Chaplain's Office
The University Chaplain is here to help students grow in their faith and take part in experiences that will help them cultivate their beliefs as well as see and value the perspectives of other spiritual traditions. The chaplain offers the following:
Pastoral Care
Our chaplain is available to all students, faculty, and staff who might find it helpful to meet when needing emotional or spiritual support. Situations may include:
- When making a difficult decision
- When feeling lonely, disconnected, or confused
- When facing a crisis
- Wanting to explore meditation, prayer, or silence
- Wanting to explore a relational or vocational path
Prayer Requests
For more than 125 years, AU faculty, staff, students, and alumni have joined together in prayer, whether during chapel service, at Convocation or Commencement, during the Alumni Service of Remembrance, or during student organization meetings. Prayer can lessen burdens, increase joy, offer comfort, and provide solace.
Campus Religious Gatherings
Throughout the year, the Chaplain's Office offers numerous religious gatherings on campus for a variety of faiths.
Religious Advising
We recognize that faith, religion, and spirituality have a significant role in how our students understand the world and find their purpose. As part of the Chaplain's Office, we offer religious advising for those on their faith-based journeys.
In the Catholic tradition, Fr. Robert Gonnella serves as a religious advisor for the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action, regularly leading Mass in Lowry Chapel. Fr. Gonnella is a graduate of AU, where he was a member of the men's soccer team. Contact Fr. Gonnella.
If you would like to speak to a religious advisor of your faith tradition, please contact Justin West at juwest@aurora.edu.
Faith-based Student Organizations
The chaplain advises and oversees AU's faith-based student organizations.
The Wackerlin Center and Chaplain's Office welcome and support students of all backgrounds and beliefs. If you would like to establish a student organization for your faith, please contact the chaplain.
Contact Information
Mark Woolfington, University Chaplain
Eckhart Hall Room 302A
630-844-6175
mwoolfington@aurora.edu
Fr. Robert Gonnella, Catholic Religious Advisor
chaplain@aurora.edu