Drexel Catholic
Newman Center
A fully alive Christian community fostering each person's call to live the Church's mission of transforming the world.
– Since 1923
Who We Are
Encounter. Grow. Serve.
“Helping the Catholic community at Drexel University to encounter Christ, grow in the Christian life, and be sent forth to serve as missionary disciples from one heart to another.”
What is the Drexel Catholic Newman Center?
Newman Centers–or Newman Communities–are Catholic campus ministry centers at secular universities. In this case, Drexel University is served by the Newman Center at St. Agatha-St. James Parish, located in University City, Philadelphia. This Newman Center is the oldest in the United States, and also serves the community at UPenn, and other neighboring community.
Historic Parish of
St. Agatha-St. James
St. Agatha-St. James is a historic parish serving the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Originally established in 1850, the parish is an vibrant place with an uniquely diverse community made up of university students, young couples, and local families that have lived here for generations. Come see what we’re all about.
Our Motto
“Heart speaks to heart.”
Newman Stories
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“Being able to fully experience the love of God through the community and strong relationships formed in our small group has filled my heart with so much joy.”
Maxwell Schwabe, Drexel Sophomore
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"Leading retreats has been one of the formative experiences of my life. In both of the retreats I led, I was able to unite myself with Christ and give myself so that others may encounter Him."
Cyra Gallano, Drexel Senior
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"OCIA has connected me to a community of loving, passionate, and faithful people who I can share this experience of learning Jesus’s love for us! It has also helped me understand how Jesus is always by my side and that I’m never alone, especially in my darkest moments."
Jackson Masterson, Drexel Freshman
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“Adoration with Drexel Newman has a profound impact on my prayer life and I’m blessed to have multiple opportunities to experience it each week. Whether with the gift of music or in the silence of prayer, I know that even sitting in the very presence of Christ continues to transform me.”
David Saunders, Drexel Senior
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“Latino group has helped me build a close relationship with God, as well as adapt to Philadelphia. And it has been a privilege to meet amazing people who are looking to strengthen their faith.”
Alejandra Cervantes, Drexel sophomore
Follow us on Instagram @drexelcatholic
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