Eastern Illinois University Newman Catholic Center

Building Christian community by encountering Christ through faith, service, sacrament and friendship.

A number of organizations at Eastern Illinois University make their home at the Newman Catholic Center and we see them all as part of our outreach. Below is a brief description of those groups.

EIU Students for Life 

Safeguarding the sacredness and dignity of all human life is one of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Students for Life is committed to educating, advocating, and working to bring about an end to abortion and euthanasia. They want women and men to know there is always a choice for life when faced with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. Meetings are at 7:00pm on Tuesdays in the Newman Lounge. For more information, contact Jennifer at jnvogt@eiu.edu.  Visit the EIU Students for Life Page.

Haiti Connection

The mission outreach of the Newman Community, the Haiti Connection is committed to raising awareness and funds to eliminate injustices that impact the people of the third world. Their direct mission is to communities in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. They sponsor two immersion/mission trips a year. Meetings are on Tuesdays at 8:00pm in the Newman Lounge. For more information, contact Jonathan at jdjones@eiu.edu.

EIU Knights of Columbus


The college council of the brotherhood of the Knights of Columbus is a fraternity of Catholic males committed to the pillars of unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism. They work together on charitable projects as well as sponsor social events and fund raisers. The local council is deeply committed to developing leadership for the Church and society. Meetings are at 8:00pm on Thursdays in the Newman Basement. For more information, contact Bill at wftaylor@eiu.edu.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Founded on the principles of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy (Matthew 25), this group of students, faculty, and community members reach out to the poor and those in need in our community. Members are “on call” and make visits to aid folks with food, utilities, medicine, rent, etc. No work of charity is foreign to members of the society. Meetings are on Tuesdays at 5:30pm in the Newman Lounge. For more information, contact Jacqui at jereinhart@eiu.edu.