About St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Newman Center (WKU) · Bowling Green, Kentucky
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Newman Center, also known as "Topper Catholic," is the Catholic campus ministry serving Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Situated at 1403 College Street just one block from WKU's Cherry Hall, the center exists to help students encounter Jesus Christ and grow in their faith through prayer, the sacraments, and authentic Christian community. It belongs to the Diocese of Owensboro and is led by a chaplain/director supported by a Director of Campus Ministry, a Director of Liturgical Music, and FOCUS missionaries. The center offers daily Mass, weekly Eucharistic adoration, regular confession, Bible studies, retreats, and a signature Thursday Night of Worship (N.O.W.) during the academic year.
- Patron
- St. Thomas Aquinas
- Rector
- Father Jason McClure (Chaplain/Director)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Owensboro
Why belong here
Topper Catholic welcomes WKU students — whether lifelong Catholics, newcomers, or those simply searching for something more — into a vibrant community centered on the Eucharist. The center offers daily Mass, multiple weekly confession times, four days of Eucharistic adoration, men's and women's Bible studies, small groups, retreats, social events, and the Thursday Night of Worship (N.O.W.). With a chapel and Catholic Center on College Street just a block from Cherry Hall, it provides convenient access to the sacraments, fellowship, study spaces, and outreach opportunities for the campus community.
Mass times at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Newman Center (WKU)
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Monday 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Tuesday 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Wednesday 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
- Thursday 8:00 PM – 8:45 PM (during Adoration)
- Thursday 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (during Night of Worship / N.O.W.)
Adoration times
- Monday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (N.O.W. — Night of Worship with Praise & Worship, Sacred Silence, and Confessions)
About St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center (Topper Catholic)
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Campus Center — also known as Topper Catholic — is the Catholic community at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Its mission is to help students encounter Jesus Christ and grow in their faith through prayer, worship, the sacraments, and authentic Christian community. The center welcomes lifelong Catholics, newcomers, and anyone searching for something more.
- Located at 1403 College Street, one block from WKU's Cherry Hall
- Part of the Diocese of Owensboro
- Mission: "Encountering Jesus Christ and inspiring hearts for mission through prayer, sacraments, and disciples."
Our Staff
The center is led by a small team of clergy, lay ministers, and missionaries supported by student leaders.
- Father Jason McClure — Director/Chaplain ([email protected])
- Katie Bickers — Director of Campus Ministry ([email protected])
- Benjamin Carter — Director of Liturgical Music ([email protected])
- Raph Robles — FOCUS Missionary
- Student Leadership Team
Get Involved — Ministries & Groups
Students can plug in across faith formation, liturgical service, music, outreach, and community life.
- Faith Formation: Bible studies, small groups, intentional discipleship
- Spiritual Life: Mass, adoration, confession, prayer opportunities
- Community: social events, retreats
- Liturgical roles: Lector, Altar Server, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Hospitality
- Music Ministry: Instrumentalists and Vocalists
- Men's Bible Study; Women's Bible Study
- Outreach Committee
- Social Committee
- FOCUS Missionaries (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
- Student Leadership Team
- RCIA / OCIA — welcoming students into full communion with the Catholic Church
Facilities — Chapel & Catholic Center
The campus is divided into two parts. St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel is the heart of the structure and the location for liturgies, spiritual development, and faith-formation activities. The adjoining Catholic Center (the "center") is where students study, relax, and gather.
- Student lounge with TV and entertainment center
- Three study rooms
- Computer room
- Library
- Kitchen
- Chaplain and campus ministry offices
- Large meeting room for groups
Contact & Location
Reach the center by phone or email, drop in for Mass or adoration, or stop by the Catholic Center during open hours.
- Address: 1403 College Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
- Mailing: P.O. Box 10170, Bowling Green, KY 42102
- Phone: 270-843-3638
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.stthomasaquinaswku.com/
Diocese & Wider Church
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Newman Center is a parish/campus ministry of the Diocese of Owensboro, Kentucky, and is listed in the diocesan directory as the official Catholic campus center for Western Kentucky University.
- Diocese of Owensboro
- Listed at owensborodiocese.org
- Recognized in GCatholic as Newman Center of Western KY University
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Mike (Michael E.) Williams
Listed as chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at WKU in older Diocese of Owensboro directories, prior to current chaplain.
- Rev. Jason McClure
Current Chaplain/Director; serves as pastor and primary liturgical celebrant.