only to couples who have a relationship to Mount St. Mary’s University. In order to be eligible, at least one party must be Catholic and meet one of the following qualifications:

• Students currently enrolled at Mount St. Mary’s University and have completed at least two semesters.
• Alumni of the university. (Sons and daughters of alumni do not qualify).
• Employees of Mount St. Mary’s University or their children, members of the Board of Trustees or their children.

We regret that we are not able to extend the privilege of being married at Mount St. Mary's to the general public. The University does not have the authority to grant exceptions to this policy.

For more information on wedding ceremonies at the Mount, please contact the Office of the University Chaplain or Director of University Operations Maureen Plant.

Mass Intentions

Having a Mass said for the needs of a special person, for a special request, or in thanksgiving has a long history in the Catholic Church. We are honored to pray with you for your intention. The Mass will be celebrated by our priests on the Mount's campus.

Submit a Mass Intention