Faith & Service
Sacred Spaces
At Notre Dame, you’re never far away from a place, setting or scene where you can draw closer to God, either by yourself or in a group.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The spiritual heart of the campus, the Basilica sustains a constant pulse of activities and ministries. For over 125 years the Basilica has served as the mother church of the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States. It is here that Holy Cross religious make final vows, that seminarians are ordained priests, and where deceased religious are commended to God. Likewise, it has been a place of worship and prayer for untold numbers of people, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as for regular worshipers, pilgrims, and countless visitors. This splendid monument to God's glory stands as a fitting symbol of what is central to the life and mission of Notre Dame.
The Crypt Church
This lower level of the Basilica serves as the home church of Sacred Heart Parish. A daily lunchtime Mass is held for members of the Notre Dame community and visitors.
The Notre Dame Grotto
Built in 1896, this replica of the original Grotto of Our Lady in Lourdes, France, has become a favorite devotional spot on campus. People of all faiths have found rest and peace in this place of quiet reflection; the beauty of its natural setting, the soft candleglow, convey a feeling of warmth and welcome. No tour of Notre Dame would be complete without a visit to this peaceful shrine nestled among the trees in the shadow of the Golden Dome. The Rosary is prayed here every evening.
47 chapels
In most of the 47 chapels on campus, Mass is celebrated daily. Chapels are found in a number of academic buildings and in every residence hall. Dorm Masses on Sunday nights are a highlight of student community life.
Other places of grace
Evocative statuary and peaceful lakes are among the other sites on campus for meditation and meaningful conversation.
Faith and Service
Related Links
Ecumenism at Tantur
At the request of Pope Paul VI, Notre Dame helped found the Ecumenical Institute for Theological Studies at Tantur, located on a hilltop on the road from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Visit the Ecumenical Institute >
Basilica Mass Webcast
Faithful from around the world can experience Mass at the beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart live via the Internet. Visit the Basilica >
