Campus Ministry


You are welcome here — whoever you are, whatever you believe. Learn more about Campus Ministry below, including service and interfaith prayer opportunities.

Mission Statement

In the Mercy tradition, the campus ministry team seeks to be an open and affirming presence for all, promoting the search for spiritual growth with an emphasis on service to society. Come see us in the Visitation House, and celebrate the presence of God.
 

Vision

Our vision of Campus Ministry calls us to:

  • Gather a vibrant and diverse community of faith for prayer, reflection and service.
  • Celebrate the Catholic/Christian faith of our sponsors, and encourage all to live their faith more fully.
  • Animate the community to understand and live out our Mercy identity through activities which connect us to poor and marginalized people and global concerns.
     

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Campus Ministry in the Classroom

Faculty, did you know that our Campus Ministers are happy to support your teaching and your students' learning by giving classroom presentations? Please contact us if we can be of any help, on any campus or even online!
 

Meet Our Staff

The Campus Ministry staff is here for you during your time on campus. Stop by to see us in the Visitation House!

Jeff Wallace, Director

Jeff Wallace
Director
Visitation House
215-641-5590
wallace.j@gmercyu.edu

Jeffrey Miguel Wallace came to Gwynedd Mercy University in 2019. He graduated from St. Joseph’s University in 2010 with his bachelors in Theology, as well as minors in Faith Justice Studies and Music. He then spent a year in Guayaquil, Ecuador as a long-term volunteer with Fundación Rostro de Cristo, where he was a youth and music minister for a local parish and the coordinator of an after-school program for at-risk youth. After returning from Ecuador, Jeff received his Master’s in Divinity from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry in 2014. He became a campus minister at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA for three years after graduate school, building strong relationships with students and developing a robust service-immersion program. He and his wife, Chelsea, moved to the Philadelphia area in 2017. His most recent work was with Catholic Relief Services, where he helped develop and support partnerships between CRS and (arch)dioceses, parishes, high schools, and universities.

Jeff is a strong advocate for the inherent human dignity of each person, is passionate about the pursuit of a “faith that does justice,” and hopes to cultivate a welcoming, hospitable environment in Campus Ministry for everyone at GMercyU. He is a loving husband and a proud father of his newborn son, Daniel Jorge. He loves Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers, a good cheesesteak, building community, music, theater, poetry, and is a huge extrovert.

Betsy Stone Plummer, Assistant Director for Community Service

Betsy Stone Plummer
Assistant Director for Community Service
Visitation House
215-641-5592
plummer.b@gmercyu.edu

Betsy came to Gwynedd Mercy University in 2000 as Director of Resident Life, having previously worked in housing and residence life at Drexel University, Florida State University, and The Art Institute of Atlanta.  In 2004 Betsy moved to Campus Ministry to develop the newly established Mercy Works Program, which coordinated many community service initiatives on campus. In 2011 she resigned in order to spend more time with her growing family. In 2018, Betsy rejoined our staff as Assistant Director for Community Service, and became the moderator of the 0Waste/Sustainabiliy Club.

Betsy has an MS in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. She has been adjunct faculty at GMercyU since 2002, and enjoys teaching both on-ground and online classes in Developmental Psychology and Childhood Obesity. She is a member of St. George's Historic United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, where she serves as a Trustee. She and her family also attend Messiah UMC in Lafayette Hill. Betsy's remaining time is spent driving her three active daughters to a wide variety of classes, practices, and games!


Serve With Campus Ministry

Looking to get involved both on campus and in the community? Seeking a way to link your faith with your desire to serve? GMercyU’s Campus Ministry's community service program reflects and enhances the University’s commitment to the Mercy tradition of service to society, and offers various ways to get involved and make a real difference in your life and the lives of others.  

Our goal is to connect the talents of GMercyU students with people in need in our wider community. All students, regardless of faith background, are encouraged to explore the opportunities below.  

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact Assistant Director for Community Service Betsy Stone Plummer, plummer.b@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5592.  

Alternative Spring Break

Campus Ministry’s Alternative Break Missions provide a unique opportunity to join other GMercyU students, faculty, and staff members in service projects around the country and around the world.

You’ll perform worthwhile community service while learning about cultural and social issues facing your host community. It's an experience you'll never forget, and one that you'll want to repeat again and again throughout your time here. 

See more details here.
 

Mercy Focus on Haiti

Mercy Focus on Haiti is a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Its members are led to service and solidarity with people who are materially poor, especially those living in Haiti. GMercyU first engaged with Mercy Focus on Haiti (MFOH) in 2018 when a team of faculty, staff, and student delegates visited Gros Morne, Haiti. 

Learn more about this unique international service immersion here.

Mercy Advocates in Service

Mercy Advocates have the opportunity to make a difference both locally and globally.  They involve their peers in community service while raising awareness of justice issues worldwide.  Watch the portal for service activities, including on-campus "pop up service!"

Service Resources

Mercy Beyond Borders
Mercy Volunteer Corps
Bread for the World
Catholic Relief Services
Pax Christi
United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
SOA Watch: Information about the School of the Americas Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation


Pray with Campus Ministry

We offer a variety of retreats and faith-sharing opportunities throughout the year to support the spiritual development of the entire GMercyU community. Our goal is to help the GMercyU community pause to engage questions of significance and to pray and reflect on your personal experiences in the pursuit of lives of deep meaning. 

NEW THIS YEAR! 10 Minute Resets: Take 10 minutes out of your busy schedule to pause, reflect, and breathe with our 10 Minute Reset. Each day will utilize a different style of prayer, such as guided meditation, silent contemplation, or imaginative prayer. Stop by the University Chapel in Campbell Hall Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday beginning at 1:30pm to participate! All are welcome -- come as you are! For more information, contact campusministrystaff@gmercyu.edu. 

Liturgy and Worship

Our vision of Campus Ministry calls us to celebrate the Catholic/Christian faith of our sponsors, the Sisters of Mercy, and to encourage others to live their faith more fully. Our desire is that people who engage our liturgy and worship experiences – especially over time – will seek an active and meaningful relationship with God, giving witness to Gospel values and the charism of Mercy.

To facilitate this relationship, we offer a variety of Catholic, ecumenical and interfaith prayer experiences throughout the year. 

Mass

The Eucharistic Celebration (Mass) is a concrete expression of our identity as a Catholic, Mercy institution. Our goal is that the Mass can be a fruitful experience of God's unconditional love and grace for all who attend.  Masses will take place Sundays at 6:30pm in the Glass Lounge of the Triplex and Wednesdays at 1:15pm in the University Chapel at Campbell Hall. All are welcome to participate in Mass. 

On-Campus Prayer Opportunities

In-person, on-campus prayer services will be held throughout the year on a variety of different topics. These opportunities will be livestreamed through social media. Please follow our Instagram (@gmercyuministry) or our Facebook Page (Gwynedd Mercy University Campus Ministry) for the date, time, and location of each prayer! Contact Jeff Wallace (wallace.j@gmercyu.edu) with any questions or comments. 

Special Celebrations

The Gwynedd Mercy University campus community offers special prayer opportunites to celebrate our Catholic, Mercy identity. 

Liturgical Ministries

We encourage students, faculty, and staff to get involved in our liturgical celebrations as singers, musicians, lectures, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and leaders of prayer. Interested? Contact Jeff Wallace, director of Campus Ministry, at wallace.j@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5590.

Retreats

First-Year Retreat

First-year students are invited to participate in the First-Year Retreat! This on-campus experience will help first year students (transfers and freshman) start their journey at GMercyU on the right foot. You can register here (Microsoft Forms) or find us on GriffinEngage under "Campus Ministry." For more information, contact Jeff Wallace at wallace.j@gmercyu.edu. 

Breakthrough Retreat

Griffins are invited to "break through" the murky, mundane mayhem of every day and come away for an awesome weekend retreat sponsored by Campus Ministry. The retreat is planned and facilitated by students and designed for you to reflect on your life amongst old and new friends. There will be time for individual reflection, group conversations, fun community building activities, and opportunities for free time. 

Interested students can contact Jeff Wallace for more information.

Commitment to Interfaith

Gwynedd Mercy University respects the faith traditions of all of our students. 

Common Prayer Space

We are pleased to offer students who wish to practice their own religion or spirituality a space for prayer, meditation, or any other form of spiritual expression. Interested students can find this space on the second floor of Visitation House. For more information, contact Jeff Wallace at wallace.j@gmercyu.edu.

Interfaith Meditation

Campus Ministry is offering a monthly opportunity for Interfaith Meditation in the Common Prayer Space, located on the 2nd floor of Visitation House. Interfaith Meditation is an opportunity for those with different worldviews and faith backgrounds to gather and share in a moment of quiet prayer together. The prayer will be led by Director of Campus Ministry, Jeff Wallace.

For questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to Jeff directly (Wallace.j@gmercyu.edu)

Interested students can contact Jeff Wallace for more information. 

Local Houses of Worship

Click here to download a list of different houses of worship in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties 

List of Religious Holidays

Gwynedd Mercy University provides time away to students for specific Catholic/Christian religious holidays, such as Christmas, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday. However, the GMercyU campus community is comprised of diverse religious and spiritual backgrounds that have unique observances and holidays. University policy permits undergraduate and graduate students to observe religious holidays that conflict with the academic schedule without penalty (UG Couse Catalogue, pg. 5; Grad. Course Catalogue, pg. 4).  

Therefore, Campus Ministry and the Division of Mission Integration provides this list of religious observances and holidays for the benefit of the campus community. The hope is that faculty, staff, and administrators will use this list as a reference. This list is not completely inclusive of all religious holidays. To offer suggestions or include religious observances or holidays not included in this list, please contact Jeff Wallace at Wallace.j@gmercyu.edu. For further questions or concerns, please contact Tatiana Diaz at diaz.t@gmercyu.edu.  

Prayer Intentions
  • You are welcome to write your prayer intentions in our book outside of Chapel in Campbell Hall.
  • To request the prayers of the University community in the event of the death of a close relative of a Gwynedd Mercy University faculty member, staff member, or student, please contact Jeff Wallace, Director of Campus Ministry, at 215-641-5590.  When possible, please obtain permission from the bereaved individual, and include as much information about funeral arrangements as possible.
  • Beautiful Gwynedd Mercy University Mass Cards are available to bring to a wake or funeral, or to send to someone in need of healing; names of all those being remembered in prayer are listed outside of Chapel.  Contact Jane Coughlin in Institutional Advancement, Coughlin.j@gmercy.edu or 215-641-5590 ext. 21177.
Digital Spiritual Resources

Foster your spirituality from home with these helpful resources. Have any additions? Email wallace.j@gmercyu.edu. 

Livestreamed Catholic Masses

Livestreamed Christian Services

Livestreamed Shabbat Services

Podcasts with a Spiritual Focus

Listen or subscribe to these podcasts wherever you listen to podcasts (I.e. Spotify, Apple Podcast app, etc.)

Jesuitical - Each episode brings some of the top (and maybe more obscure) Catholic news of the week and an interview with a guest who offers a unique perspective on world events, culture or faith. At the end of the show, Zac, Ashley and Olga invite the listener into their faith lives by sharing their consolations and desolations from the week  

Tablet Magazine Presents Unorthodox - Unorthodox is a smart, fresh, fun weekly take on Jewish news and culture hosted by Mark Oppenheimer, Stephanie Butnick, and Liel Leibovitz

The Muslim Life Hackers - Muslim Life Hackers brings you life hacks to help YOU live better, achieve more, and thrive in this world (& the hereafter in sha Allah). They take on relevant topics and invite a variety of guests to share their insights on our podcast show. You can catch the latest episode by subscribing to our email list below.

Pray-As-You-Go - Pray-As-You-Go is a daily prayer session, designed to go with you wherever you go, to help you pray whenever you find time, but particularly while traveling to and from work, study, etc.

Meditation Oasis - Meditation Oasis features guided meditations, instructions for meditation, and music for meditation

The Liturgists - The Liturgists Podcast is a genre-bending, chart-topping exploration of the most interesting and pressing topics of our time through the lenses of art, science, and faith.

On Being with Krista Tippett - A Peabody Award-winning public radio show and podcast. What does it mean to be human? How do we want to live? And who will we be to each other? Each week a new discovery about the immensity of our lives.

Becoming Wise - Depth and discovery in the time it takes to make a cup of tea. Reset your day. Replenish your sense of yourself and the world.

The Deep Spirituality Podcast - Listen to episodes of Deep Spirituality on your favorite podcast app. These interactive and engaging podcast episodes are meant to inspire you to go deeper in your relationship with God by providing candid discussions on spiritual topics and compelling scriptures from the Bible.

Homilies by Richard Rohr, OFM 

Smart Phone Apps with a Spiritual Focus

Download these apps in the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android)

  • Mercy Prayerbook -- Morning and Evening Prayer of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (iPhone only).
  • Hallow -- A Catholic meditation app to help you find peace and grow in your spiritual journey.
  • Calm -- Calm is a meditation, sleep and relaxation app edicated to introducing our world-wide community to the amazing benefits of mindfulness.
  • The Book of Common Prayer (Apple iPhone or Android Phones) -- Common Prayer helps today’s diverse church pray together across traditions and denominations with morning, midday, and evening prayers for every day of the year.
  • Reimagining the Examen (Apple iPhone or Android Phones) -- Reimagining the Examen is a fresh and customized prayer experience inspired by St. Ignatius’s Examen, a practice that helps you review your day with God.
  • More coming soon!
Spiritual Social Media Resources
  • Sisters of Mercy on Instagram (@mercysisters) - The Sisters of Mercy are posting weekly prayers during Lent.
  • GMercyU Campus Ministry on Instagram (@gmercyuministry)
  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Instagram (@usccb)
  • Pope Francis on Instagram (@franciscus)
  • Archbishop of Philadelphia Nelson Perez on Instagram (@archbishopperez)
  • America Media on Instagram (@americamedia)
  • Practical Muslim on Instagram (@practicalmuslim)
  • Unorthodox Podcast on Instagram (@unorthodoxpodcast)
  • Black Liturgies on Instagram (@blackliturgies)
  • The Nap Ministry on Instagram (@thenapministry)
  • Fr. James Martin, SJ Facebook Page -  Fr. James Martin, SJ is hosting daily faith sharing live on his Facebook page. He is a Jesuit priest who has written a variety of books, including Building a Bridge, Between Heaven and Mirth, Jesus: A Pilgrimage, and My Life with the Saints
Spiritual Web Resources