With the stress of college, work, and life in general, the Busy Student’s Retreat will give you a chance to step back, relax and reconnect.  The best thing about this event is that it fits into your personal schedule!  Even with hours of homework, classes, and the pressure of everyday life, this retreat will give you the chance to slow down and unwind. The Busy Student’s Retreat is a unique opportunity for you to deepen your relationship with God and have the opportunity to meet with your own personal Spiritual Guide each day!  This retreat is free and open to all students, and fits into your busy schedule.

Student Suppers

Every Sunday evening during the school year, Drake students are provided the opportunity for fellowship with each other, as resident parishioners volunteer to cook and serve a supper for Drake Students. During the 2009-2010 school year, a total of 142 resident parishioners provided home cooked Sunday dinners for the Drake students. Attendance at these very popular dinners range from 70 to 126 students, offering a “home away from home” atmosphere of warmth and welcome.

Student Liturgy

Student Mass for 2011-2012 is scheduled for 5:00 pm. Students are encouraged to be involved in liturgy in a variety of ways. Students help plan and implement the university student mass each week, either by being Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, or Liturgical Coordinators. Students play the piano and other instruments, cantor and form small singing ensembles.

Study Hours

Many Drake students find Saint Catherine’s Student Center an excellent place to work and study. The student center is open from 9 to 5 each weekday and on weekends for quiet reflection or study time. In the evenings, students host study hours, where they can find a quiet alternative to the library. During Finals week, Saint Catherine staff and parishioners provide snacks and “brain food” for students as they prepare for finals and complete semester assignments.

Student Service Trips

Drake Newman affords students the opportunity to serve others through service and mission trips. Since 2006, St. Kate's has taken several student groups to Conacaste, El Salvador. This cross-cultural immersion service trip has been filled with educational and service events that help students learn in tangible ways the social teachings of the Catholic Church. Additional service trips have taken place to Mississippi and Appalachia in the United States.

Student Social Outreach Ministry

Saint Catherine of Siena parish has a very active social outreach ministry and provides many opportunities for students to serve the Des Moines area community. Resident parishioners and students work together to serve those who are hurting.

Click here to learn about social outreach opportunities.

Interfaith/Ecumenical Activities

St. Kate's students have been actively involved with Drake University organizations in a variety of ecumenical activities. Included in these are
  Interfaith Dialogue
  Habitat for Humanity
  Drake for Life
  Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship
  Children & Family Urban Ministries
  Catholic Worker House
  and many others throughout the year.

Plans for 2011-2012 school year include even more exciting events and programs.