McMaster Catholic Chaplaincy
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to the McMaster Catholic Chaplaincy! We are a community of Catholic students who are dedicated to following Christ and helping others to find, love, and follow Him too.
As young people living a busy university life, it can be hard to stay grounded in Christ and the path He has called us on. But you don’t have to journey alone. Our chaplaincy, located right across the street from McMaster, is built to help students succeed as Catholics in university with the support and love of others. We run events throughout the school year, both social and spiritual, to grow as friends and members of the Church. We also serve the community through outreach, connecting to other McMaster students who have not yet heard the Good News.
We are also blessed to have the support of our pastor, campus minister and parish team. Through them, we are able to provide opportunities to explore and deepen your faith and receive spiritual support during this university journey.
So, if you are a new student searching for the best place to carry on your Catholic faith while away from home, you are welcome. If you are a recent convert who is trying to find like-minded believers, you are welcome. If you are struggling with doubts and difficulties with your faith, you are welcome. Even if you are just curious about the Catholic faith, you are welcome. No matter who you are, we would love to meet you and receive you into this loving, authentic Catholic community! If you are interested in joining us, feel free to reach out to us here!
Where We Are
Nestled in the heart of Hamilton, our Saint Kateri University Student Centre is the ultimate destination for McMaster students. With a prime location just across from McMaster's vibrant campus and right behind the Canadian Martyrs Church, we offer a welcoming space for all. Plus, did we mention we're steps away from Starbucks?
Getting here is a breeze too! The Emerson at Main bus stop is right beside us, making your commute a piece of cake.
Come visit us at 1349 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, and experience the warmth of our community!
WHAT WE DO
Student Dinners
Our student dinners take place in the downstairs church hall every Tuesday night from 6-8 pm, followed by Night Prayer. If you are interested in meeting other members of the community, this is the place to start! Don’t worry if you can’t come for the whole night; university life is busy, so whatever time you can join is valued. Plus, free food…
Morning Prayer
For the early risers in our community, Morning Prayer is a wonderful way to start the morning. Prayer begins at 8 am every Wednesday morning and draws from the rich tradition of the Liturgy of the Hours: Oh, and post-prayer breakfast is included :)
Catholic Cafe
Every Thursday at 1:00 pm, right after Mass, we invite you to come together with fellow students in a welcoming and open-hearted environment.
Join us as we explore the depths of our faith, share insights, and build a vibrant community right here at the Saint Kateri University Student Centre.
Men’s/Women’s Ministry
What does it mean to be men and women in today's world? Does God speak differently to women and to men? How can we grow in understanding of the relationship between ourselves and God? If you are interested in these and similar questions, join us in these ministries every Thursday night! Women's Ministry runs from 5 - 6 pm while Men's Ministry occurs from 7 - 8 pm
Adoration
One of our monthly events, Adoration is open to the whole Canadian Martyrs community every first Friday of the month. For Chaplaincy members, it is an opportunity to slow down in the midst of hectic weeks and be still in the presence of the Lord who sustains our hearts.
Diakonia
The great social questions of our world call out for a response – and Catholicism has one! Join us as we learn about Catholic Social Teaching, and try to live it out in the greater Hamilton area. We meet the second Monday of the month from 10-11 at MUSC 231, and then the last week of the month at a place in the city. For questions, please contact jason greig, campus minister at
Tuesday Mass
Lectures, labs, clubs… lots of things can get in the way of the daily noontime mass at Canadian Martyrs. This year, Tuesday Mass has been moved to 5:15 pm, right before our weekly dinners. If you are free, it’s a beautiful opportunity to receive the Lord through the Eucharist to sustain you during the week.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FAITH STUDIES
“The most impactful experience for me this year [was] leading a faith study. I decided to lead one this semester because I thought it would be fun, but I did not expect to be blessed with an amazing group of four young men my age… The influence they’ve had on me in my faith journey is more than they realize.”
Learning and discussing our faith with fellow students is a crucial part of growing in relationship with Christ, the Church, and each other. Faith Studies are a simple, engaging way to have these conversations. You will meet with your small Faith Study group over 6 weeks and work through material that will bolster and challenge your faith. Sign up to dive deeper into your relationship with Christ!
EXEC TEAM
Elliot Evans
Co-president
Chemical Engineering, Year 3
Danica Coutinho
Co-president
Biochemistry, Year 4
Valentina Reinoso
Social Media Coordinator
Level II Midwifery, Year 5
Erin Donahue-Boyle
Faith and Fellowship Coordinator
Sustainable Chemistry, Year 4
Stefany Shanthakumar
Fellowship coordinator
Human Behaviour, 4th Year
Rachel Serrao
Social Media Coordinator
Life Sciences, Year 3
Laila Di Nardo
CCO Connect Coordinator
Music, Year 2
Jason Greig
Campus Minister
Rev Grzegorz Ogorzalek
Pastor & Chaplain
Who was Saint Kateri
St. Kateri is an incredible model of young faith and the first Native American to be canonized as a Catholic saint. After losing her whole family to a smallpox outbreak, St. Kateri was raised by her uncle, a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) chief. When she was 11, Jesuit missionaries arrived in her village and introduced her to the faith. She chose to be baptized when she was 18, against the wishes of her uncle. After baptism, her life radiated with love for Christ — she prayed for hours each day, fashioned crosses with twigs, and served the needy in her community. Her heart was so full of devotion that she consecrated herself to the Lord, choosing to marry herself to God rather than the suitors who proposed to her. She endured threats, work, and sickness with a trusting, patient countenance. In the last years of her life, her health declined steeply and she died at 24 of tuberculosis. Her final words were Iesos Konoronkwa (“Jesus, I love you”). St. Kateri’s example reveals, as most saints do, that holiness can be found anywhere. Even in her young life, in a community hostile to the faith, she cultivated a profound union with Christ through love. In many ways, she was blessed with the support of a community, including her mother in early life, devoted priests, and Christian friends. Our Chaplaincy lives by a similar principle: our personal relationship with the Lord is strengthened by participating in a community of faithful brothers and sisters. May we all strive to be saints like St. Kateri, and ask for her intercession on our journey!
GET SOCIAL!
Join the McMaster Chaplaincy Discord!
All the news updates you could need (and memes, homework help, and philosophical debate!)
Follow the Chaplaincy on Instagram!
All the social updates you missed on Discord, along with photos from all of our biggest events
JOIN US!
Want to stay in the loop with all things happening at the Saint Kateri University Student Centre? We thought so!
Join our vibrant community and be the first to know about events, news, and social updates.
But wait, there's more! We'd love to get to know you better. Help us tailor our offerings to your preferences by filling out a quick form. Tell us where you are in your studies and what events you’re interested in.
Ready to dive in? Click the link below and let's make this journey even more amazing together!
Thanks for being a part of our McMaster Chaplaincy family!
