Fr. Ryan Lerner is the Roman Catholic Chaplain; Sr. Jennifer Schaaf, Allan Esteron, Grace Carroll and David Rivera are the Assistant Roman Catholic Chaplains. Learn more about them at https://stm.yale.edu/chapel-leadership.
Saint Thomas More, the Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University serves the Catholic community at Yale University (STM) by helping Catholics serve God and humanity locally and globally. We are located at 268 Park Street, across from the Pierson College gate.
At STM, we strive to create a vibrant and welcoming Catholic community through study, prayer, and action. Visit our website at www.stm.yale.edu for more information about we do or come visit us!
STM’s campus ministry is housed in two structures: The Chapel and The Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center. The Chapel of Saint Thomas More was designed by William Douglas Orr ꞌ19 ꞌ27 M.Arch. It is a combination of Art Deco and traditional Catholic design and was dedicated on October 9, 1938. Further changes were made to the Chapel in 1970 as part of the liturgical renewal of the Second Vatican Council. In 2008, George Knight ꞌ95 M.Arch. of Knight Architecture further renovated and preserved the space, including the original chandeliers.
The Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center was designed by César Pelli, former Dean of Yale School of Architecture (1977-1984). Pelli worked with Rev. Robert Beloin (Yale’s 7th Catholic Chaplain) in creating a place for Catholic campus ministry that was welcoming and filled with light. The Golden Center opened in 2006 and offers a place for all students, faculty and staff on Yale’s campus to find community and experience a home away from home.
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Academic Year
Sunday Masses
10am, 5pm and 9pm
(livestreamed at https://stm.yale.edu/streamspot-livestream)
10am Mass is streamed for those that cannot attend Mass by using this link: https://stm.yale.edu/streamspot-livestream)
Masses are archived to STM’s website and on STM’s YouTube channel for later viewing.
Daily Mass
5:3pm Monday through Thursday
Reconciliation will be offered before daily Mass beginning at 5pm
Summer
10am Mass (Streamed for those that cannot attend Mass by using this link: https://stm.yale.edu/streamspot-livestream)
No Daily Mass
Reconciliation by appointment – contact Fr. Ryan at ryan.lerner@yale.edu
Golden Center Hours
Academic Year
Sunday – Thursday: 9am to Midnight
Friday: 9am to 10pm
Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Summer
9am-3pm Monday – Friday
STM’s ministry consists of three major components, each fostering faith development and belonging in a supportive community of faith.
Intellectual Life (STUDY) – Anchored by the Sunday night lectures which are livestreamed and in person over dinner for students; Theology on Tap, Reading Groups and other small group conversations provide a space for students to learn more about their faith. ESTEEM is a program for juniors and seniors to learn about Church leadership and how to transition into parish life after college.
Spiritual Life (PRAY) – In addition to attending Mass, there are many ways to be involved in the rhythms of the liturgical year, including serving as lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, acolytes and joining the choir as a singer or a musician. Prayer experiences are scheduled daily and spirituality groups are offered throughout the academic year. Each semester, retreats are also offered. Pastoral counseling or spiritual direction is available on request.
Service and Social Justice (ACT) – Volunteering in the Wednesday Soup Kitchen at STM, participating in local service projects and participating in Alternative Spring Break trips are some of the ways students engage in service and the social justice mission of the Church. The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Student Ambassador program is one way for students to engage in the global mission of the Church and local advocacy for those on the margins.
Community Life – Small Church Communities (SCC) meet weekly at STM and offer students lectionary-based scripture study and faith sharing. Social activities offer occasions to share refreshments, view and discuss a film, watch a sporting event on television or celebrate a holiday together. Events like apple picking, pumpkin carving and study breaks, are replenishing outlets for students in the midst of their academic stress. These programs are planned and coordinated by STM’s Undergraduate and Graduate Councils.