Catholic Values Shape the Seton Hall Community   
  It doesn't take much time on the Seton Hall campus to realize that you are part of a community guided by faith. Whether this first becomes apparent when you see priests eating alongside you in the cafeteria or when walking past our beautiful historic chapel, you will quickly learn that our Catholic tradition is a big part of who we are.

Faith, Instruction and Action
  So, what exactly does it mean to be a Catholic University? A university is Catholic in many ways: by instruction, by the creative faith and love of its members, as well as by living Catholic values. The Catholicity of Seton Hall is a call to action and a commitment to building a life that is both faithful to the past - and open to the future.

 

Welcome from the Office of Mission and Ministry

 

Monsignor C. Anthony Ziccardi
 

 

Seton Hall University holds a unique place among American Catholic institutions of higher learning. Founded in 1856 by the first Bishop of Newark, James Roosevelt Bayley, it is the oldest Roman Catholic diocesan university in the United States and one of the largest.

 

Bishop Bayley named Seton Hall after his aunt, Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was a convert to Catholicism, a pioneer in Catholic education and the first American born saint. More »

A Call to Service
  A key part of our Catholic mission is community service. We believe that getting involved in the community teaches lessons that can't be taught in any classroom. All students complete at least 10 hours of community service during their first semester. Getting your hands dirty planting a garden with local school children, launching attention-getting public relations campaigns for nonprofit organizations or sponsoring a "senior prom" at a senior center are just a few ways to help others, build character and make new friends - all while gaining valuable real-world experience that will stand out on your resume.

Community Outreach
  Students volunteer thousands of hours each year through the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE). DOVE aids organizations such as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and the New Jersey Special Olympics, among others. Each September, Seton Hall students, faculty, staff and alumni unite for SHU 500, a day dedicated to giving back to surrounding communities and agencies.

Our Tradition of Theological Study
  Our commitment to the study of theology is also important to our Catholicity. We view theology as a critical branch of knowledge that should be taught alongside science and the humanities. To support this need, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology offers programs that serve both seminarians studying for Catholic priesthood and lay students pursuing theological studies.

Developing Leaders in Mind, Heart and Spirit
  Our Catholic tradition is evident in other ways, too. More than 40 priests reside on campus (including student residence halls) and many serve as faculty or staff. Mass is offered three times a day, including Sunday evenings (for those of you who aren't morning people). Campus Ministry also provides opportunities for spiritual counseling and exploration.

A Home for People of All Faiths
  We strive to meet the spiritual needs of all students, regardless of faith. Although the majority of our students are Catholic (about 70 percent, according to information voluntarily submitted on admissions applications), there also are significant groups of Jewish, Muslim, Protestant and Buddhist students, among others. Whether you are looking for a nearby synagogue, a Muslim group to join for Friday prayers or an interfaith Bible study, Campus Ministry will connect you with students who share in your beliefs.

No matter what your faith, the Catholic ideals and values that we will share with you while you are at Seton Hall will make you feel good about who you are and your ability to make a real difference in the community.