Catholic Student Center at USF

Jesus said, “I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing in the fruits of their labors.” (John 4:38)

These words are a reminder that we are the inheritors of the works of faith done by countless generations of believers who sacrificed to hand on the Catholic faith to the future. The Campus Ministry Endowment Fund is a means for us to do the work that will nurture and sustain the generations of believers who will follow us.

The Catholic Student Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa was planned and constructed by the Diocese of St. Augustine during the University’s tenth year of existence. The Chapel and offices were dedicated at a Mass celebrated on September 24, 1967 by Most Rev. Joseph Hurley, Archbishop of St. Augustine. Archbishop Hurley envisioned the Catholic Student Center as a place for Catholic students and faculty to worship together, and grow in their understanding of the Faith.

As Catholic campus ministry in the 1960's put an emphasis on social events, the physical plant of the Catholic Student Center was designed with a large social hall and a smaller Chapel space. The social hall was modified in 1983 to serve as a Chapel for Sunday Liturgy. The original Chapel space is now used for daily Liturgy and as a cry room on Sunday. The current configuration of the Chapel provides seating for 250 people at each of three Sunday Liturgies.

The population of students living on and near campus continues to grow. The Catholic Center has kept pace with the changing population by offering an increasing variety of activities and services for students. Our community also serves many from the neighborhoods surrounding the University campus, as well as weekend visitors to the University area.

The Catholic Student Center provides us with a spiritual home, a place to socialize and opportunities to grow in our Catholic Faith. We have this physical plant because of the foresight and generosity of a previous generation of Catholics. The Endowment Fund is a way for us to leave a legacy to the future generations of Catholics who will worship here.

The first campaign for the Endowment Fund began in August 2000. The goal for the campaign was $50,000. We collected approximately $55,000 by the end of 2000. Since that time the Fund has grown to a little over $112,000 due to the continued generosity of members of our community.

Our goal for this second campaign is $40,000 for the Endowment Fund and $5,000 to assist Spirit FM 90.5 in their building fund drive. Each member of our family of faith is asked to participate by contributing $500 or more, payable over one year’s time. Please keep in mind that participation is strictly voluntary, and no gift is too large or too small.

Your prayers and your support will make this second campaign a success for us and a blessing for those who follow us.