Spiritual Life

Connect Through Faith at Marian University 

At Marian University, we believe that education is about more than just academics—it’s about the development of the whole person. Our vibrant spiritual life offers numerous opportunities for students of all backgrounds to discover or reawaken their faith, engage in meaningful service, and build a strong sense of community.

Main Image

A History of Perseverance through Spirituality

​Our history is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. Marian University was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA). At a time when the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction barred the Sisters from completing their teaching degrees while wearing their religious habits, the pioneering CSA Sisters responded by creating their own college. This act of faith and determination is a core part of our identity and continues to inspire our mission today.

Are You Spiritual? Find Out What That Means Through Marian's Campus Ministry 

Campus Ministry provides a welcoming environment centered on our core values and the rich Catholic Intellectual Tradition. Explore your spiritual journey through a variety of programs and events that help you connect and cause you to reflect on your greater purpose in life.

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, there’s a place for you in Campus Ministry. Join us for one of our many events and programs designed to help you connect, grow, and serve.

Spiritual Offerings/Campus Ministry

  • Weekly Bible Study: Dive into Scripture and discuss its meaning in your life.
  • Agape Lattes: Take a break and connect with friends over coffee.
  • Adoration: Spend time in quiet prayer and reflection.
  • Stump the Priests: Bring your toughest questions about faith and the Church.
  • Wednesday Mass: Take a moment during your busy week for worship.
  • Sunday Evening Mass: Conclude your weekend with our weekly Mass.

Special Events and Trips

Core Values Week:

A week-long event where we focus on living out Marian’s core values.

Winter Retreat:

A weekend getaway to deepen your faith and connect with fellow students.

SEEK Conference:

A national conference that brings together thousands of young Catholics for fellowship, formation, and worship.

Mission Trip:

Serve a community in need during our annual summer mission trip.

Trips in Wisconsin.

Experience these beautiful and sacred pilgrimage sites: Holy Hill, Our Lady of Champion Shrine, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine.

Meet Dianne Vadney, Marian’s Director of Campus Ministry

“SEEK24 was one of the best experiences of my life. I went in a struggling Catholic and came out strong in my faith. I was energized by the Holy Spirit and now am strongly and proudly Catholic.”

Dianne holds a BS in Biology from the Catholic University of America and a Master's in Theological Studies with a focus on Marriage and Family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute. She loves bringing these two worlds together, helping students see the beauty of faith and reason.

Contact Dianne Vadney, Director of Campus Ministry

Email Dianne

Where to Find Campus Ministry

Mackey Campus Ministry Center

​The heart of spiritual life at Marian University is the Mackey Campus Ministry Center. The Mackey Center is a welcoming space for prayer, reflection, and honest conversation. It’s where we worship, plan service initiatives, and simply connect with one another in the spirit of our Catholic tradition and the legacy of our founders, the Sisters of St. Agnes.

Dorcas Chapel

Dorcas Chapel is a central and cherished space at Marian University. Built in 1966, its unique circular design evokes a spool of thread and a needle—a nod to the university’s founders, the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. The chapel is named for Dorcas, a woman from the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, known for her ministry of making clothes for the poor, symbolizing a life of humble service. Today, the chapel remains a peaceful space for prayer, reflection, and weekly Masses, embodying the core of Marian’s spiritual life.

Interested in Becoming a Catholic?

​Our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program is for those who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, we welcome you to explore what it means to be Catholic with us.​

Looking to Get Involved?

​To get involved or learn more about Campus Ministry, Contact Dianne Vadney, Director of Campus Ministry: (920) 923-7624​, CampusMinistry@marianuniversity.edu,