Providence College Chaplains Expand Ministry to Student-Athletes

Providence College has assigned a Dominican chaplain to each varsity team since the 2017-2018 academic year.

The initiative was created by Rev. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P., Jill LaPoint, and John Rock. They aimed to support the mental and spiritual well-being of the college's 300 student-athletes. The program is part of the 'You're Never Alone in Friartown' campaign.

Rev. Dominic Verner, O.P., serves as the athletics chaplain. He also ministers to the men's basketball team. Verner brings a field hockey stick to games on Lennon Field. He received the equipment from former team captain Lisa McNamara, class of 2023 and 2024.

The chaplains include administrators, faculty, and campus ministry staff. Rev. Thomas More Garrett, O.P., is the executive vice president and chief operations officer. Rev. Jordan Zajac, O.P., serves the volleyball and golf teams. Sister Mary Cecilia Goodrum, O.P., is the campus minister.

Coaches integrate the chaplains into their daily routines. Erin Batth, women's basketball coach, said her chaplain, Rev. Simon Teller, O.P., attends practices and team dinners. Batth noted that players cheer Teller during his recreational games. She described him as essential to her squad.

Verner has expanded the program with three initiatives. The Faith and Sports Speaker Series brings guests to campus. Former NBA player Gordon Hayward spoke in February 2026 at '64 Hall in Slavin Center. Friar ice hockey alumnus Jon Barry, class of 2019, spoke in September 2025.

A weekly Bible study group meets for spiritual fellowship. Seven student-athletes who participated in the study received sacraments during the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults Mass in April 2026. Luca Meola, class of 2027, joined the program during his junior year. He chose Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes, as his confirmation name.

In May 2026, Verner led 11 student-athletes on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The group walked roughly 160 miles. The student-athletes paid for their flights, while benefactors covered other expenses. John Barry and Erich Miller joined the group. Miller is the president of My Brother's Keeper. On the second day, the pilgrims visited the Cruz de Ferro. They left stones at the site to represent personal burdens. Verner celebrated the 10th anniversary of his ordination during the trip.