Penn Catholic Newman Center
A fully alive Christian community fostering each person's call to live the Church's mission of transforming the world.
– Est. 1893
Who We Are
Encounter. Grow. Serve.
“Helping the Catholic community at the University of Pennsylvania to encounter Christ, grow in the Christian life, and be sent forth to serve as missionary disciples from one heart to another.”
Newman Centers–or Newman Communities–are Catholic campus ministry centers at secular universities. In this case, UPenn is served by the Newman Center at St. Agatha-St. James Parish, located in University City, Philadelphia. This Newman Center is the oldest in the United States, and also serves the community at Drexel and other neighboring community.
What is the Penn Catholic Newman Center?
St. Agatha-St. James is a historic parish serving the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Originally established in 1850, the parish is an vibrant place with an uniquely diverse community made up of university students, young couples, and local families that have lived here for generations. Come see what we’re all about.
Historic Parish of
St. Agatha-St. James
Today’s students.
Tomorrow’s leaders.
Ways to Get Involved
Small Groups
We are called to be in communion with one another and joining a small group is a great way to grow in faith with friends and get involved!
Newman Nights/Dinners
Some of the greatest friendships are made over a delicious meal! Join our weekly Newman Nights and Newman Dinners to enjoy good company and of course, our legendary chicken parm.
Retreats
Take a break from the stress of papers, exams, and college life and restore your peace at our yearly retreats! Our retreats leave students feeling joyful, revived, and ready to take on the rest of the semester.
Spiritual Accompaniment
Support, encouragement, and guidance can make a world of difference as we navigate living our lives. Our spiritual accompaniment program is designed to give you resources as you grow in your faith.
Service
Looking to serve? Service is a great way to invest in your faith life while giving back to your community. We have volunteer opportunities for liturgical, music, hospital, social, and homeless outreach!
Intercultural Ministry
Our intercultural ministry is thriving! From small groups to Masses and more, there are many ways to get involved.
Newman Stories
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“Newman has had a profound impact on my life in the short time I've been a part of this incredible community. In just four months, I've experienced the kind of genuine and wholesome friendships that I know will last a lifetime. These connections are rooted in our shared faith, and they have enriched my spiritual journey in ways I couldn't have imagined.”
Asley Tsui, Penn Senior
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“Going to weekly Bible study is always the highlight of my week! It’s such a different environment to my classes, and I have met some of my closest friends. We have all sorts of unique backgrounds, but our common faith is what ties us together—I have not found that anywhere else, and I’m so grateful for it.“
Max Hall (Penn ‘24)
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"The Newman Center has helped me learn so much about God during my time at Penn. Through relationships with friends I've made here, retreats and other formation, and especially the sacraments, God continues to draw me into deeper relationship with Him."
Teresa Morelli, Penn Junior
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"OCIA has been a wonderful experience so far… we’ve learned so much from Father, and heard amazing testimonies of how people have been drawn to the Catholic Church–each person has a different reason for coming to OCIA, and I’m so excited for us to grow together!"
Madeeha Mirza, Penn junior
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"The idea for a peer led bible study derived from a recent graduate, Tommy Stevens. Tommy led a Newman athlete group during his time at Penn. This group helped each member further their relationship with God and provided every member with a weekly opportunity to open up and become closer as teammates. [...] As the group continues to grow week to week, we are excited to continue this opportunity to grow in faith."
Chris Canet, Penn ‘25 Lacrosse player
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“Newman dinners are the highlight of my week! The community at Newman is so wonderful and it’s the perfect way for me to invite members of my sorority to the Newman Center!”
Emma Koskovich, Penn ‘24
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