About Catholic Student Newman Center at ECU · Greenville, North Carolina
The Catholic Student Newman Center at East Carolina University (known as "ECU Newman") is the Catholic campus ministry serving the students, faculty, and staff of ECU in Greenville, North Carolina. Located at 953 East Tenth Street, the center is part of the Diocese of Raleigh and exists, in its own words, 'to help our students discern their mission and vocation through an encounter with Christ.' It gathers the ECU Catholic community for Sunday and weekly Mass, small groups, retreats, service, and fellowship — most notably its Wednesday-night 'Pirate Night' Mass and community dinner.
- Rector
- Reverend Ian C. Van Heusen (Chaplain)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Raleigh
Why belong here
ECU Newman is the place on campus where Catholic Pirates encounter Christ, build lasting friendships, and grow in faith together. Students gather each Wednesday for 'Pirate Night' — 5:30 PM Mass followed by a free community dinner and Adoration — and on Sundays for Mass at 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Small groups of 3–10 meet weekly to pray, discuss, and grow in fellowship, and the center offers retreats (including at Camp Don Lee), service opportunities, sacraments, and social events throughout the academic year.
Mass times at Catholic Student Newman Center at ECU
Weekly Mass schedule
Adoration times
- Wednesday evenings (included as part of 'Pirate Night' after the 5:30 PM Mass and community dinner)
About ECU Newman
ECU Newman is the Catholic campus ministry at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. According to its homepage, the center 'exists to help our students discern their mission and vocation through an encounter with Christ.' It is a community of disciples seeking to grow in faith together, to serve the broader community, and to celebrate the sacraments — sharing Jesus Christ with the ECU campus and beyond.
- Catholic Campus Ministry at East Carolina University
- Part of the Diocese of Raleigh
- Mission: help students discern mission and vocation through an encounter with Christ
Mass & Worship Schedule
The center gathers the ECU Catholic community for Sunday Mass each week and for a special Wednesday evening that includes Mass, a free community dinner, and Adoration. (Note: the Diocese of Raleigh's 2021 campus-ministry listing also shows a 2:00 PM Sunday Mass; the current ecunewman.org homepage lists 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Sundays.)
- Sunday Mass: 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 'Pirate Night' Mass: 5:30 PM, followed by free community dinner
- Eucharistic Adoration on Wednesday evenings
- Bible Study (contact for time)
Wednesday 'Pirate Night'
Each Wednesday during the academic year, ECU Newman hosts 'Pirate Night' — a 5:30 PM Mass followed by a free community dinner and Adoration. It is the flagship weekly gathering of the center and the easiest way for new students to meet the community.
- 5:30 PM Wednesday Mass
- Free dinner for students after Mass
- Adoration included in the evening
- A welcome point for new and visiting students
Small Groups & Faith Formation
For students looking for a deeper connection with peers, ECU Newman offers small groups of 3–10 members that meet weekly to pray, discuss, and grow in fellowship. The center also offers Bible Study (contact the chaplain for the current time) and periodic retreats such as its recent retreat at Camp Don Lee on the North Carolina coast.
- Weekly small groups (3–10 students): prayer, discussion, fellowship
- Bible Study (contact [email protected])
- Retreats (e.g., Camp Don Lee retreat)
Service, Retreats & Social Life
Throughout the school year, ECU Newman provides opportunities to attend retreats, celebrate the sacraments, serve the local Greenville community, and enjoy a variety of social events. The center says it is here 'that many students build friendships that last a lifetime' and 'form a relationship with Jesus that will last an eternity.'
- Retreats
- Service opportunities in the Greenville community
- Social events throughout the academic year
- Sacramental celebrations
Meet the Team
The center is led by its chaplain with support from a small staff team.
- Father Ian VanHeusen — Chaplain ([email protected], 910-391-8609 voice or text)
- Silvia Frizzelle — Alumni, Family, and Friends Coordinator
- Melissa Jones — Assistant
Support ECU Newman
As a campus ministry reaching college students at ECU in Greenville, NC, ECU Newman invites support to sustain its mission. The center notes that even small gifts go a long way; a 'Make a Donation' option is offered on its site.
- Donations accepted via ecunewman.org
- Funds support Catholic campus ministry at ECU
Visit & Contact
The center welcomes visitors and new students at its building on East Tenth Street and through its online channels.
- Address: 953 East Tenth Street, Greenville, NC 27858
- Phone: (252) 757-1991
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://ecunewman.org/
- Primary social: Instagram (linked from ecunewman.org)
- Chaplain can be reached by voice or text at 910-391-8609
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Reverend Ian C. Van Heusen2017 – present
Current chaplain / campus minister of ECU Newman, listed on the Diocese of Raleigh parish page and on ecunewman.org.