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Brown University: Manning Chapel
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College · Catholic life on campus

Brown University

  • LocationProvidence, RI
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 11,516 students
Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

Brown University is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

The Brown-RISD Catholic Community serves students of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design from 51 Prospect Street in Providence. Its chaplain, Fr. Justin Bolger, O.P., is a Dominican priest who serves both schools. The published schedule lists weekday Mass at the BRCC, Sunday Masses and confession at Manning Chapel on the Main Green, and weekly adoration, and the community lists a FOCUS missionary team, weekly dinners, retreats, service opportunities and OCIA.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

  • Monday, Friday12:05 PMBRCC, 51 Prospect St.
  • Tuesday–Thursday7:30 PMBRCC, 51 Prospect St.
  • Sunday10:30 AMManning Chapel, 21 Prospect St. · Every Sunday when classes are in session.
  • Sunday8:30 PMManning Chapel, 21 Prospect St. · Every Sunday when classes are in session.

Confession 2

  • Sunday9:45 AM–10:15 AMManning Chapel, 21 Prospect St. · Every Sunday when classes are in session.
  • Sunday7:45 PM–8:15 PMManning Chapel, 21 Prospect St. · Every Sunday when classes are in session.

Adoration 1

  • Tuesday–Thursday6:15 PM–7:15 PMBRCC · Listed under the weekly adoration and confession schedule.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 12, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Monday and Friday Mass is celebrated at 12:05 PM at the BRCC.”
    Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Mondays and Fridays at 12:05 PM.
    “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Mass is celebrated at 7:30 PM at the BRCC.”
    Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM.
    “Mass celebrated at 10:30am & 8:30pm in Manning Chapel (21 Prospect St.)”
    Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM in Manning Chapel.
    “Mass celebrated at 10:30am & 8:30pm in Manning Chapel (21 Prospect St.)”
    Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM in Manning Chapel.
    “Morning Confession: 9:45 to 10:15 AM Evening Confession: 7:45 to 8:15 PM”
    Sunday confession is published for 9:45 to 10:15 AM and 7:45 to 8:15 PM in Manning Chapel.
    “Morning Confession: 9:45 to 10:15 AM Evening Confession: 7:45 to 8:15 PM”
    Sunday confession is published for 9:45 to 10:15 AM and 7:45 to 8:15 PM in Manning Chapel.
    “WEEKDAY at BRCC Tuesday - Thursday: 6:15 to 7:15 PM”
    Weekly adoration and confession schedule lists Tuesday to Thursday, 6:15 to 7:15 PM, at the BRCC.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Brown University, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.5 mi1 mi2 miSaint Joseph Catholic Church: 0.5 mi1Holy Rosary Catholic Church: 0.6 mi2Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral: 0.8 mi3Saint Patrick Catholic Church: 0.9 mi4Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church: 1.0 mi5Saint Sebastian Catholic Church: 1.1 mi6Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC): 0.1 miBrown University (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Joseph Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 92 Hope Street, Providence
  2. Holy Rosary Catholic Church — 0.6 mi · 21 Traverse Street, Providence
  3. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral — 0.8 mi · 30 Fenner Street, Providence
  4. Saint Patrick Catholic Church — 0.9 mi · 244 Smith Street, Providence
  5. Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church — 1.0 mi · 99 Camp Street, Providence
  6. Saint Sebastian Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 67 Cole Avenue, Providence

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) serves the students of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).”
      The Brown-RISD Catholic Community serves Brown University and RISD students.
    2. ABOUT US | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Supported by the Catholic Diocese of Providence and served by the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.”
      The community is supported by the Catholic Diocese of Providence and served by the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The BRCC is a dedicated center on College Hill at 51 Prospect Street. Mass and confession are also held at Manning Chapel on the Main Green.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Make a Gift | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/donate · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “You can support the Center by making a gift that assists in providing:”
      The BRCC is described as a center that student programming and operations support.
    2. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have weekly masses, adoration and confession times throughout the day at the BRCC and Manning Chapel, located on the Main Green.”
      Weekly Mass, adoration and confession are offered at the BRCC and at Manning Chapel on the Main Green.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryFull-time priest chaplain (Fr. Justin Bolger, O.P., is presented as the Catholic Chaplain at Brown and RISD.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “now serves as the Catholic Chaplain at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.”
      Fr. Justin Bolger, O.P., serves as the Catholic Chaplain at Brown University and RISD.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass at the BRCC on Monday and Friday at 12:05 PM and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM (five weekdays).)
    Sources (1)
    1. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday and Friday Mass is celebrated at 12:05 PM at the BRCC.”
      Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Mondays and Fridays at 12:05 PM.
      “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Mass is celebrated at 7:30 PM at the BRCC.”
      Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelTwo or more weekend Masses (Two Sunday Masses at Manning Chapel, 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM.)
    Sources (2)
    1. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mass celebrated at 10:30am & 8:30pm in Manning Chapel (21 Prospect St.)”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM in Manning Chapel.
    2. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have weekly masses, adoration and confession times throughout the day at the BRCC and Manning Chapel, located on the Main Green.”
      Weekly Mass, adoration and confession are offered at the BRCC and at Manning Chapel on the Main Green.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Sunday confession at Manning Chapel (9:45 to 10:15 AM and 7:45 to 8:15 PM) is listed as weekly when classes are in session.)
    Sources (1)
    1. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning Confession: 9:45 to 10:15 AM Evening Confession: 7:45 to 8:15 PM”
      Sunday confession is published for 9:45 to 10:15 AM and 7:45 to 8:15 PM in Manning Chapel.
      “WEEKDAY at BRCC Tuesday - Thursday: 6:15 to 7:15 PM”
      Weekly adoration and confession schedule lists Tuesday to Thursday, 6:15 to 7:15 PM, at the BRCC.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)One (The FOCUS missionary team at the BRCC is the only Catholic student or missionary group named.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS Team Director Patrick Doyal”
      Patrick Doyal is the FOCUS Team Director serving the BRCC.
    2. Campuses | FOCUSfocus.org/about/campuses · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Boise State UniversityBrown UniversityIdaho State University”
      FOCUS lists Brown University among the campuses it serves.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Retreats, service opportunities and OCIA are all listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have weekly dinners, talks, retreats, and opportunities to serve the wider community.”
      The community holds weekly dinners and talks, retreats, and service opportunities.
    2. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)”
      The community offers OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (12 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 2 confession, 3 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is published on five weekdays at the BRCC, and two Sunday Masses are published at Manning Chapel.
    Sources (1)
    1. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Monday and Friday Mass is celebrated at 12:05 PM at the BRCC.”
      Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Mondays and Fridays at 12:05 PM.
      “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Mass is celebrated at 7:30 PM at the BRCC.”
      Mass is celebrated at the BRCC on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM.
      “Mass celebrated at 10:30am & 8:30pm in Manning Chapel (21 Prospect St.)”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated at 10:30 AM and 8:30 PM in Manning Chapel.
  • A Dominican priest is named as Catholic Chaplain, and Sunday confession is published weekly.
    Sources (2)
    1. Staff | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “now serves as the Catholic Chaplain at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.”
      Fr. Justin Bolger, O.P., serves as the Catholic Chaplain at Brown University and RISD.
    2. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Morning Confession: 9:45 to 10:15 AM Evening Confession: 7:45 to 8:15 PM”
      Sunday confession is published for 9:45 to 10:15 AM and 7:45 to 8:15 PM in Manning Chapel.
  • The community lists retreats, weekly dinners, service opportunities and OCIA.
    Sources (2)
    1. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “We have weekly dinners, talks, retreats, and opportunities to serve the wider community.”
      The community holds weekly dinners and talks, retreats, and service opportunities.
    2. WORSHIP | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/worship · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA)”
      The community offers OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.

Concerns

  • Only one Catholic student or missionary group (the FOCUS team) is named.
    Sources (1)
    1. Staff | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/staff · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “FOCUS Team Director Patrick Doyal”
      Patrick Doyal is the FOCUS Team Director serving the BRCC.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC)

  • Address: 51 Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02906
  • Distance from campus: 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: brownrisdcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, brownrisdcatholic.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults)
    Sundays at 1:30 PM, beginning September 27
    Preparation for becoming Catholic and receiving the sacraments; contact Fr. Justin Bolger.
    brownrisdcatholic.org, brownrisdcatholic.org

Clubs and groups 1

Retreats 1

Service 1

  • Service opportunities
    Opportunities to serve the wider community, per the community's home page.
    brownrisdcatholic.org

Social life 1

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. HOME | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “The Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) serves the students of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).”
    The Brown-RISD Catholic Community serves Brown University and RISD students.
    “51 Prospect Street Providence, RI 02906”
    The community's address is 51 Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02906.
    “The Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) serves the students of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).”
    The Brown-RISD Catholic Community serves Brown University and RISD students.
  2. ABOUT US | Brown-RISD Catholicbrownrisdcatholic.org/about-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Supported by the Catholic Diocese of Providence and served by the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.”
    The community is supported by the Catholic Diocese of Providence and served by the Dominican Province of St. Joseph.

Reach out

Contact details for Fr. Justin Bolger, O.P. (Chaplain (Catholic Chaplain at Brown and RISD)) and 2 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
100 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.96%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.99%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,546 · ACT 34.5
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.6 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$42,520

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
7,741
Total students11,516
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,184
Cost of attendance (per year)$87,648
Median federal debt at graduation$11,428
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
96%
First-year retention99%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$93,487
Admission rate5%
Students receiving Pell grants14%
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1546
SAT reading & writing740–780
SAT math770–800
ACT composite34–35
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 76 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Providence

The Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, Bishop of Providence

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Brown University a Catholic college?
No. Brown University is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC).
What is Brown University’s Catholic Life Score?
93 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Brown University?
Mass is listed at BRCC, 51 Prospect St., Manning Chapel and 21 Prospect St.. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Brown University Compass Recommended?
Yes. Brown University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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