Student life can be a time of incredible growth, but it can also feel complicated as you transition into a new version of yourself. As you navigate decisions, reconsider paths, and develop a stronger sense of self, we recognize the importance of faith and spirituality in shaping your journey. At MRU, representatives from diverse faith traditions are here to support you as you explore big questions about purpose, identity, community, and the Sacred.
Whether you're seeking a gathering with others from your faith tradition, joining an interfaith conversation or activity, or having a one-on-one discussion about spiritual matters with a faith representative, we’re here to help you connect with what feels meaningful and life-giving for you.
Our programming offers something for everyone. Check out the events hosted by the faith representatives listed below—we’d love for you to join us!
For prayer and reflection, the Mount Royal community can also access the Mediation Centre (W201) as a quiet prayer space. Additionally, designated ablution stations are available at W208A (male) and W208B (female).
Rev. Paul Verhoef
Christian (Reformed), serving as the Faith Leader Liaison
email: pverhoef@mtroyal.ca
phone: 403-519-1202
What to tell people about me? I'm a husband, father, son, friend, pastor in the way of Jesus, and ultimate frisbee player.
I love people, books, my work, fresh air, and yes, even places of higher education. My life at the university seems to be filled with listening to people's lives, laughing and crying alongside of friends (new and old), creating space for people of varied spiritual paths to share a life of meaningfulness together, fostering thoughtful Christian academic community, and nurturing others as they shape beautiful dreams.
I like living through the messy-loveliness of my heart out into the messy-loveliness of the world - and see the Spirit's vitality through it all. And there's a bunch more, but that’s enough for here; feel free to ask me to take you out for coffee/tea as then I can hear about you!
Rev. Jacqui Mignault
Christian (Reformed )
587.580.5449
jacqui.mignault@ucalgary.ca
I work in campus ministry, have pastored a church and facilitate contemplative retreats and practices. In all these roles, I hold onto 3 values; 1) A love for the ancient Christian practices faith, especially of prayer/contemplation and eating together and communion; 2) A passion for hospitality towards people of all faiths, shifting faith, or no faith in our practices and conversations; 3) a high value on our connection and relationship to the earth or the land and the necessary work to live with one another in a good way.
Some things I offer on campus are online book clubs, a Women’s Circle and one-on-one meetings for anyone wanting to have authentic, real conversations about their faith. If you are looking for someone to accompany you on the road of faith, I'd love to meet with you.
Email me to book a time to meet or have any questions about how we might support you in your faith journey.
Rev. Kelly Johnson
University Campus Ministries
403.703.3125
kpjohnson@mtroyal.ca
Kelly loves the energy and diversity of campus life. He is passionate about helping people encounter God in the everyday world of studies and research and through service learning locally and globally.
Kelly met Barb during his first degree, has four kids now and has travelled in many countries of the world together.
Kelly spends most of his time at UCalgary but also oversees University Campus Ministries at MRU and SAIT.
Fr. Troy Nguyen
Fr. Troy Nguyen - Christian (Catholic)
Troy.nguyen@calgarydiocese.ca
587-288-6150
My name is Fr Troy Nguyen! I am excited to be part of the team here at MRU. I am a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Calgary. I am the Vicar for Young Adults and I represent the bishop with regards to this demographic. I used to be a banker and a science/religion teacher before I became a priest and I love talking and discussing about faith and philosophical topics and even basketball and some anime!
We have created a new platform of outreach for university students and young adults called the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy at our off-campus centre in St. Mary's Cathedral. I will be visiting campus at least once a week on Tuesdays as I split my time with other campuses as well.
I enjoy hanging out with students near the Leacock theatre and chatting about life, celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation and sharing my love of food. I hope to meet you soon!
Rev. Margaret Koizumi, B.A., M.Div.
Lutheran Chaplain
403.471.9895
mpropp@mtroyal.ca
Greg Stringham
Education Chaplain, Calgary Alberta Region
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
cjc.calgary.chaplain@
I have enjoyed working closely with youth and young adults on faith and spirituality for the last 20 years, including serving as a Bishop for young adults. Born and raised in Alberta, faith has been a major part of my and my family's life. I served as a missionary in France for 2 years as a young adult and my career took me to many parts of the world that helped in nurturing an attitude of diversity and inclusion.
University/College life is stressful and rewarding. I earned a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA that opened the doors for many great life experiences. My faith is integrated into my life and I love to learn from interaction with others.
My role as Education Chaplain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to:
- help students integrate their faith and spirituality into their lives and future careers
- look for and find joy in serving others, and
- encourage more Tolerance, Understanding, Respect and Service.
I have a wonderful wife, Evelyn (we were married while at University). We have five children (all married) and 18 fabulous grandchildren that bring us great joy.
Stephanie Alexandre
Ministry Associate, UCM (University Campus Ministries)
steph.alexandre34@gmail.com
Stephanie is a recent UCalgary graduate from the English and Drama program and a hockey goalie-turned-theatre-nerd. She is passionate about getting to know people and their stories, and sharing God's love through hospitality and the Arts— whether through music, on the page, on stage, or over a cup of tea and some good conversation. As a Ministry Associate with UCM, Steph is ecstatic to have the opportunity to be back on university campuses and connect with MRU's wonderful student body.
Jess Dell Andrews (she/her)
Campus United Minister
jandrews@united-church.ca
www.campusunited.ca
@campusunited.calgary
Hi! I would love to connect with you and hear your story!
We might resonate if you have Christian roots or questions around faith deconstructing/reconstructing, post-evangelicalism, or are questioning a move from non-affirming to affirming theology. I have personal experience in Roman Catholic, conservative evangelical, Reformed, progressive Christian, and interfaith spaces and would love to be part of your journey. All faiths or no faith– you are welcome.
I host Drum, Dine, Discuss Thursdays at 4:30 p.m in the Cultural Inclusion Centre in Wyckham where we connect over a meal and the energy of community. I also offer one-on-one support either online or in-person. When I am off campus-- I love reading, yoga, cookies, and flowy downhills on my mountain bike!
Influential life experiences include working as a nurse in Ghana and with a Little Red River Cree community in northern Alberta, 11 years in outdoor education, pastoring a 2SLGBTQ+ affirming Christian church, and recently completing my master's degree in counselling and spiritual care.
“Helping, fixing, and serving represent three different ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul.”
― Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
Hafidh Fawaz Saleem
One of Fawaz’s passions is to advocate and support Muslim students as they navigate through their academic journey, and has done so through being involved in the MSA during his time at the University and also through establishing the Muslim Students’ Advisory Committee (MSAC). He is active in the large Calgary community and gives Khutbahs, lectures, teachings and leads Taraweeh during Ramadan.
Fawaz provides peer mentorship, spiritual and mental health guidance, leadership development, program coordination, media interviews and other life support. Furthermore, as a teacher at the SW Masjid Quran school, Fawaz loves to teach how to read the Quran. He also takes his love of the Quran to social media and shares his recitation and reflections on his pages @qalbiisaleem to inspire others to begin their journey of learning the Quran as well. As a Registered Nurse, Fawaz hopes to combine his experience of holistic wellbeing and Islamic knowledge to support Muslim students. Feel free to connect with me via email or say Salam is you see me around campus. Friday Prayers happen in U111 at 1:30 p.m so feel free to drop by to connect with the community!