Our Catholic Identity
Our Catholic faith shapes our mission, community, and commitment to educating students who live fulfilled, compassionate lives. Students are encouraged to grow intellectually and spiritually through their everyday experiences at CSM.
Grounded in Catholicism, Open to All
While we are a Catholic institution, we welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds. Our community encourages respectful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and exploration of meaning and purpose.
- Students are not required to be Catholic to attend CSM
- Faith exploration and dialogue are encouraged
- Students of all faith backgrounds are welcome
- Mass and sacraments are available but not required
Faith in Action
Faith at CSM is expressed through service, reflection, and community engagement.
- Justice and service immersion experiences
- Catholic Mass offered Monday–Friday in Our Lady of Mercy Chapel at Noon
- Prayer, retreats, and faith-sharing opportunities
- Theology and philosophy courses as part of the core curriculum
- Service learning integrated into academic programs
Frequently asked Questions
CSM is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, which emphasizes the integration of faith and reason, ethical inquiry, and the dignity of every person. While shaped by this tradition, our community welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.
No. Students of all religious traditions and those who are exploring their beliefs are welcome. Our Catholic identity informs our values and mission, but it’s open to everyone who seeks a respectful, inclusive community.
No. Religious and spiritual opportunities, like Mass, retreats, and prayer services, are offered for those who wish to participate. Students are encouraged, not mandated, to take part in experiences that support personal and spiritual growth.
Yes — students at College of Saint Mary are required to take theology as part of the Mercy Core curriculum. To satisfy the Mercy Core general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree, students must complete 6 credit hours (typically two courses) in theology. These courses explore Christian and Catholic approaches to meaning, values, and life’s big questions, and are open to students of all faith traditions.
Faith is not separate from learning. Courses across disciplines encourage ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and reflection on how knowledge serves the common good. Mercy-centered values influence the way subjects are taught and understood. We believe this makes our students more well-rounded and compassionate members of society.
The Sisters of Mercy are a Catholic religious community founded in 1831 in Dublin, Ireland by Catherine McAuley. She believed education, healthcare, and compassionate service were powerful tools for advancing human dignity, especially for women and those living in poverty.
At College of Saint Mary, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1923, their legacy lives on in a commitment to educating women for leadership, service, and meaningful impact. Mercy is not just history here. It is a living tradition shaped by compassion, courage, and a call to serve the common good.
About The Chapel
Located at the heart of campus, Our Lady of Mercy Chapel has long been a place for prayer, reflection, and community. Built as part of the campus established in the 1950s, the chapel reflects the Mercy tradition and remains a spiritual center for worship, quiet reflection, and campus gatherings.
Get Ready To Join Us
Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll help you build a future with confidence.