It is hard to narrow down precisely what University chaplains Revs. Tim O’Connor, C.S.C., and Michael Mathews, C.S.C., do for campus employees. Talking with faculty and staff through issues of marriage, family, grief, life changes, and illness only scratches the surface of the ministerial services they provide. Acting akin to first responders, the chaplains are on call for campus emergencies and deathbed services, and they also accompany others through the joys and sorrows of life. With more than 6,300 employees to support, this can seem daunting.
“We’re kind of on ground zero. We’re in the trenches here every day, and you never know what’s going to happen,” Father O’Connor said.
Through times both good and bad, University chaplains are devoted to assisting Notre Dame employees, regardless of their faith or lack thereof. Bereavement support, spiritual guidance, support groups, and pastoral conversations are a few of the most common resources the chaplains offer to connect with employees.
A key element that separates University chaplains from other forms of workplace support is their steadfast neutrality. According to Father Mathews, “One interesting thing about our position is that when we come to visit, we’re not a threat, and I think that really helps others open up to us. People are recognizing us not just as a collar, but as a pastoral presence, a sacramental presence that they feel comfortable with.”
Meeting people where they are
Father O’Connor affectionately attributes working on campus to working at the United Nations, due to the wide range of faith backgrounds and identities he encounters. For example, as a resident of Corby Hall, he has met three custodial staff members, each from a different continent and speaking a different language.
Their work in chaplaincy often brings Father Mathews and Father O’Connor to unexpected or behind-the-scenes locations throughout campus, including the basements of the Morris Inn and the campus bookstore, the St. Michael’s Laundry facilities, and kitchen areas. It’s often in these spaces where the chaplains first meet and get to know new colleagues. These “pass-throughs” establish relationships with employees and open up further opportunities for connection.
An added bonus for Father Mathews and Father O’Connor is sharing meals with staff. Attending retirement parties and Christmas parties and judging the Office of Information Technology’s annual chili cook-off are examples of opportunities to break bread with colleagues. Taking advantage of the power of a shared meal, Father O’Connor has invited groups of staff from across campus to join him for lunch at Corby Hall. There, he shows employees the hall’s recent renovations and helps them to learn more about the Congregation of Holy Cross and the history of Notre Dame.
Finding connection
Father Mathews said the religious community on campus has become a parish in its own way. Employees often attend Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, pray at the Grotto, or nourish their faith through other means.
“Maybe they are not practicing [outside campus], but it’s their colleagues or their friends who are their primary community,” Father Mathews said.
Father O’Connor added, “I think we can provide a wonderful witness to people. It’s kind of moving to see that because you think, ‘Oh, I’m just a priest just walking around,’ but the impact we have can be very powerful. Additionally, some of our staff may not belong to a church community, but here they witness daily acts of kindness, respect, and compassion.”
More than anything, they value the connections and relationships crafted throughout the years.
“What I think we’re finding is that more and more, there’s just a need for people to connect with another human being and to have a kind ear that’s going to listen,” Father Mathews said.
University chaplains and other support forms can be reached here.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on March 16, 2026.