Faith and Service

A female researcher in a mask and gloves bends down to adjust a black box on the ground in a wooded area with water nearby.

At Notre Dame, faith is more than belief—it’s a way of life for students, faculty, and staff alike. Faith takes many forms: a relationship with God, a commitment to defending the dignity of every human life, the pursuit of justice and scientific discovery, and a trust in both heart and mind. In every expression, our faith serves as a bridge—to understanding, connection, and hope.

A close-up of the top of the University of Notre Dame's Golden Dome, featuring a dark cross with Celtic knot details above the letters 'N.D.'

Faith at Notre Dame

At Notre Dame, faith serves as a bridge—to understanding, connection and hope.

A large formation of ROTC cadets stands on the University of Notre Dame lawn, with the Golden Dome visible between two rows of trees.

National security

From chaplains serving in the Civil War to today's research partnerships, Notre Dame continues its proud relationship with the United States military.

A construction worker in a hard hat and safety vest observes a large, metal turbine being lifted by a crane under a bright, sunny sky.

Sustainability

Notre Dame researchers are uncovering the interconnected factors that can lead to a more sustainable future.

A young man and a woman are studying with their papers on the chair between them.

Poverty

It’s impacted every century and every country. Now, Notre Dame researchers are working to create a world intolerant of poverty.

A man and a child are on the floor, collaborating on painting a large stencil of a baseball player.

Student Impact

Our students are driven to bring about meaningful change in the world even before they graduate.

Two women, wearing gloves, package meals in a commercial kitchen with ”CULTIVATE“ on the wall and food trays in the background.

Community

Notre Dame's success is tied to that of our greater region.

Discover and engage
  1. Broadly smiling woman with dark hair in a navy jacket with gold buttons, arms crossed, in front of bookshelves.

    Podcast

    What happened to the traditional American family?

    The American family has changed dramatically over the past four decades, raising urgent questions about marriage, economic stability, and child well-being.

  2. Statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus, two lit candles, surrounded by worn black and brown shoes and scattered red tokens on wood.

    Article

    A saint of our own?

    The humble piety of Notre Dame cobbler Brother Columba inspires a canonization push.

  3. Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart silhouetted against a red and orange sunset, reflected in a Notre Dame lake.

    Photo Essay

    A model March

    Semester in full swing, snow, sun, fun, madness, and mulch.

  4. Congregation and clergy gather at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart with a purple banner and white-draped coffin.

    Photo Essay

    Remembrance and appreciation

    Lou Holtz, 1937–2026

  5. Smiling man with gray hair wearing a navy blazer, light blue dress shirt, and blue striped tie with orange accents, seated in a conference room with artwork and a monitor visible in the blurred background.

    Article

    A dignity movement

    2026 Laetare Medalist Timothy Shriver

  6. Smiling older man with short gray hair wearing a gray blazer and light blue shirt, set against a deep blue background overlaid with colorful financial candlestick chart graphics in teal, pink, and red.

    Podcast

    How do you measure success?

    Mendoza professor Joe Holt joins Jenna Liberto to talk purpose-driven goals, meaningful work, and redefining success.

  7. Students and three priests in white vestments gather for a night mass around a lit snow chapel and altar, snow-covered Sorin Hall in background.

    Photo Essay

    Between winter and spring

    The month in photos, February 2026

  8. Side-by-side black and white portraits. On the left, a man with wavy hair and a patterned blazer is shown in a grainy halftone style. On the right, Father Theodore Hesburgh, C.S.C., in a clerical collar, looks thoughtfully to the left.

    Article

    The press vs. the power

    Observer founder Robert Sam Anson had a contentious yet strong relationship with ND President Father Hesburgh.

  9. A woman with short dark hair smiles slightly while looking off-camera. She wears a brown, fleece-lined winter jacket. In the background, snow rests on dried plants in front of a tan brick wall.

    Podcast

    Cold plunges and unicorns

    Anthropologist Cara Ocobock reveals what extreme cold reveals about our bodies and human resilience, and why hunting a “unicorn” is harder than it looks.