St. John's Catholic Newman Center

As plans were made for the construction of St. John's, the Knights of Columbus and other responsible parties decided to expand their vision.

The idea of providing student housing directly connected to a Catholic Newman Center was quite new and innovative.

This organization was quite similar to a Newman Club which was a group of young students who met and shared their faith.

Additional renovations included repainting the faux-marble columns in the Chapel, as well as painting the wall behind the altar and baldachin with the heraldic eagle of St. John the Evangelist interspersed with the cardinalic coat of arms of St. John Henry Newman, the patron saint of Newman centers across the United States.

The lighting and sound systems were updated, the pews and kneelers were restored, and a marble statue of St. John Henry Newman was added to the side-shrine to the right of the altar.

Several priests are on staff at St. John's Catholic Chapel to provide spiritual direction and other services for interested students.

These organizations include the Knights of Columbus, Fellowship of Catholic University Students, Koinonia Retreats, and RCIA among others.

The Illini Council won four consecutive national-level awards given out by the Knights of Columbus from 2008–2012 for their programs and efforts at UIUC and in the surrounding area.

There are a total of 5 FOCUS missionaries on campus who lead Bible Studies and meet with students on a one-on-one basis.

These Bible studies work to help bring students deeper into their spiritual life by reflecting on scripture passages and by building authentic Christian communities.

ICFL is a registered student organization that serves as the central body of the anti-abortion movement on campus.

ICFL meets weekly to prepare fundraisers and awareness projects, and its main endeavor involves sending students to the March For Life in January each year.

It is often used in the New Testament to refer to the early Christian churches, which met in generally small and intimate settings.

The Koinonia retreat weekend is an experience in Christian community based on the Paschal mystery of the Lord Jesus, His Life, Death and Resurrection.

The Retreat consists of talks, discussions, reflections, prayer and celebrations of the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.