St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center

What is a Newman Center?

St. Teresa's Catholic Student Center is a Newman Center - a University place where Christian fellowship and Catholic worship is celebrated; and we are here to serve and be served by the students, faculty, and staff at V.U.  In addition to weekly worship and prayer opportunities, the center offers other programs and a place to study, talk, visit with friends, or just get away from the residence halls, fraternity houses, or apartments for a warm atmosphere.

Cardinal John Henry Newman

The term Newman Center originates with Cardinal Newman, our benefactor. He began this idea in England in the early 1800's. Originally Catholic students only attended Catholic Universities for their education and training. However, public universities offer more class selection and some had no choice but to attend public institutions. Cardinal Newman saw the need for these Catholic students to be able to continue with their faith studies and development, plus giving them a "community" to gather with which had the same values and background. Eventually, this means of ministry spread to the United States.  The first center was created in Michigan, and soon spread to campuses throughout the U.S.