It was in 1893 that Timothy Harrington, a graduate medical student at the University of Pennsylvania, together with John J. Gilbride, James J. Walsh and his brother Joseph met with Father Garvey, pastor of St. James Parish, to explore ways of providing students with an ongoing enrichment of Catholic faith. The fruit of their work was the establishment of the Newman Club and eventually the Newman Apostolate, a recognized ministry within the Catholic Church. Newman Centers take their name from John Henry Cardinal Newman, the 19th century theologian whose insights placed theology at the heart of the university experience.
Newman provides all Catholic students with the opportunity to:
- experience excellent liturgy, thereby enriching their life of faith;
- engage in spiritual formation;
- acquire theological education;
- attain archdiocesan certification (e.g. in liturgical ministries and as lay leaders).
Newman Centers are critical to the maintenance of values and integrity in the education of future leaders, especially in secular institutions. Leaders with integrity, compassion, and a strong ethical sensibility will always be in short supply and greatly needed and demanded. The Newman Center at the University of Pennsylvania has served, does serve, and will continue to serve as a training ground to nurture and cultivate such talent.
Introduction to The Newman Center At The University of Pennsylvania
For over 100 years the Newman Center at the University of Pennsylvania has offered all students (not just Catholic students) a wide range of programs and activities in the religious, educational, cultural, social, and athletic arenas. Through these programs, men and women have many opportunities to meet socially, maintain their ethical and moral values, and develop lifelong friendships. The physical layout of Newman provides a chapel for Mass, private prayer and reflection; large study areas throughout the building; a modest library; a computer room; a television room; a game room; two all-purpose classrooms; conversational areas--one with a large working fireplace -- and a full-service kitchen and dining area. But Newman is far more than just a physical space - it is “the home away from home” for all of our students, and their involvement in programs and activities is a tangible demonstration of their lo!
ve and commitment to the building and to their faith.
The professional staff (a priest director, a campus minister, a director of development and an administrative assistant) is assisted by two active student organizations. The first, the Newman Council, is a group of approximately fifty undergraduate students who initiate, plan, and implement programs oriented toward our large population of undergraduate students in the various colleges and schools that make up the University of Pennsylvania. The Council includes an Executive Committee of seventeen officers and an Executive Board of four. Secondly, the Newman Graduate Council facilitates educational and social events aimed at meeting and enriching the needs of those students in Master's and Doctoral degree programs. Some Catholic fellowships have begun to organize in specific professional schools such as Wharton, the Law School and the Medical School. These student organizations in coordination with the staff provide !
ideas for programs and activities to meet the diverse needs of our student population and respond to the needs of members of the greater Philadelphia community.
