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

St. Bonaventure’s Sion named rugby All-American for third straight year

Jun 01, 2020

For the third straight year, St. Bonaventure University’s Emily Sion has been named to the National Small College Rugby Organization All-American team.

A political science major from Springville, N.Y., Sion finished her career with a school-record 87 tries in fall 15s and spring 7s for the Bonnies. She graduated magna cum laude in May and is headed for law school in the fall.

“Emily is one of the most physically committed players I’ve ever coached. She played through every sort of bump and bruise imaginable, and always put her body on the line for the good of the team,” said Bonnies Coach Clarence Picard.

“It’s unfortunate she missed out on her senior 7s season and a return trip to nationals, but her impact won’t be forgotten – four straight playoff berths in 15s, winning the inaugural St. Bonaventure 7s in 2019, and national rankings in both 15s and 7s.”

In spring 2019, Sion was the leading scorer for the Bonnies at the NSCRO Women’s National 7s Championships in Pittsburgh, where the Bonnies finished 10th and reached the title match of the consolation bracket.

Sion also played twice for the NSCRO 7s Select Sides, in June 2019 outside Philadelphia and in February 2020 in Los Angeles.

“The team grew around Emily and her tenacity helped her teammates realize their own potential,” Picard said. “Her legacy will surely inspire the next generation of Bonnies women’s rugby players.”

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2019, St. Bonaventure was named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.