Preserving Faith
Through the Cross

Newman's History and Purpose

Named in Honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman, the Newman Centers are Catholic residence and ministry centers at non-Catholic universities throughout the world. They were inspired by Newman's writings encouraging societies for catholic students attending secular universities.

The first Newman Center was established in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania by Timothy Harrington, a graduate medical student, together with John Gilbride, James and Joseph Walsh with the assistance of Fr. P.J. Garvey, pastor of the local St. James Catholic Church.

The centers provide pastoral services and ministries to their Catholic Communities, in particular to the Roman Catholic student population within the universities. However, Christians of other denominations often come, participate and are welcomed as well. In addition to weekend and weekday Masses, a variety of university and parish related meetings and social events take place at the centers. The full Sacramental life of the Church exists in a Newman Center just as it would in any parish. Baptism, Reconciliation, Marriage, special Masses, and even funerals are part of the Newman Community. It is truly a student's "parish away from home".

The Illinois Knights of Columbus dedicated themselves to the support of the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry in 1917 when they began supporting the Newman Foundation at the Univeristy of Illinois. In 1959, the Illinois State Council allocated funds for other schools throughout the state and today, we as Knights in Illinois, support more than 800,000 students enrolled in Illinois Colleges and Universities.

If we are to continue to evangelize our Catholic faith on the campuses of Illinois, and provide faith-based places and resources for colleges students, we need your help. Please download the Donation Card on the left and send in your donation today!