Approved by: President
History: Issued -- Nov. 15, 2007
Revised -- February 4, 2026
Last Reviewed               -- February 4, 2026
Related Policies: Weddings at the University
Additional References: Guidelines for Appropriate Use of University Chapels

Policy Owner:

Contact Person:

University Chaplain, tel. (202) 319-5575

University Liturgy Coordinator, tel. (202) 319-5575

 

I. Chapels

 

Saint Paul Chapel. Dedicated in 1888, Saint Paul Chapel is located on the mezzanine level of Caldwell Hall. It is the original chapel of The Catholic University of America. The chapel seats 70 to 80 adults comfortably. The original Odell pipe organ (New York, 1889) sits idle in need of renovation and repair. It remains unavailable for use. The chapel has neither confessionals nor dressing areas areas for a bridal party. Restrooms are located on the main level in the Seton Wing of Caldwell Hall. The chapel and loft are handicap accessible by elevator.

Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel. Saint Vincent de Paul Chapel is located on John McCormack Road, between Millennium North and Millennium South Residence Halls. It was dedicated in 1950. The sanctuary was renovated in 1981 with the addition of a Schudi pipe organ, and the entire chapel underwent further renovation in 1992. St. Vincent's is the largest chapel on campus, seating up to 200 adults on the main level and 50 more with use of the balcony. The chapel is equipped with a baby grand piano. There are two confessionals. A restroom is located near the main entrance. The chapel is handicap accessible.

Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel. Dedicated in 1996, Mary, Mirror of Justice Chapel is located on the second floor of the Columbus School of Law. It seats 25 adults comfortably. There are no confessionals or musical instruments. It is handicap accessible.

Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel. Saint Michael the Archangel Chapel is the University's newest chapel, dedicated in the spring of 2019. It is located in Maloney Hall, at the corner of Michigan Avenue and University Drive. The chapel has a maximum capacity of 72 persons. There is one confessional and no musical instruments. It is handicap accessible.

 

II. Persons and Groups Eligible to use the Chapels

 

All requests for use of either chapel are subject to approval by Campus Ministry.

  1. University students, faculty, staff and their organizations
  2. Alumni
  3. Non-University, Roman Catholic groups in good standing with the Archdiocese of Washington.
  4. Other groups whose requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All requests for the use of university chapels are subject to approval by the Office of Campus Ministry. It is university policy that the university chapels are reserved for Catholic worship alone. The University Liturgy Coordinator may approve music recitals on a case-by-case basis.

For the Catholic celebration of Holy Matrimony, please see the "Weddings on Campus Policy," which specifies further requirements.

III. Fees

 

  1. There is no charge for official university liturgies, student groups registered with the University, student programs and events, and faculty, staff, and alumni organizations and associations.
  2. There is a $150 chapel fee for one-time use by all other authorized users, except in the case of weddings. This includes a $30 sacristan fee. An additional $30 fee for sacristan services will be charged for multiple uses of the chapel in the same booking.
  3. The Office of Campus Ministry can arrange piano tuning at your request. At least two weeks of advanced notice is required. If you wish to have the piano tuned immediately prior to chapel use, it is your responsibility to cover the cost.
  4. Users are ordinarily responsible for securing ministers and musicians for the liturgy. Pending availability, however, ministers are sometimes available through the Office of Campus Ministry: Cantors ($200 per), Additional Musicians ($200 per), Server ($50 per).
  5. All chapel fees must be paid at least one week before the scheduled event unless determined otherwise.
  6. Persons who cancel within 48 hours of a reservation time will remain responsible for the chapel use fee.
  7. Wedding fees are outlined in the Weddings on Campus Policy.