Statue of Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint John Baptist de la Salle, the patron saint of teachers, founded the Christian Brothers in 1680, giving up everything he had as a nobleman in order to dedicate his life to providing education for the poor and working class of France. The Christian Brothers today continue his work in over eighty countries worldwide, from the jungles of Papua New Guinea to the politically unsettled deserts of Palestine, all the way to Saint Mary’s College of California. There are 19 Christian Brothers living on campus and working as administrators, faculty, and staff, so stay alert as you walk around, because you never know when one of them might change your life.
Media Gallery
Chapel Lawn
Saint Mary's Chapel
Mission and Ministry Center
⛪️ Chapel Lawn
The iconic Chapel Lawn, found front and center at the campus' entrance, hosts BBQs, celebrations, fundraisers, festivals, and more all year long. Between special occasions, it's a great place to relax, throw a Frisbee, read, or catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Throughout the year, fun events and activities occur on campus, from bubble soccer to Foamchella to goat yoga. In the springtime, you can celebrate Holi, a traditional Indian festival of colors, or catch the campus food truck parked by the lawn. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s always fun to be found on the Chapel Lawn. At the end of the year, the Chapel Lawn is the most coveted spot for Grad Grounds. Graduating students can rent a plot of land on campus for the day to host a post-graduation celebration. The Commencement ceremony is held in the stadium, but the after-party takes place all over campus!
⛪️ Saint Mary's Chapel
Welcome to the oldest building on campus. Originally built in 1928, the Chapel—along with its newest edition, the Interfaith room—is the spiritual heart of our campus.
The Saint Mary’s College experience is guided by the Five Lasallian Core Principles, based on the teachings of Saint John Baptist de La Salle.
Faith in the Presence of God
Quality Education
Inclusive Community
Respect for All Persons
Concern for the Poor and Social Justice
Open to the entire campus every day, the Chapel offers students, staff, and faculty a beautiful space to meditate, pray, and attend daily Mass with the Brothers or the student-led Mass on Sunday.
⛪️ Mission and Ministry Center
As a part of a Lasallian Catholic institution, one of over 65 Lasallian colleges and universities worldwide, the Mission and Ministry Center (MMC) works to make sure all students in our community, regardless of how one orients around faith and religion, have an opportunity to explore their relationship with God.
Significant celebrations, programs, and services offered by the Mission and Ministry Center (MMC) include Catholic Liturgies and prayer service, Justice and Interfaith education, Retreats, GaelPantry (on-campus food pantry), Immersion Trips, Lasallian Service Internships, and Living & Learning Communities. We also enjoy meals and simple walks around the campus.
Campus Map
