Wednesday mornings in the Mac Mahon Student Center on the Saint Peter’s University campus are typically loud. Students are mingling with friends, grabbing breakfast, getting in some last minute studying and gathering to walk together to class. It is the campus coming to life every day with a familiar hum of noise. However, Wednesdays have an additional bit of raucous volume coming out of the Office of Mission Integration and Ministry, of all places.
Started in 2022 by former director of campus ministry, Trevor Kelly, S.J., Hospitality Wednesdays bring together students, faculty and staff for coffee and donuts with the goal of enjoying each other’s company and talking about big or small things impacting their lives. It became incredibly popular, transcending its original purpose. “I can’t think of a better way to meet people where they are than with caffeine and sugar,” said Angelo Canta, S.J., current director of campus ministry. “Sometimes, people come in to just grab a coffee and go on about their day. But, more often than not, people decide to stay a little while, eat their donut in one of our comfy seats and catch up with friends. I’ve seen people schedule to meet each other at Hospitality to talk about homework, plan events or catch up on life.”
As with every event put on by Campus Ministry, all are welcome regardless of religious affiliation. Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales, Ph.D., chief diversity officer, emphasized that openness and how it resonates on campus. “Hospitality is the art of making room for everyone. This is so important because we are focused on inclusivity and building a strong sense of belonging within our students, faculty and staff. This gathering is an open invitation to the community, breaking the boundaries of the classroom and offices and cultivating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and inspired by one another. We foster meaningful conversations, camaraderie and connections that build a vibrant community where barriers dissolve, mentorship flourishes and students are empowered.”
With students frequenting Hospitality Wednesdays, academics inevitably come up and it is a time to see their professors outside the classroom. This helps to build connections and provides a time for mentorship guidance that cannot always come in a class of ten or more. Jesus Morales ’26 shared, “Because I also work in Campus Ministry as a DEIJ Peer Mentor, I get to experience Hospitality Wednesdays from the inside, and it’s honestly powerful. I’ll see professors I’ve had in class sit down with students and ask real questions not just about grades, but about growth. I’ve had those conversations myself, and it reminded me that I’m not just a student here but I’m also becoming a leader, and people are truly invested in that journey.”
But it’s not all seriousness either. Angelo Jesus Canta explained, “We make it worthwhile for them. We have a punch-card system like any of your favorite coffee shops. If you come to Hospitality eight times with your card, we give you fun prizes. We’ve done free travel mugs, stickers, donut plushies and more!”
When asked what hospitality means to them, Jennifer Thorndike-Gonzales said “”True hospitality is found in the warmth of a welcome, where life-changing relationships are built. At Saint Peter´s, this is one of our goals, and Hospitality contributes to our mission.” Angelo Jesus Canta said, “I hope that Hospitality helps us remember that we are not alone. On Wednesday mornings, it is not hard to find God in a warm cup of coffee and an even warmer sense of community in Campus Ministry.”
Given its popularity, Hospitality Wednesdays have become part of the fabric of Saint Peter’s University culture. “Hospitality Wednesdays are my favorite part of the week,” Angelo continued. “People think about Campus Ministry and might immediately consider bible study, mass, prayer and retreats. All those things are so important. But, it’s been cool that at SPU, people also think about free coffee and donuts. I heard a student once say, ‘you know the Jesuits, they always give away free food.’ And I love that! There is so much resonance between Hospitality and the Jesuit way of doing things. From the beginning, Jesuits have been interested in meeting people wherever they were, in the language, culture and customs that make sense to them.”