About Newman Catholic Ctr. at Eastern IL Univ. · Charleston, Illinois
Newman Catholic Community at Eastern Illinois University is a Catholic campus ministry serving students and alumni in Charleston, Illinois, with a history dating back to 1939. It provides spiritual formation, sacraments, and community through Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, and outreach programs. The center is led by Fr. Michael Berndt, who became chaplain and director of campus ministry in June 2024. It operates from its current location on Roosevelt Avenue, having moved from a church on Lincoln Avenue in 1999. The community emphasizes transforming relationships with Christ and empowering members to create lasting impact.
- Established
- 1939
- Rector
- Fr. Michael Berndt
Why belong here
Join a community that has been on campus for 85 years, offering Mass, Adoration, Reconciliation, and faith formation for students and alumni. Get involved through ministries like FOCUS, student internships, and campus outreach. The Newman Center provides a welcoming space for spiritual growth, sacraments, and social connection — all centered on transforming relationships with Christ.
Mass times at Newman Catholic Ctr. at Eastern IL Univ.
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
- Tuesday 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
- Thursday 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday 8:15 pm - 9:00 pm
Adoration times
- Wednesday 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Our History
Celebrating 85 Years on Campus | 1939-2024. Founded in 1939 by Fr. Thomas Connolly and Mrs. Dorothee Coleman to serve Catholic students at Eastern Illinois Teacher’s College, the Newman Club began as a small group of 13 students. In 1940, Fr. Dan Moriarty became chaplain and renamed the group the Newman Club, which grew into a vibrant community focused on faith, sacraments, and social activities. He served for 45 years until 1985. Fr. Robert Meyer followed from 1985–1999, then a series of chaplains including Msgr. James Comiskey, Fr. Chris Brey, Fr. Joe Ring, Fr. Adolph Menendez, Fr. John Titus, Fr. Hyland Smith, and Fr. Braden Maher. Fr. Michael Berndt became chaplain and director in June 2024. The community moved to its current Roosevelt Avenue location in 1999 after purchasing a church on Lincoln Avenue in 1964.
Sacraments
Sacraments are central to our Catholic faith. They unite the people of the Church as the Body of Christ and shape us on our paths to holiness. As you journey in your relationship with God or accompany a friend in theirs, you can learn more below. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation are offered. OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is available for adults seeking baptism or confirmation. Contact the office for more information.
Ministries
Ministries include FOCUS, Student Internship, Marriage Preparation, Vocation Support, and OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). FOCUS is a youth ministry, and the center supports students through internships and campus outreach. Vocation support is available for those seeking priesthood or religious life, and marriage preparation is offered for engaged couples.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Dan Moriarty1940–1985
Retired after 45 years as chaplain and director.
- Fr. Robert Meyer1985–1999
Chaplain to the Newman Catholic Community.
- Fr. Michael BerndtJune 2024–present
Appointed by Bishop Paprocki as chaplain and director of campus ministry.