Newman Center

The movement was inspired by the writings of Cardinal John Henry Newman encouraging societies for Catholic students attending secular universities.

[1] These centers may include residential living space or may be actual houses close to the campus with or without a chapel.

[2] Activities vary among centers but usually include both spiritual worship like Sunday Mass and Eucharistic adoration, social get-togethers (like movies or coffee socials), and group outings (like apple picking, March for Life events, and amusement park visits).

The “Newman Movement” in the United States began in 1883 at the University of Wisconsin when Catholic students joined to form the Melvin Club, named after their hosts, Mr. and Mrs. John C.

[3] The first Newman Club in America was established in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania by Timothy Harrington,[4] a graduate medical student and former member of the Wisconsin group, together with John Gilbride, James and Joseph Walsh with assistance of Father P. J. Garvey, pastor of the local St. James Catholic Church.

The club provided social activities, discussions on the faith, and mutual support for Catholic students in a sometimes hostile academic environment.

The Newman Club eventually became a full-fledged campus parish, the Cornell Catholic Community.

[citation needed] However, over time, a growing number of Catholics began attending secular universities.

Of the other programs which the John Paul II Newman Center offers, Vocation Discernment averages 10-15 students each year who study to become priests and religious brothers and sisters.

In 1949, under his leadership, the club acquired a new home, "Newman House," located centrally on McGill College Avenue, one block south of the Roddick Gates.

In 1954 the Newman Association purchased the La Fleur mansion located at 3484 Peel Street, which remains the centre's Montreal address to this day.