Student volunteers pause for a photo at the Empty Bowls & Baskets Dinner and Auction.

St. Bonaventure University

University Ministries


University Ministries welcomes students of all religious affiliations to participate in a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth, service learning, social action and community building.

Pictured_The McGinley-Carney CenterAs the nation's first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure affirms the unique dignity of every person and invites everyone into a community of  acceptance and understanding. All are welcome here.

University Ministries is the focal point for forging these loving bonds of belonging, and for extending this sense of community beyond our campus borders. We strive to share God's unconditional love, particularly with marginalized populations — the needy, ignored and excluded.

We're located in the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministry (pictured), located in the center of campus. Opened in 2017, the center houses offices, an interdenominational prayer tower, a great room for student gatherings, and kitchen facilities.

We are committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside of the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship.

Our liturgical life, centered around Sunday Eucharist, invites all members of the Bonaventure community to join in various liturgical ministries and many prayer opportunities.

Franciscan Center for Social Concern


Your hub for service-learning, whether it's feeding the hungry, befriending a child, or visiting with a senior citizen. Be a leader in service to others.

The FCSC

Mt. Irenaeus


The resident friars of this Franciscan community near campus welcome all to relax, hike, garden, sit and talk, or share a home-cooked meal. A special ministry, a special place.

Mt. Irenaeus

Faith formation, worship & ministry


We invite all into the life of the Catholic Church, with liturgical programs, sacraments, worship experiences and opportunities for spiritual growth.

Faith, worship & ministry

Mass Card Requests


Mass intentions to honor the living and remember the deceased may be ordered online.

A donation to the Franciscan Friars of $15 is suggested for each Mass intention requested. We can accept up to two intentions for each Mass.

During the academic year, the Franciscan friars offer daily Mass at 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Great Room of the McGinley-Carney Center for Franciscan Ministries. Sunday Masses are offered in the University Chapel at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

You may choose from a selection of cards and make your donation online. (Card #1 is the Mass card for deceased; Cards # 2 and 3 are Mass cards for the living). We will send you a confirmation with the date that the Mass will be offered, and, if you desire, we will inform people in the university community.

We welcome your Mass requests.

For questions or more information, please email Brian Negron or call him at (716) 375-2662.

Order Mass cards online


News-Publications-Research- Banner

Orientation leaders getting ready to welcome incoming freshman class to the #BonaFamily

Jul 02, 2019

St. Bonaventure University’s Orientation Team is ready to welcome the class of 2023.

Of the more than 500 incoming freshmen this fall, almost all will come to campus for one of three orientation sessions being held this month (July 11-12, 15-16 and 18-19).

“Orientation is an informative and interactive way for students to prepare for their journey as a Bonaventure student,” said Sarah Barnard, assistant director of the Student Success Center.

Among an array of workshops, academic meetings and other various activities that orientation offers, incoming students learn everything about life, academics and support at St. Bonaventure.

“After high school, I didn’t have much direction,” said Ethan Pryor, a junior orientation co-coordinator. “Orientation was the reason I came to St. Bonaventure and is why it resonates so much with me. I hope we can have a similar impact on the freshmen this year and I can’t wait for them to get here.”

Orientation is not only for students, however. Parent and family orientation, which is administered by two parent leaders, runs simultaneously with the student schedule.

Parents and family members will gain a better understanding of the place they are sending their sons and daughters by attending meetings with professors, advisers and other faculty members.

“The orientation program is when students officially become a part of the Bona family,” Barnard said. “This is the time to learn and get excited about academics, as well as discover their purpose for the next four years.”

The freshmen will return to campus Aug. 22 for Welcome Days. Classes begin Aug. 26.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, we believe in the goodness of every person and in the ability of every person to do extraordinary things. St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. Named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report, we are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition.