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Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas full during mass

Illuminating Our Beacon of Faith

Join us in celebrating the past and preparing for the future.

Our Spiritual Center: Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

2019 marked the centennial of the dedication of the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. As it prepares to serve a second century of Tommies and other friends, this architectural gem is in need of renewal: a significant gathering space is first on the list, with other rooms for wedding and Campus Ministry offices also needed.

The Iversen Center for Faith honors our Catholic roots, while also becoming an inclusive place for people of all faiths to gather and worship. The new Iversen Center for Faith offers:

  • A reception area
  • A bride's room and groom's room for weddings
  • Space to serve 300 guests a meal
  • A sacred-art gallery
  • A multifaith meditation room
  • Two outdoor gathering spaces
A fly-over view of the current Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

Growing our Spiritual Center

Built by the famous architect Emmanuel Masqueray, who also designed the Cathedral of Saint Paul and Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas was founder Archbishop Ireland’s last and best gift to the university. It speaks to who we are. The architecture will be preserved, and the space will be refreshed with updates including new air conditioning, lighting and accessibility features.

A rendering of the chapel renovation.
A look at what the chapel will look like at night after the renovation.
A rendering of the chapel renovation.
The main doors of the chapel open up onto a large patio.
A rendering of the chapel renovation from Cleveland Avenue
The view from Cleveland Avenue as you approach the chapel.
A rendering of the chapel renovation as seen from center of north campus
A birds-eye view from the center of north campus, looking east.
Rendering of the hallway in the Iversen Center for Faith
The hallway looking out to the upper quad lets in natural light.
Rendering of the hallway in the Iversen Center for Faith
A view of the sunken patio and seating area, which doubles as a staircase leading to the upper quad.

Serving the Spiritual Needs of our Community

Al and Brenda Iversen

Al and Brenda Iversen

Donors, Iversen Center for Faith

Meet Al and Brenda Iversen, who have made the lead gift for the transformative Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas initiative. Their generosity in establishing the Iversen Center for Faith will provide a foundation, and we hope an inspiration, to other benefactors who share their passion for St. Thomas.

The Iversens have supported other notable projects at the university, funding the festive Christmas decorations in ASC enjoyed during the Advent and Christmas seasons, and the beautiful House of Fontanini large Nativity figures on display in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas each holiday season. The central role that faith plays in the Iversens’ lives has been a key motivator for their gifts.
parishioners during mass in the chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

Wilhelm Gomes '21

Student

Wilhelm Gomes '21 proudly serves as a chapel music assistant at St. Thomas, a role that gives him a behind-the-scenes look at Mass preparation on campus. He loves his work, and he’s grateful and excited for the chapel improvements.

“When the chapel plans were announced, I was excited. I was optimistic. I knew that the walls were cracking and half the lights were burned out. I was really happy to know that this chapel was going to be restored to its former glory,” he said. “The only thing that I took with a little disappointment is the fact that we needed to leave for the renovations.”

Read more about the impact of the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas

As featured in the St. Thomas magazine, fall 2018

Chapel of Love

More than 1,500 couples have tied the knot here since 1990. Read the Newsroom article, "Chapel of Love."

December 2019 construction on the north end of the St. Paul campus.

Construction on North Campus

Contruction on the Iversen Center for Faith moved quickly, amidst construction of new residence halls on the north side of the St. Paul campus.

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Areas of Need

The following features are examples of opportunities to contribute to this effort.

Plaza

Lush gardens and shade trees will surround this warm, dramatic space. A central feature of the expansion, this inviting outdoor space is suitable for receptions, small concerts, classroom gatherings and retreat presentations, all beneath the dramatic façade of the west transept. Terraced seating nestled into a gradual grass incline will blend the modern with the traditional.

East Gardens and Grand Lobby

This entirely new access to the chapel will overflow with gardens. It will be a striking visual presence from Cleveland Avenue, and will include a safe, cut-in drop-off area. The lobby will be able to serve as a gathering place prior to a procession into the chapel.

Campus Ministry Suite

This office space will bring together Campus Ministry staff members and students in a centralized, welcoming environment, in close proximity to the chapel, sacristy and related spaces.
Contact Joe Plante for more information