Early Move In NOVUS Retreat

September 10-12, 2026

Move in early and build a friend group on campus before school even starts! The NOVUS retreat is a chance to root your college experience in faith and friendship. Explore the city, meet other Drexel Students, and get to know your home away from home - the Drexel Newman Center. Registration is due July 21st.

The retreat will begin in the afternoon of September 10th, and will finish on the morning of Saturday, September 12th before Welcome Week activities begin. For any questions, please contact Thibault Vincent at tvincent@saintsaj.org .

What Is NOVUS?

Our Drexel Catholic Early Move-In Program is the NOVUS Retreat for all incoming freshmen students. NOVUS means "new beginnings" in Latin. Each September, incoming students are encouraged to sign up for this Catholic retreat to kick off this new season in their life. Many of our current student leaders went on NOVUS, and many more have expressed how valuable this retreat was in helping them start their academic career at Drexel. Not only does NOVUS give you the chance to meet some of your peers in a smaller group setting, but you also get to interact with upperclassmen and staff.

REGISTER HERE NOW!

We are thrilled to welcome our incoming Freshmen into our Newman Community! Here we grow in our relationship with the Lord in community.

Let us introduce you to all the opportunities available so you can get involved!

Parish Registration HERE

Newman Center Hours

Come to study, pray or meet people anytime between 7am-11pm.

Located at 111 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Contact The Brothers

Have questions or want to connect with the brothers?

Thibault Vincent, Drexel Campus Minister: tvincent@saintsaj.org

Patrick Travers, Director of Newman Ministries for Penn & Drexel: ptravers@saintsaj.org

Fr. Carlos Keen, Parochial Administrator & Chaplain: ckeen@saintsaj.org

Fr. Remigio Morales, Director of Spirituality: rmorales@saintsaj.org

Contact Our FOCUS Missionaries

This year the Drexel Missionaries are Enrique Alegria, Isaac Cotnoir, Camill Bagta, and Madelyn Washington. Please reach out to Enrique (enrique.alegria@focus.org ) if you are interested in joining a Bible study or just getting to know them!

Mass

Sunday Masses: 9:00am | 11:30am | 5:30pm

Daily Mass: Monday through Friday at 12:05pm and 5:30pm

Small Groups

We are called to be in communion with one another and joining a small group is a great way to grow in faith with friends and get involved! Whether it’s in a FOCUS Bible study, a Marian group led by one of the brothers or one of our cultural small groups, this is the best way to get connected here at Newman!

Newman Nights

Join us every Tuesday night during the school year for 7pm Mass followed by an awesome talk! Talks and speakers cover a wide array of topics facing young Catholics, and it’s always a great chance to learn and make new friends.

Newman Dinners

Join us every Thursday night after the 5:30pm Mass for a delicious meal! Dinner starts at 6pm, and is a great opportunity for fun and fellowship. Adoration in our beautiful chruch follows dinner.

Let’s Connect!

2025 Welcome Week Events

Stay tuned for upcoming 2026 Welcome Week Events!

FLOATS, AND FUN: SATURDAY, SEPT 13 AT 7:00PM

Do you like root beer floats? Do you like fun?? Well have we got an event for you! Come hang out with us on Lancaster Walk! There will be music, root bear, ice cream, lawn games, and more, with lots of opportunities to meet your fellow Dragons right off the bat!

WELCOME MASS: SUNDAY, SEPT 14 at 11:30AM

Join the Drexel Newman Catholic Community for our Annual Welcome Mass at 11:30am at our Parish at St. Agatha & St. James (3728 Chestnut St.). Come participate in the heart of our faith and our community. Parents are welcome! Stay after mass for our luncheon with Popeyes to meet the whole community.

CHICK’N CHILL ON CAMPUS: TUESDAY, SEPT 16 at 6:30PM

Need to EAT MORE CHIKIN?! Get the fun going immediately and start your year off in an awesome way with FREE Chick fil-A by the volleyball courts! Join us to celebrate mass in the St. Katharine Drexel Chapel (JEMIC Rm 212) at 5:30PM with the Drexel Newman community, followed by lots of Chick fil-A, games, and fun out by the volleyball courts!

NEWMAN DINNER BLOCK PARTY: THURSDAY, SEPT 18 at 6:00PM

Come check out the Drexel Newman Center and join us for a barbecue and block party! There will be food, music, and lawn games in the Newman park, along with a chance to tour the Newman Center and see what we have to offer. Held at the Drexel Newman Center, 111 S 38th Street.

BIBLE STUDY KICKOFF: THURSDAY SEPT 18, at 7:15PM

Join us right after the Block Party at the Newman Center for our Bible Study Kickoff! Gather with small groups to dive into a scripture passage, grow in your faith, and build meaningful fellowship with your peers. It’s the perfect way to start the semester rooted in the Word and in community.

CHRIST IN THE CITY: FRIDAY, SEPT 19 AT 6:00PM

Christ in the City is a beautiful volunteer opportunity to help those that are less fortunate and homeless in Philadelphia. Hosted by the Drexel Newman Center, join a group of volunteers to walk the streets giving out care packages and being a friend to listen and support those in need. Meet at the Drexel Newman Center (111 S 38th Street) at 6pm!

SWING & SALSA DANCING: FRIDAY, SEPT 19 at 8:30PM

Get ready to move your feet and feel the rhythm at Swing & Salsa Dancing Night! Join us, whether you're a seasoned dancer or just want to try something new. This is your chance to learn some moves, meet great people, and dance the night away. Come for the fun. Stay for the rhythm. Let’s dance!

MASS & KICK-OFF BBQ: SUNDAY, SEPT 21 at 11:30AM

Join our Drexel Newman Catholic Community for a mass at our home parish of St. Agatha and St. James (located at 38th and Chestnut). All are welcome! Stick around afterwards for a BBQ in the Drexel Newman park!